Tomorrow we leave for Ethiopia. We finished most of what we had to do. Today we saw one employee for their physical. I spent the day organizing the pharmacy while Elaine went to get more medicine in town and also arrange for one of the Mamas to have an ultrasound. I am packing and doing laundry while Elaine went back into town with the Mama to have the tests.
It has been very hot the last couple of days, especially in the afternoon. Mount Kilimanjaro showed herself last night and the peak this morning. The sunset was spectacular but sunsets are very short as we are only a few degrees of the Equator.
We will have the morning to finish up and do our final packing. We will spend the night in Addis Abba and connect with the Village Director around 10 am. the Village is about an hour and a half from Addis Abba near a town called Mojo.
I am looking forward to some cooler weather.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Kilimanjaro
Saturday morning were picked up by East Africa Voyage Tour Company to drive us to the 11,300 foot level of Mount Kilimanjaro. The main roads of Tanzania are for the most part good, but our good roads turned to gravel and then dirt roads. We passed through a few villages where it was market day. It was bustling with people in colorful traditional garb as well as western.
There was not much traffic but we would see people packed in the back of trucks traveling from town to town. You must remember there towns are not like ours, they look more like slums. I would surmise most of the worst places at home would be 10 times better. The country side is farm land. We even saw a tractor and a combine. They were harvesting beans. There were many potato fields along the way. The soil is very rich and our guide said they do not need to use fertilizer in the soil. It is a pretty countryside but the roads are rough.
We reached the main gate for a bathroom stop and to register to go into the park. There was a group of serious climbers with porters packing a bus with supplies. They would be heading to a different route to climb the mountain. Our route took us to the Shira Plateau.
The best way I can describe our drive up is like being in an unbalanced load of laundry. It was a slow, rough drive up on a narrow dirt road with deep ruts. These are the roads that the loggers use. It was a pretty drive up, no steep edges, just horrible roads. They drive slow to allow us to acclimate to the altitude. Living in Colorado is a plus as I am use to higher altitude living.
Our guide was from the Masai tribe. He was a Christian so he did not have the large holes in his earlobes or the traditional tooth pulled out. He spoke excellent English and was a well educated and informative man. He gave us some insight into the Masai tribe.
I did get to experience what it feels like to be in the clouds. It was disappointing that we did not get to see the summit of Kilimanjaro called Kibo which is the third and most predominate peak because of the cloud cover.
Tim, one of the ROS and myself braved the elements and did a 2 hour plus hike. Three others turned back after about 20 minutes when it started to drizzle. Our guide took us up about another 300 feet of altitude. It was an interesting hike as we got to see more or the plateau. We did have to navigate a couple of deep ravines. I was grateful for the strong arm of our guide. I had to hold on to him to pull myself up unto a couple of big boulders. Going down was one thing, going up another. It did rain hard for several minutes. My legs and back pack got pretty wet. I was wishing I had rain pants. It was cold but after we hiked a while I was warm. My pants dried out when the rain stopped and it warmed up.
The last part of the hike was the longest. We reached the place where the others turned back. I thought they hadn't gone very far and I kept thinking,""Only a little farther." There was only one trail so I knew we weren't lost but it seemed to take forever to reach our starting point.
When we returned, the first place I wanted to go was to the toilet. The group that went back told me I had to" hike" to the toilets which was true, a short hike. All I can say is that a "pit stop" has new meaning. It was an okay building with a latrine, which is a big hole in the cement floor that a person could fall in. Sadder still it is in places like this that some of the children have been found.
Before we left for home we had lunch on that windy cold plateau. It was quite a spread. Despite the weather we had a memorable time. I have seen the mountain from the village and it is amazing to me to think I have hiked on Kilimanjaro!
I must admit there is a temptation to return one day and reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. We asked out guide how many times he had taken people to the top. He said he quit counting at 120. The key to reaching the top is to take it slowly. Even as we hiked, he kept our pace slow so we could adjust to the altitude. If I ever get the notion that I want to reach the top of Kilimanjaro I would want this person as my guide.
There was not much traffic but we would see people packed in the back of trucks traveling from town to town. You must remember there towns are not like ours, they look more like slums. I would surmise most of the worst places at home would be 10 times better. The country side is farm land. We even saw a tractor and a combine. They were harvesting beans. There were many potato fields along the way. The soil is very rich and our guide said they do not need to use fertilizer in the soil. It is a pretty countryside but the roads are rough.
