Chapter 4: BPOV
Concentrating on trying to connect with Edward was both physically and emotionally draining. Our telepathic communication as never forced in the past, it always came naturally when we needed each other. The feelings of loss and frustration were threatening to overtake me.
As I waited for the Cullen's to arrive I sat and reminisced about life together and how compatible we were that we even chose to go into healthcare together. When Edward's name was called the day he graduated medical school I was bursting with pride. We were working in the same hospital and one day there was a presentation offered for the staff in the auditorium, it was given by a group called Humanitarian Doctors Abroad. Edward was usually too busy to attend in-services but he found the name of the group intriguing so he went. At dinner that night it was all he could talk about. He was so excited. He told me that these doctors were committed to bringing much needed medical care to people in crisis regardless of their race, faith, political beliefs or ability to pay.
They acted independently and most of their funding came from private, non-governmental sources. They do not take sides in armed conflicts and they provide care on the basis of need alone. It was great to see him so excited but I could not help the feeling of dread that was blanketing me. I knew he wanted to participate in this program. I did not want him to go. After much discussion and many nights spent arguing and crying (me, not Edward), we decided that he would take a nine month assignment in Ethiopia, Africa. He was leaving on August 18th 2011 and returning on May 12th 2012. The good news is that through all those soul searching discussions we have been having, we decided to set a date to be married upon his return. We would be married on August 13th 2012. I know that Alice will have a fit and think it is not enough time to plan a wedding, but it will be. Edward and I have very simple tastes.
We did a lot of reading about Ethiopia, its people and Traditional African medicine before he left. Ethiopia is one of the oldest locations of human inhabitants. The medical campsite was in a region about two hours away from the capital, Addis Ababa. There are many languages spoken and at least eight ethnicities represented. Health in Ethiopia is among the worst known and the health care system is highly inadequate. Most diseases are attributed to communicable infectious diseases and nutritional deficiencies, both of which are largely preventable. Edward's work there would mostly target family health services concentrating on family planning, immunizations, prenatal care, and proper nutrition.
One of the barriers to delivering much needed healthcare in Ethiopia was the peoples beliefs of disease and treatment were steeped in tradition. Traditional medicine in Ethiopia includes medicinal preparations from plant, animal, and mineral substances, as well as spiritual healing. No officially recognized education is provided in traditional medicine and can be practiced by traditional medicine practitioners as well as elders of the tribe and spiritual advisors.
As I was sitting there waiting and day dreaming I heard Edward: "My darling Bella. I know you are worried. They are not treating me so bad. Please stay strong. I am trying to take care of myself. If I cannot return to you know that you are so loved. My life was beautiful because of you. Bella, I worship you and I am sorry to cause you so much worry".
I am ecstatic that he is alive. I must find him; he sounds like he is giving up. I am so emotionally wired that I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Edward is alive, I just know it. How can I convince others that we communicate telepathically without them thinking I am crazy? Edward and I never discussed our communication with others.