Monday Sept 27
I can hardly believe that I am on the way home! In some ways, my life in Bayfield seems like a total other life time and in some ways Africa seems like a dream.
The flight from Joberg to Atlanta was LONG - 16 hrs! We left in the dark and arrived in Atlanta while it was still dark. I had planned on sleeping this flight but was just unable to.
We landed in Atlanta at 6:30 a.m. Getting through customs, security, and re-checking our bags was time consuming but went smoothly.
A DEFINITE highlight today was being able to talk to Joel and all 4 kids before they went to school. I didn't realize how much I missed sending them on their way each day! I am so ready to hug and kiss each one of my 4 kids!
I had thought our team was through illness - not the case. Cynthia and Judy both had a bit of an upset stomach on the Joberg-Atlanta flight. Cynthia could hardly function but made it until we were able to find a gate and camp out for the day. Judy wasn't near that bad but didn't feel great either!
This was another long layover - Almost 8 hrs as our flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake was delayed. It was SO hard just sitting around ready to be on the next leg of our journey home. However, after some down time and phone calls in the morning - we all began to perk up some!
I have to say - phone calls from both my sister and my sister-in-law as well as Facebook posts made me feel so loved and appreciated! I am so blessed to have so many who love, care, and pray for me. I do not take that forgranted at all.
Flight # 2 boarded late at 2:30 Atlanta time. Compared to the 16 hr flight from Joberg - this flight should be short. I am very tired after two long days with very little sleep and certainly no quality sleep but am working hard to stay awake so I can get my body re-trained to Colorado time. I am not sure how those who travel abroad all the time manage!
Cynthia is feeling much better - I am praying that continues. Judy wasn't feeling great so praying she will feel better soon!
I know there will be memories, thoughts, and lessons to post from Africa in the future and I will write them here in my journal. However, in all honesty, today my mind is one tracked - seeing the one whom my Father created to be the love of my life - Joel! I simply am so anxious to see him - I am praying he has a safe and uneventful drive to Grand Junction this afternoon!
We made it to Salt Lake a little late which worked out ok for us since we had a long layover. The 48 straight hours of traveling is catching up with everyone - some are quiet and reserved, others are just talkative, and others are giddy, giggly, and goofy (this would be me)! We have laughed so hard at the silliest things: sleeping in the deet, taking shirts off, going in the elevator, etc. However, I am thankful for this as the alternative would be to break down in tears over the anxiousness to see Joel!
We are finally on the LAST flight home! In just an hour I will be with Joel after 15 LONG days! I have a renewed admiration for those with spouses in military or jobs where they travel - I am not sure I would handle that well at all! I love my man and love seeing him everyday!
This is the last day of our journey but I will continue to journal as things come to mind. I am so thankful for this opportunity and experience. I know I have grown and been stretched in ways I never could imagine. Most of all, I am changed because of the work the Lord did in me this past two weeks!
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