We reached the main gate for a bathroom stop and to register to go into the park. There was a group of serious climbers with porters packing a bus with supplies. They would be heading to a different route to climb the mountain. Our route took us to the Shira Plateau.
The best way I can describe our drive up is like being in an unbalanced load of laundry. It was a slow, rough drive up on a narrow dirt road with deep ruts. These are the roads that the loggers use. It was a pretty drive up, no steep edges, just horrible roads. They drive slow to allow us to acclimate to the altitude. Living in Colorado is a plus as I am use to higher altitude living.
Our guide was from the Masai tribe. He was a Christian so he did not have the large holes in his earlobes or the traditional tooth pulled out. He spoke excellent English and was a well educated and informative man. He gave us some insight into the Masai tribe.
I did get to experience what it feels like to be in the clouds. It was disappointing that we did not get to see the summit of Kilimanjaro called Kibo which is the third and most predominate peak because of the cloud cover.
Tim, one of the ROS and myself braved the elements and did a 2 hour plus hike. Three others turned back after about 20 minutes when it started to drizzle. Our guide took us up about another 300 feet of altitude. It was an interesting hike as we got to see more or the plateau. We did have to navigate a couple of deep ravines. I was grateful for the strong arm of our guide. I had to hold on to him to pull myself up unto a couple of big boulders. Going down was one thing, going up another. It did rain hard for several minutes. My legs and back pack got pretty wet. I was wishing I had rain pants. It was cold but after we hiked a while I was warm. My pants dried out when the rain stopped and it warmed up.
The last part of the hike was the longest. We reached the place where the others turned back. I thought they hadn't gone very far and I kept thinking,""Only a little farther." There was only one trail so I knew we weren't lost but it seemed to take forever to reach our starting point.
When we returned, the first place I wanted to go was to the toilet. The group that went back told me I had to" hike" to the toilets which was true, a short hike. All I can say is that a "pit stop" has new meaning. It was an okay building with a latrine, which is a big hole in the cement floor that a person could fall in. Sadder still it is in places like this that some of the children have been found.
Before we left for home we had lunch on that windy cold plateau. It was quite a spread. Despite the weather we had a memorable time. I have seen the mountain from the village and it is amazing to me to think I have hiked on Kilimanjaro!
I must admit there is a temptation to return one day and reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. We asked out guide how many times he had taken people to the top. He said he quit counting at 120. The key to reaching the top is to take it slowly. Even as we hiked, he kept our pace slow so we could adjust to the altitude. If I ever get the notion that I want to reach the top of Kilimanjaro I would want this person as my guide.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
From Zambia to Tanzania
Yesterday we left Zambia. The day was spent traveling to Tanzania. We finished all the physical exams on Tuesday about 4 pm. Our day ended with the sweet sound of the kindergarten children singing and playing games in the gazebo outside the clinic. These are the most beautiful, polite and well behaved children.
A lady from Dr. Elaine's church had sent a bunch of animal masks, the children we saw on Friday all were given masks and toothbrushes. When we closed the clinic for the weekend, there were children asking if they were going to see the doctor on Saturday. They had to wait till Monday, but they all got masks and toothbrush. The last group of boys were the oldest and busiest. It is amazing to see how these children are thriving.
I love Zambia. It was much greener this year than it was last year as it is spring and the leaves are coming out. Despite very hot days, the evenings are cool.
I did have a visitor at the guest house, a gecko. I wanted to take his picture but he was too quick. I was relieved that he didn't climb in our luggage for a free ride to Tanzania.
We left the Village in Zambia at about 9:30am. We got to the Rafiki Village in Tanzania about 8:30 pm.
Our seat assignment was changed from Lusaka to Nairobi, they stuck us in the back of the plane and had us sitting apart. We asked for better seats which turned out to be worse and beside the toilets. Elaine went and talked to the flight attendant and was told that the plane wasn't full so we could move. We were standing in the middle rows not too far from where were suppose to be seated when some guys traveling together came looking for their seats, one was beside me and one was suppose to be across from him in the middle row. They asked where their seats were and I directed the one next to me to his seat, the other guy moved into the seat beside him, taking my seat. Several people were asking me which row as they were showing me their boarding passes. Elaine's seat and the one next to her got occupied. I realized why everyone was asking me where their row was, I was wearing a red T shirt. The flight attendants on Kenya Airlines are dressed in red. I should have been quicker I might have got us into first class.
