Journal Entries # 2

Tuesday 9/14

Wow! A very long flight this has been! Never before have I been on a plane for hours upon hours... I have slept on and off, worked on a devotional to share in Zim, watched a few movies, read some. I have an aisle seat with the middle seat empty and a lady on the other aisle. She is going to Swaziland to do some HIV relief work - so strange to imagine coming over year after year to work with AIDS victims but so awesome as well!

I just got up to stretch for awhile and FINALLY people are opening windows and the main cabin lights are on. It is 3:41 p.m. Africa time and I saw my first glimpse from the air of AFRICA! Holy cow...I am literally in another country! Okay, well from the sky it looks alot like flying over New Mexico but I am sure there will be plenty of differences once I am on the ground. We are over Nambia right now, almost to Botswana. Very fun to see the map - I know Tyler would love that part! However, I can't IMAGINE keeping Tyler still or occupied on a plane for 15 HOURS! LOL.

Speaking of kids, I am really missing them and Joel today. I know that is mostly due to boredom and having time to think about it but it's hard. I have left for a week before but I think there is something about being in a foreign country that is literally around the world that makes it harder! Can't imagine how restless I will be on the flight home to see them, but then again , I will be exhausted too I am sure!

We are now a little over an hour away from landing. I am really excited but also nervous about all the customs/border crossing/security issues. I am thankful for Judy on this trip as she has been here several times and will help with the process. She told me yesterday to just walk through and act clueless - well I can tell you, that won't be an act! I AM clueless over here!

Well, I will hopefully have time to journal tonight before I go to bed and write about our first hours in Africa!

Tuesday 9/14 PM

We are in AFRICA! Our plane landed about 20 min early. After getting through the passport check, we got our baggage. Praise the Lord! Every piece of luggage was there! The next step was their version of customs. Tobey said to stay near him and let him talk as they may search bags. Immediately, I prayed "Lord, let them just wave us on through" With 9 people pushing 9 carts full of bags and crates, the security guards just smiled and waved us by! No questions, No searches, Nothing! Praises!!!

Johannesberg South Africa is VERY modernized. The city reminds me of Downtown Denver. So, not a lot of "culture" shock yet. We are staying at the Baptist House which is a ministry for missionaries and pastors. It is really nice actually. Just like a hotel room - Tab and I are sharing a room but we each have our own bed! Yippee!!! Good night's sleep...

Tomorrow we will load up on "Big Blue", the overland truck and head to Zimbabwe. Our guides, Taps and Edden, tell us it will take any where from 12-15 hours depending on the border crossing. We are praying for a smooth crossing. We have to get up at 4:00 AM and leave by 5:00 so good night!