Last Legs

I arrived in Germany a couple of days ago, but not without some scars to remind me of my trip. My legs which had been so badly damaged (but so brilliant repaired) in Ethiopia were once again crushed en route to Germany. Fortunately my friend Matthias has me in his care, and hopefully I will be back in walking/hopping/skipping shape sometime soon.

Anyway, keep an eye out for updates as they become available! Perhaps in the near future I'll be announcing my entrance into the Gnome Paralympics.

Injury Update

My doctors in Ethiopia just sent an email home, and instead of me telling the story, I figured this would suffice. I will live to travel another day, but my walking days may be behind me.

GNOME was involved in a minor vehicle accident over the Ethiopian Epiphany holiday. He sustained multiple breaks in both legs. He was rushed to the Peace Corps volunteer clinic in Gonder, where he was placed under the care of four PCVs and two couch surfers from Maine who professed to have passing experience in Gnomish Medicine. They worked tirelessly through the night, armed with Gorilla Glue and their unshakable faith in humanity. Things were touch and go for a while, at times they seemed to be losing GNOME, but it was at these times that Head Doctor Josh threw forth his fiercest lifesaving efforts, crying defiantly, "NOT ON MY WATCH!!!" After several harrowing hours of surgery, I am happy to report that GNOME has been successfully reconstructed and is resting and recovering nicely in Debre Markos under my tender care. I am afraid I must tell you, however, that GNOME's right Achilles and lower calf was never found. The larger medical community told him he'd never walk again...but he's a fighter. He'll prove them all wrong. F--- the man and his rigid medical establishment.

GNOME would also like to take this time to draw attention to vehicle accidents as the "silent killer" of Africa and make note of the fact that Ethiopia has the highest rate of traffic deaths per vehicle in the world. He is happy to be alive and is devoting his life to the promotion of traffic safety and the establishment of sound traffic laws, for the cessation of these needless deaths.

Dark Times in the Dark Continent

I only have a moment, but I felt the need to report that I have been injured in my journey. My legs were the victim of a tragic bus accident, and I am going into surgery tonight to try to repair them. I don't know any more than that at the moment, so I will share the story of how this happened when I have news on my (hopeful) recovery. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Thanks,
GNOME