A group of business men were seated behind where Elaine and I had parked ourselves. One laughed "only in Africa." The attendants didn't seem to care where anyone sat. That would have been a huge mess in America. It is mind boggling to think that they couldn't give us our assigned seats. I think they fill the plane from the back as people check in. On our Tanzania flight we asked for seats closer up and we were toward the back. The plane to Tanzania was a small turbo plane. They had to move a couple of big guys to the front of the plane to balance the load. A similar thing happened last year, we saw the pilot outside looking at the plane and then they moved a bunch of us forward.
The trip into Kilimanjaro was rocky for a good 20 minutes of the 45 minute flight. Would you believe they served drinks and a snack on this flight. It was not an 8 peanut snack but a nice bag of cashew nuts.
Elaine and I were first in line to get our visas and the last 2 to get out of the airport because the guy who was processing our visas was having all kinds of problems. Then customs guy stopped us and hassled us about 33 cent toothbrushes. We didn't confess to all the chocolate. Then there were all those children's animal masks we were carrying!!!!
Today we got right to work. We did get the physicals of the 24 children done. Tomorrow we will do day students and teachers. I spent part of my day sorting through medications.
Saturday ............... Kilimanjaro.
The Village here is beautiful. You can see Kilimanjaro from the Village when it is not covered by clouds. I have yet to get a clear view of this elusive mountain.
A lady from Dr. Elaine's church had sent a bunch of animal masks, the children we saw on Friday all were given masks and toothbrushes. When we closed the clinic for the weekend, there were children asking if they were going to see the doctor on Saturday. They had to wait till Monday, but they all got masks and toothbrush. The last group of boys were the oldest and busiest. It is amazing to see how these children are thriving.
I love Zambia. It was much greener this year than it was last year as it is spring and the leaves are coming out. Despite very hot days, the evenings are cool.
I did have a visitor at the guest house, a gecko. I wanted to take his picture but he was too quick. I was relieved that he didn't climb in our luggage for a free ride to Tanzania.
We left the Village in Zambia at about 9:30am. We got to the Rafiki Village in Tanzania about 8:30 pm.
Our seat assignment was changed from Lusaka to Nairobi, they stuck us in the back of the plane and had us sitting apart. We asked for better seats which turned out to be worse and beside the toilets. Elaine went and talked to the flight attendant and was told that the plane wasn't full so we could move. We were standing in the middle rows not too far from where were suppose to be seated when some guys traveling together came looking for their seats, one was beside me and one was suppose to be across from him in the middle row. They asked where their seats were and I directed the one next to me to his seat, the other guy moved into the seat beside him, taking my seat. Several people were asking me which row as they were showing me their boarding passes. Elaine's seat and the one next to her got occupied. I realized why everyone was asking me where their row was, I was wearing a red T shirt. The flight attendants on Kenya Airlines are dressed in red. I should have been quicker I might have got us into first class.
A group of business men were seated behind where Elaine and I had parked ourselves. One laughed "only in Africa." The attendants didn't seem to care where anyone sat. That would have been a huge mess in America. It is mind boggling to think that they couldn't give us our assigned seats. I think they fill the plane from the back as people check in. On our Tanzania flight we asked for seats closer up and we were toward the back. The plane to Tanzania was a small turbo plane. They had to move a couple of big guys to the front of the plane to balance the load. A similar thing happened last year, we saw the pilot outside looking at the plane and then they moved a bunch of us forward.
The trip into Kilimanjaro was rocky for a good 20 minutes of the 45 minute flight. Would you believe they served drinks and a snack on this flight. It was not an 8 peanut snack but a nice bag of cashew nuts.
Elaine and I were first in line to get our visas and the last 2 to get out of the airport because the guy who was processing our visas was having all kinds of problems. Then customs guy stopped us and hassled us about 33 cent toothbrushes. We didn't confess to all the chocolate. Then there were all those children's animal masks we were carrying!!!!
Today we got right to work. We did get the physicals of the 24 children done. Tomorrow we will do day students and teachers. I spent part of my day sorting through medications.
Saturday ............... Kilimanjaro.
