Weeks 31 and 32 (April 7 – April 20) – The Journey Comes to an End for Two of the Henningers

Well, this had to be the saddest period of our time in Tanzania.  As you have read, Ramon was quite sick for the entire month of March.  We had some days here and there during which he felt better, but for the most part he was pretty darn ill.  If he wasn’t suffering from the symptoms of one of the four illnesses he developed, he was reacting to the medication they put him on to relieve the symptoms/treat the illness.  After meeting with different doctors in Tanzania and corresponding with Fulbright, we determined it would be best for him to return home so he could see our doctors in Texas.  After confirming that my dependents were honoring all the terms of the Fulbright Scholar Award, we rescheduled return flights to Texas for Ramon and Dalton.  Ramon and I went back and forth regarding whether or not he should take both kids, if I should keep both kids, or if we should split them between the two of us.  Taking into consideration the issues of homeschooling and summer camps, we decided it would be best for Dalton to return to the states with Ramon and Tristan would stay in Tanzania with me.  As much as we hated to separate them and to be separated from either of them, this was the best decision for all.

In addition to making flight (and child) arrangements, we had to start packing half of our belongings.  This was a chore!  Instead of taking all his clothes back to America, however, Ramon decided to donate many of them to our gardener, Elissa.  Elissa was quite happy with the shirts, jackets, and even Mexican blankets that Ramon gave to him.  This was one of the most generous acts I have ever seen Ramon display.  He even gave a blanket to Mama Brian and left other things here for me to share with people.

The day Ramon and I announced his and Dalton’s departure to the music students and faculty of Makumira was extremely sad.  I actually cried while sharing the news with my colleagues and students.  Thankfully, Dalton was standing next to me hugging my body for most of the time.  Ramon’s words were very touching, too.  At one point, he even thanked me for providing him with this experience.  He shared that he’d always wanted to visit Africa and he was very thankful for me since I provided him with the opportunity to have that particular dream realized.  Those were very nice (and completely unexpected) words.  After class, there were more tears while music students and colleagues said their farewells to Ramon and Dalton.

The next day, which was the actual day on which Ramon and Dalton were leaving Tanzania, was even more emotional.  I attended chapel that morning to listen to the performance of our brass ensemble, which was conducted by one of our third year students as a part of their class assignments.  The English sermon that was delivered by a German theology student addressed the journey of life, its unpredictability, but the overall significance of all life’s occurrences.  Her sermon really touched me.  On top of that, the selected hymn that was sung by the congregation was “Rock of Ages,” which is one of my mom’s favorite hymns!  I couldn’t hold back the tears (again).  I must have cried through that entire service (albeit quietly).

Saying goodbye to Ramon and Dalton at the airport was especially difficult (the tears are coming as I type…).  It literally pained me to say goodbye to my oldest son.  This was also the case for sweet Tristan, who practically sobbed the entire ride home and then cried himself to sleep.  We were fine the next day, or at least better, but that first night without Ramon and Dalton was very hard.

To end on a positive note, the Thursday before Ramon and Dalton left Tanzania, Dalton chose to fully participate in African Ensemble Rehearsal.  At this point, he didn’t even realize he would be leaving the next week.  He was just ready to enjoy the dancing and singing in this context.  Although he has danced and sang music reflective of the local culture in Yubilate (the youth choir), this was only his second time to actually dance with the university students.  He was fantastic!  He danced near his friends (Nathan Stubbs and Michael, Sophia’s son) and next to one of our most impressive first year dancers, Andrea.  Andrea was so wonderful with him, assisting him with complicated moves and encouraging him the entire time.  Dalton was smiling most of the time, which made my heart smile.  How many kids get to say they performed authentic Tanzanian dances taught by Tanzanians while living on a university campus in East Africa?  I only know seven (there may be more), and two of those belong to me.

At the end of this post, you’ll find pictures of Dalton and me dancing in African Ensemble, the boys enjoying time with each other, and Stiggy practicing his bass (we had another gig during this two week period, which was a lot of fun).

~ by drhenninger on May 26, 2013.