Plane~ Indy to Atlanta
Tears of the goodbyes fill most of this flight. I always wonder if the lump in my throat, that forms as the plane takes off, will ever go away. Telling myself over and over that I could do this I pulled a new book (thanks Stan and Sue) to distract my thoughts. There were storms in Atlanta so our landing was difficult and rough for my already tender tummy. But, I recovered and made my way to the international terminal. Slowly I felt the transition occur from the feeling of goodbye to the anticipation of hello!
Plane~ Atlanta to London
The plane was delayed a few hours. We watched the storm trying to keep myself awake. Finally, well after midnight we began the first long flight. I sat by a lovely older couple making their way for a european cruise. They were sweet and very interested in my journey. Sharing with them helped encourage my heart for the task before me. I slept most of the way with few interruptions. Without any trouble I made my way through customs. While in London thanks to my friend Becky Kenworthy there was a resting place for the nine hour lay over! Its called Yotel and is located in the international terminal. Walking through the hallway along with the room is similar to like an overnight train car. The rooms are small but comfortable. There is a toilet, shower, and bed set within the wall of the room. It was perfect! The shower felt so good and the bed comfortable to stretch out for the extra time in London.
Plane~ London to Addis Ababa
I made my way to the other terminal to check in for my flight to Ethiopia. I reached the counter and couldn't believe what the lady was telling me. I mustered up the response without crying, "what do you mean I am not on the flight list?" With confirmation in my hand and this being my return it really didn't make sense. I bounced from one agent to the next trying to amend the problem. The last agent was a nice woman who told me not to worry they would fix the error. It took awhile and a great deal of patience. Finally I made my way to the security individual who wouldn't let me through because the agent had my ticket for the wrong day. While that security man (who took great pity on me) got an "A" for his work day. I had to return to the agent who immediately responded to my being back. I'll admit with tired tears in my eyes I showed her my ticket. She fixed it and I returned to the security line once again. The security man smiled at my return and said he hoped I gave them a piece of my mind. I said I was just glad to be back and will be glad to sit in my seat on the plane! The flight to Addis was long but I managed to sleep some.
Plane~ Addis Ababa to Nairobi
Addis is a very disorganized airport and easy to be confused. For example our gate changed three times before it took off. There are no announcements or signs. There are always extremely large groups of confused people trying to figure out the right plane to get on. It is a mess. It was hard to stay awake at this point but it was nice to make conversation with a mission team headed to Kenya. I slept most of the way to Nairobi once we got on the plane.
Border Crossing and Bus to Arusha
I hurried through customs because our plane was delayed. I didn't have much time to get my bags and catch the bus. I found the shuttle check in and got on the very full bus to Arusha. Four hours I sat in the middle crammed with wall to wall people. Towards the back were missionary friends returning from their study in Spain. Our border crossing was a bit intense and took a great deal of time. Finally we reached Arusha but it was late. Thankfully, Bill had left my car at the drop off point. I made it to Arusha and that is always a good feeling. Scott and Annelle live close so I headed for my Milo!
The journey is tiring but I am always encouraged how God provides! Milo is super excited for my return. It was good to be hugged and have the "hellos" that help sooth the heart from the "goodbyes." Since it was late and very dark I curled up in my bed at the Price's house. Now that I have reached Arusha I began my regimen to fight this Tropical Sprue. I remain resting for the time being at Scott and Annelle's. But, will make my way home very soon. I am grateful for your prayers and glad to report that I have made it!
Prayer Points~
- Rest and Recovery
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