The Village here is beautiful. You can see Kilimanjaro from the Village when it is not covered by clouds. I have yet to get a clear view of this elusive mountain.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
A Chosen Child From Kitwe
Today we travelled 4 hours and 56 minutes to Kitwe for Dr. Elaine to check a little boy named Enoch for admission to the Rafiki Village. This little boy's 5 year old sister, Judith, is already here. The paper work for guardianship is in the works and hopefully in a month he will be integrated into a family. His mother has died and the grandmother who has TB is giving her grandchildren a place to be lovingly cared for and educated. Today, we met a man named Justin who was instrumental in getting Rafiki started in Zambia. The trip was long but there is something special about God allowing me to witness the rescuing of a chosen child.
It was ironic as we were at the clinic examining him we heard a loud marching band coming to an area in front of the clinic. They were doing a pep rally for Planned Parenthood. We were there for life and they to snuff it out.
It was an interesting trip to see this part of Zambia. Kitwe is a cooper mining town. We travelled through 7 police check points. There were markets along the way. They were watermelons, pineapple, tomatoes, onions, figs, raw peanuts, and honey being sold along the roadway. Then we also saw chickens, goat meat, birds for sale and also a live rat. We went passed the coffee fields and the grain fields. I even saw combines and tractors. It reminded me of travel at home before the cut out all the trees. The jacaranda trees were in full purple bloom . That watermelon cost me 20,000 kwatchas ( about 4$) On the way home we stopped for coffee in Lusaka. The coffee is wonderful here. I even had a heart drawn in the foam of my cappuccino. You haven't tasted a good cup of cappuccino unless you have had one in Africa.
We left at 5:15 am and got home at 8:30 pm. It was a day filled with abundant blessings. a time of sharing and reflection as were travelled with Dave and Nancy, the Rafiki staff here. How great is the work that God is doing here. Today, it is a small ripple, but one day it will be a tidal wave.
It was ironic as we were at the clinic examining him we heard a loud marching band coming to an area in front of the clinic. They were doing a pep rally for Planned Parenthood. We were there for life and they to snuff it out.
It was an interesting trip to see this part of Zambia. Kitwe is a cooper mining town. We travelled through 7 police check points. There were markets along the way. They were watermelons, pineapple, tomatoes, onions, figs, raw peanuts, and honey being sold along the roadway. Then we also saw chickens, goat meat, birds for sale and also a live rat. We went passed the coffee fields and the grain fields. I even saw combines and tractors. It reminded me of travel at home before the cut out all the trees. The jacaranda trees were in full purple bloom . That watermelon cost me 20,000 kwatchas ( about 4$) On the way home we stopped for coffee in Lusaka. The coffee is wonderful here. I even had a heart drawn in the foam of my cappuccino. You haven't tasted a good cup of cappuccino unless you have had one in Africa.
We left at 5:15 am and got home at 8:30 pm. It was a day filled with abundant blessings. a time of sharing and reflection as were travelled with Dave and Nancy, the Rafiki staff here. How great is the work that God is doing here. Today, it is a small ripple, but one day it will be a tidal wave.
Friday, October 15, 2010
It Would be Boring!
It would be boring if everything went as planned, if the shuttle picked you up on time and took you to the airport with no glitches and you didn't encounter any red lights. It would be boring if you were checked in, make it through security and get to your gate with plenty of time and your plane is on time.
Well that's not how it happened. As planned the shuttle arrived at 8:05. Two more people were picked up in my area and we headed toward the airport to pick up 2 more. We arrive at a given address of an apartment building number but no one is there. The driver calls and the place this lady is at is not anywhere nearby. One of the passengers then gets on the phone because the driver an Ethiopian is having a hard time understanding this lady, (who it turned out was from India). He can't figure out what this lady is saying either. She is giving the same address and saying she is near an office Max. The traffic was heavy so we are having a difficult time getting around. To add to it all, it was raining like it would in Seattle. We then saw an Office Max in the opposite direction that we had been driving around. We find her. Then we see that the street number it is the same as the one we initially had stopped at, one of the landmarks she was talking about was also similar. We picked up the 5th person and headed to the airport, hitting a majority of red lights.
We get to the airport at 10:20 am My plane is to leave at 11:45 am. By the time I get checked in, get through security and get to my gate it is 11:25 am. They changed the gate, now I have only 15 minutes to get on the plane. When I get to the new gate every one is standing around. It says the plane is "on time," except they have a mechanical problem with the plane. I am not too shook at first because I had allowed myself over a 5 hour layover in Atlanta.
