Gideon looks around curiously "I'm sorry,was I mistaken? I was told that there would be someone else flying in with you. Is she in the restroom?
"no, um, Dr. Torres and I we decided it would be best for her to continue her work in Seattle." Arizona says quickly brushing away a renegade tear that had escaped upon saying Callie's name.
Gideon nods, "I see,well, I'm sorry she won't be joining us. I know everyone at the clinic was looking forward to having someone in the orthopedic specialty to lend a hand."
"me too. It was sort of a last minute decision". Arizona was fighting hard to stay composed.
"let's head over and get your bags" Gideon kindly gestures toward the baggge claim.
The African landscape is more breathtaking than she could have ever envisioned. As she and Gideon bump along on their way to the clinic, she stares out the window in awe. "Is that…is that an actual lion?" she gasps suddenly "like, king of the jungle, just sleeping over there on the side of the road?" she breathes, fully aware that she probably sounds as eloquent as an 11 year old kid sitting in the back of the car.
Gideon chuckles, that part never really loses it's wonder. I've been here almost two years and it still shocks me.
"where are you from?" She asks.
"Baltimore. John's Hopkins."
Arizona's face suddenly breaks into a smile, "I graduated from Hopkins, I did my residency there. It was great"
Gideon nods, "I studied global health and political science, and then right out of college,Carter Madison offered me a position to oversee the health initiative here. Dr Robbins, you have no idea how grateful these children and families are that you've chosen to dedicate your time here. The next three years, you'll see, the amount of children you'll be able to help will astound you."
She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm looking forward to meeting everyone on the medical team today."
Before long, the jeep comes to a stop in front of a small building, oddly out of place in the middle of the African savannah. Under the circumstances, the building was surprisingly modern looking. A tiny redheaded woman is anxiously standing on the steps of the clinic. "that's Penny Jessop." Gideon explains, she's the boss around here. Likes to hug."
"duly noted." Arizona chuckles softly as she gets out of the car.
"Dr. Robbins!" the tiny woman throws her arms around her. Arizona is surprised her her strength. "We're so glad you could make it!"She glances around. "Is Dr. Torres with you?"
Arizona shakes her head. No, Calliope is not going to be joining us" She explains, this time feeling the exhaustion and weight of having to explain, again, that Callie wasn't with her.
"Oh! I'm so sorry. She then smiles widely, "Well, come on in, let's get you settled upstairs. We have a few hours before your welcome banquet with the members of the board at the American embassy, and of course, you need to meet your team. They're all so excited to be working with you."
Arizona blinks with confusion, " I'm sorry, Banquet? Embassy? I don't know what you're talking about." her head is now swimming.
"Gideon you didn't tell her?" Penny stared at him, clearly annoyed
. "I'm sorry, I thought she knew." He offered sheepishly. Arizona shook her head, "no. I had no clue."
Penny turns to her apolegetically. "I'm so sorry. The Cater Madison initiative board wants to honor your arrival with a dinner. Everyone is thrilled you've chosen to direct your Grant money here in Malwai."
Arizona smiled, grateful and humbled, "It's really unnecessary. It's what I've always wanted to do" she began.
"No no! Nonsense. You deserve a proper welcome and that's exactly what you'll get" Penny insisted. "Now, let's go meet that team of yours. Arizona, this is going to be just great."
Penny bustled inside the clinic doors, holding them open to Arizona with another broad smile.
"it's going to be great." Arizona whispered to herself again before heading inside.