The Broken Ankle
After the team returned from the bush, it was time to begin the long journey home. This time, we decided to take the scenic route and drive back up to Tana. This would mean about 20 hours of driving, oppose to the one hour flight - but it would provide for great debriefing time as we drove through Madagascar's diverse terrain. On the second day of the journey, we stayed in Isalo National Park - which is one of the most amazing places in Madagascar. We were able to do two hikes through canyons, filled with jagged boulders, ice cold waterfalls, and running creeks. It was gorgeous.
Unfortunately, during the second hike Grant broke his ankle jumping between two large boulders. It wasn't the best timing, as it took us an hour to hike out of the canyon, and then another hour of driving to get to the nearest hospital. This hospital didn't provide much, but they did have an x-ray machine (although they didn't have electricity or gas for their generator)! When the finally were able to get it up and running, they confirmed a break. Lovely!
So, then began a slightly more panicked drive up to the capital (another 2 days drive away). We made it just in time to see off the team! The next morning Grant saw another doctor, who recommended surgery (given this doctor was a gynecologist...it was Sunday!!). So, a few hours later Grant was on a plane bound for South Africa and the next morning I was on a flight back to Tulear.
Grant had surgery that week, where they put two pins into his ankle. He is now in a cast, staying in South Africa - being looked after by our amazing medical team there. He will be there for an undecided amount of time (he's already been there two weeks!). On September 12th, he has an appointment, where they are hoping to get him into an air boot - which may allow him to return to Madagascar for a while. We will see!!
Until then, I am holding down the fort here in Madagascar with my three little ones. They have been great, but I would be lying if I said it has been easy. Life is hard with three small children. Life is hard with boys. Life is hard in Africa. And life is hard when your husband is gone. So, life is just hard right now. Please keep us in your prayers!!!
Unfortunately, during the second hike Grant broke his ankle jumping between two large boulders. It wasn't the best timing, as it took us an hour to hike out of the canyon, and then another hour of driving to get to the nearest hospital. This hospital didn't provide much, but they did have an x-ray machine (although they didn't have electricity or gas for their generator)! When the finally were able to get it up and running, they confirmed a break. Lovely!
So, then began a slightly more panicked drive up to the capital (another 2 days drive away). We made it just in time to see off the team! The next morning Grant saw another doctor, who recommended surgery (given this doctor was a gynecologist...it was Sunday!!). So, a few hours later Grant was on a plane bound for South Africa and the next morning I was on a flight back to Tulear.
Grant had surgery that week, where they put two pins into his ankle. He is now in a cast, staying in South Africa - being looked after by our amazing medical team there. He will be there for an undecided amount of time (he's already been there two weeks!). On September 12th, he has an appointment, where they are hoping to get him into an air boot - which may allow him to return to Madagascar for a while. We will see!!
Until then, I am holding down the fort here in Madagascar with my three little ones. They have been great, but I would be lying if I said it has been easy. Life is hard with three small children. Life is hard with boys. Life is hard in Africa. And life is hard when your husband is gone. So, life is just hard right now. Please keep us in your prayers!!!
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| Hiking in Isalo |
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| About 15 minutes before Grant took his big fall.... |
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