Then the minutes and hours ticked away. It was looking more and more like I would miss my overseas flight. After 3 calls on my cell phone to get help because the line to the agent was slow and long with people wanting different flights, I began to panic. My cell phone calls kept getting dropped. The next flight would only give me 45 minutes to make the plane change. They announced that there were "help" phones down another gateway. I headed out, got booked on the next flight only to realize that flight was scheduled to leave out of the same gate where the plane with mechanical problem plane was. When I returned to the gate they were starting to board the plane. I did get my old booking back but the plane didn't leave for another hour. I made it to Atlanta with 15 minutes to boarding. Elaine was starting to worry as I was suppose to be there when she arrived. She did find out that I was on the incoming plane.
I was relieved to make my flight. Prior to boarding my flight to Atlanta, they announced that if anyone didn't want to fly on the plane that had mechanical problems they would be happy to rebook the flight. That was encouraging!!!
We made it to Acura, Ghana with about a 7 + hour layover. The good thing was I could get a 48 hour Visa for 20$. We went into town and rested in the lounge at The Tulip Hotel, had some refreshments and later some dinner before heading back to the airport.
The rest of the flights were on time and after a short layover and plane change in Nairobi we were on our way to Zambia. We arrived in Lusaka, Zambia...... ON TIME. With the few things we needed to do before leaving the village and the trip to the village it was close to 47 hours of travel time. In your time, we reached out destination at about 6:30 am on the 14th.
We were pretty tired and all we wanted to do was get cleaned up. My water had not been turned on so I had a cool shower but the towel was still warm from being taken out of the dryer. The air conditioning had not been on so it kept the towel warm.
It is hot here in Zambia. It is summer and heading into the wet season. I learned today they have 4 seasons, the Winter Season or cold season, the dry season, summer and the wet season.
We saw 11 kids and 14 adults today. It was a 9 hour day for me and 10 for Elaine.
It is fun to go to the bank and give them 50$ and walk out with 250,000 kwatchas.
Tomorrow we have a long day ahead. We will be taking a 5 hour drive to check a new child for the Village. We are going some where in northern Zambia, near the equator. It will be a 5 hour trip
home also. I have no idea what to expect.
Never in my imagination did I think I would be going to some unheard of place in Africa.
So I must shower and get to bed. We are leaving at 5 am. So on to tomorrow for a new adventure with God.
Well that's not how it happened. As planned the shuttle arrived at 8:05. Two more people were picked up in my area and we headed toward the airport to pick up 2 more. We arrive at a given address of an apartment building number but no one is there. The driver calls and the place this lady is at is not anywhere nearby. One of the passengers then gets on the phone because the driver an Ethiopian is having a hard time understanding this lady, (who it turned out was from India). He can't figure out what this lady is saying either. She is giving the same address and saying she is near an office Max. The traffic was heavy so we are having a difficult time getting around. To add to it all, it was raining like it would in Seattle. We then saw an Office Max in the opposite direction that we had been driving around. We find her. Then we see that the street number it is the same as the one we initially had stopped at, one of the landmarks she was talking about was also similar. We picked up the 5th person and headed to the airport, hitting a majority of red lights.
We get to the airport at 10:20 am My plane is to leave at 11:45 am. By the time I get checked in, get through security and get to my gate it is 11:25 am. They changed the gate, now I have only 15 minutes to get on the plane. When I get to the new gate every one is standing around. It says the plane is "on time," except they have a mechanical problem with the plane. I am not too shook at first because I had allowed myself over a 5 hour layover in Atlanta.
Then the minutes and hours ticked away. It was looking more and more like I would miss my overseas flight. After 3 calls on my cell phone to get help because the line to the agent was slow and long with people wanting different flights, I began to panic. My cell phone calls kept getting dropped. The next flight would only give me 45 minutes to make the plane change. They announced that there were "help" phones down another gateway. I headed out, got booked on the next flight only to realize that flight was scheduled to leave out of the same gate where the plane with mechanical problem plane was. When I returned to the gate they were starting to board the plane. I did get my old booking back but the plane didn't leave for another hour. I made it to Atlanta with 15 minutes to boarding. Elaine was starting to worry as I was suppose to be there when she arrived. She did find out that I was on the incoming plane.
I was relieved to make my flight. Prior to boarding my flight to Atlanta, they announced that if anyone didn't want to fly on the plane that had mechanical problems they would be happy to rebook the flight. That was encouraging!!!
