Apologies. Promises.

Funny thing... writing about getting sick? Got me sick, I think! I know I owe you the story - and the end of it all, as we're in the home stretch, only about 5 more posts after that! But thanks for your patience just a little longer. I'll get it wrapped up soon, I promise.

In the meantime, the way you show a promise in Tanzania? Not with a hand up, like we might, as if swearing on a Bible, nor with a cross-my-heart-and-hope-to-die gesture like we did as children.

Instead, you draw your index finger across your throat, an exact imitation of the gangster-movie threat gesture, but faster - and then end it with a snap as your hand flies out past your neck, and back down to your side. THAT caught our attention! And it's a helluva way to say you promise!