5/13 - London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
I am officially out of the country! the flight from London was not bad at all. Of course, I did end up sleeping for most of it so that helped. I never got the name of the guy I sat next to, but we did have a good time talking about work and school. The flight was a little bumpy but that was the worst part of it.
It's crazy just how many nationalities are here. From women who have only their eyes showing to your typical shorts and t-shirt. And there seem to be just as many languages to go along with all of them.
Alright, so I'm getting a little nervous about my bags. I know that the guy who originally gave me my ticket said that they were going all the way to Nairobi, but I guess I just want that confirmed. I have no idea who I would ask though. Oh well. I suppose I'll just wait and see. maybe I'll work on some blogging... 5$ though for an hour of Internet... not sure I want to pay for it.
From here I've got about 2 or so hours until I board for Amsterdam. Then from there I'm off to Kenya!
5/14 - Plane to Nairobi
[4 AM KT] I think I've slept all I am going to be able to. As far as traveling has gone, this hasn't been a hard trip at all. Just finished the breakfast they served; bread with jelly, yogurt, hot tea, and a croissant. I'll be sleeping very well tonight! We've got a little longer till we land (around 5:45). So the plan for today is to just get settled in. I don't really see how I'll get settled in though considering tomorrow I'll be flying up to turkana to stay with Mica for a week. Then Joel comes back and grabs me and we go to Sudan for two or so weeks. Looks like it's going to take me more than two weeks before I can get hold of my parents. I know I'll be able to find some time sooner or later though. I'm really hoping I'll get a chance to see my grandparents. They are flying into South Africa sometime around mid June. I don't know if I would be able to get a flight to Cape Town. It would depend on the cost and the timing.
So I ended up having a whole row to myself but the mother in front of me needed a place to lay her sleeping kid. The kid and I played a bit with the lights earlier but he has been asleep for most of the flight. It's encouraging to see a child that behaves himself. She did an excellent job raising him. I know one day I want to take my kids to Africa or somewhere similar. Christ is planning on taking Betsy when she turns 14 I think. That's such an excellent idea. i want my kid exposed to other peoples and cultures. To see the immense blessings and in turn responsibilities that come with living in the US.
Speaking of kids, just so I can get this out on the table... marriage. I would be naive to not realize I could potentially meet my future wife on this trip. However I would also be foolish to go looking for her. I know god has great plans for her. I'll be honest, these thoughts about a wife make me a little nervous. However, before I begin to go along that route, I have so much more to learn about myself and about Christ. And I gotta say, I'm so stoked and looking forward to the adventure!
5/14 - Joel's House
[9:30 AM] Seriously? Am i really sitting here in Joel's home in Africa?! i don't even know what to make of all of this! Joel was late (figures) picking me from the airport but he found me eventually (I was a bit early and he was a bit late). We took a taxi back to his home. That was definitely a different experience then the bus we were on last time. Once we got to Joel's house we got some breakfast (some sausage, yum!). I really want to keep writing but I'm so tired. Nap time.
[18:40] Joel has such a beautiful family. I still can only barely believe that I'm in Africa right now. Alright, so I got in at 5:50 this morning and Joel picked me up and we took a taxi to his home. From there, Nieri (I think that is her name, she seems to be filling in as a maid). We've just been sitting around. They have very strange shows on TV. It seems that all their Soaps are Spanish and translated into English, very weird. Now Joel's wife is home (can't seem to remember her name) so it looks like we will be eating soon. That's good because tomorrow we leave for Turkana. I'm not really sure how much I should be packing. I'll figure that out later. Oh wow, I have no idea what they are cooking but it sure smells good. Time to eat!
5/15 - Klique Hotel
I'm sitting in the Klique Hotel listening in as John and Joel talk and catch up on affairs. John is drinking some sort of tea and Joel is enjoying yet another cup of chai. When Joel asked if I wanted any I considered it for a moment... but only a moment. It was hot and I was already feeling hot enough so I said no thank you. Of course he asks if I want anything hot and I can only laugh to myself. No Joel, I don't want anything hot, everything is already hot! Especially that ride from Nairobi!
Now I've really begun to experience Africa. not only did I get to see a vast number and types of regions in Kenya, but I got to do it in style. Public transportation baby! yeah, I'm talking about 5 hours in a Mtatu with 11 other Africans including Joel, who likes to take up more space than should be allowed by personal space rules. I can't say I'm really looking forward to experiencing that again. Don't get me wrong, it was incredible; getting to see the countryside was wonderful, but talk about cramped and hot! I'm thinking that part of it might be because i am used to cooler weather. I was loving it whenever the windows were open during our ride. However, every time I started to get comfortable, it seemed like everyone else in the Mtatu got cold... and up went all the windows! Gees, and then it was like a sauna in there with all of the bodies. We make it though, and that's what counts. now it looks like we're heading out. Where to though, I have no idea.
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