Can We Cross in the Dark of Night?
It was 7 in the evening when the call came in.
"Is your boat working," came the question from the other end of the line? "Yes", I replied.
"Can you go across the lake to Mkanjila and pick up a patient? There has been an accident, a motor bike hit a cyclist and I am told the situation is critical."
What could I say but "yes". I talked with Magic, my boatman, as to whether he thought we could make it across in the rough waters. "I will get you there," he said. "For a casualty we can do it."
A Prayer for Safe Crossing
I gathered up my mobile clinic baskets, not knowing for sure what I might need. How critical? I called for an ambulance from Salima to be standing by when we return, having no idea what we were going to find. I next said a prayer for guidance and save crossings.
The night sky to the right of us is filled with bright shinning stars while to the right where we are heading the clouds are shutting out any assistance from the moon or starlight. The waves rock the boat from side to side as we work to break away from the shore. The wind whips through our hair. Though danger threatens us in the darkness, it is actually quite beautiful on Lake Malawi at night. My mind rushes as I try to contemplate what we will find on the other side. Magic steers us safely into the deeper water and soon enough we are approaching the shore on the other side. Again he does a masterful job of getting us safely inside the breakers.
Reaching the shore he shines the spotlight and in front us becomes visible a crowd of villagers around the injured man.
Jumping out of the boat I am amazed just how dark it is where there is no electricity. Too, the wind is blowing on shore and getting stronger as we talk. We don’t have long for it will soon be too dangerous to attempt the 30-mile trip back across the lake in the rough waters. (To be continued….)