A highlight of the week was my friend Pam sending me a video of Neil Diamond (one of my all-time favorites) singing “Sweet Caroline” with substituted lyrics. Thanks, Pam! Google it and see for yourself!
We had 12 hours notice to pull together a small evacuation flight for U.S. citizens in Liberia this week. My small team and I spent all day Wednesday getting high-risk folks into the embassy to process paperwork, then met them at the airport that evening to board a plane. It was a bit eerie since the airport is officially closed; we had the place to ourselves. We arrived around 10 PM expecting a 3:30 AM departure…but long story short, the plane didn’t take off until 830 AM. John and I spent the night in the airport lobby with DOD colleagues waiting for take-off and holding our breath until the plane was wheels up. After a short nap and a shower, I was back at work that afternoon…and it hasn’t stopped since.
We’re preparing for another flight, should one happen, to get U.S. citizens back to the United States. We’re pooped after working all weekend. Fingers crossed we can get some more U.S. citizens back to America this week!
On the upside…life goes on. Our dear friend Mary learned she will be a grandmother this fall! Congratulations!