We made it to Acura, Ghana with about a 7 + hour layover. The good thing was I could get a 48 hour Visa for 20$. We went into town and rested in the lounge at The Tulip Hotel, had some refreshments and later some dinner before heading back to the airport.
The rest of the flights were on time and after a short layover and plane change in Nairobi we were on our way to Zambia. We arrived in Lusaka, Zambia...... ON TIME. With the few things we needed to do before leaving the village and the trip to the village it was close to 47 hours of travel time. In your time, we reached out destination at about 6:30 am on the 14th.
We were pretty tired and all we wanted to do was get cleaned up. My water had not been turned on so I had a cool shower but the towel was still warm from being taken out of the dryer. The air conditioning had not been on so it kept the towel warm.
It is hot here in Zambia. It is summer and heading into the wet season. I learned today they have 4 seasons, the Winter Season or cold season, the dry season, summer and the wet season.
We saw 11 kids and 14 adults today. It was a 9 hour day for me and 10 for Elaine.
It is fun to go to the bank and give them 50$ and walk out with 250,000 kwatchas.
Tomorrow we have a long day ahead. We will be taking a 5 hour drive to check a new child for the Village. We are going some where in northern Zambia, near the equator. It will be a 5 hour trip
home also. I have no idea what to expect.
Never in my imagination did I think I would be going to some unheard of place in Africa.
So I must shower and get to bed. We are leaving at 5 am. So on to tomorrow for a new adventure with God.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
This is the Day
This is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it.
A year ago I returned from Africa. Today I leave for Africa. When my son-in-law prayed for my trip yesterday, he prayed for the success of our team. I was quick to remind him that our team consisted of 2 people. He said,"three." I said, "two" My idea of a team going on a mission trip was much larger, it took me a minute to realize why we were a team of three not a team of two. One does not go out alone, but is going out with the grace and protection and direction of the Almighty. I needed that reminder that this trip is not about me and Elaine, it is about God. It is about His work and provision for these precious children in Africa.
I will be leaving my home in about 30 minutes to begin the long journey. Elaine and my flight connect in Atlanta, then on to Ghana tonight, then to Lusaka, Zambia, our first destination.
So I leave home knowing God goes before us and is behind us and He has hedged us in and we follow the path He has prepared for us.
My Flying Verse:
The eternal God is your Refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms ... Deuteronomy 33:27
A year ago I returned from Africa. Today I leave for Africa. When my son-in-law prayed for my trip yesterday, he prayed for the success of our team. I was quick to remind him that our team consisted of 2 people. He said,"three." I said, "two" My idea of a team going on a mission trip was much larger, it took me a minute to realize why we were a team of three not a team of two. One does not go out alone, but is going out with the grace and protection and direction of the Almighty. I needed that reminder that this trip is not about me and Elaine, it is about God. It is about His work and provision for these precious children in Africa.
I will be leaving my home in about 30 minutes to begin the long journey. Elaine and my flight connect in Atlanta, then on to Ghana tonight, then to Lusaka, Zambia, our first destination.
So I leave home knowing God goes before us and is behind us and He has hedged us in and we follow the path He has prepared for us.
My Flying Verse:
The eternal God is your Refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms ... Deuteronomy 33:27
Friday, October 8, 2010
Here I Go Again!
Everything is slowly coming together as I prepare for my 5th trip into Africa. October 12th is the day I leave for Ghana. We will fly down to Zambia for 1 week, then Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya and back to Ghana and then home. I will be gone a month less a day.
As the day draws closer I am starting to get excited. I am excited to see the children and mamas again and to meet again all the Rafiki Overseas Staff(ROS). I am looking forward to seeing the children in Kenya as this is my 5th trip there and I have had the blessing of watching them grow up. It is always exciting to see the changes that occur each Year.
I am not looking forward to the long flight to Zambia but it will be broken up with plane changes in Atlanta, Ghana and Nairobi. We will arrive on the 14th at around 10 am, which will be the 13th around 8 or 9 pm here at home. I really don't want to think about how long this trip is going to be. I hopefully will get some sleep on the plane. Once we get to Zambia we have about an hour plus of travel time to the Rafiki Village. I suspect that we will be somewhat wasted by the time we reach our destination.
I am excited about a day trip to the 11,000 foot level of Mount Kilimanjaro. I understand this is one of the most scenic places in Tanzania.
I am feeling so blessed!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)