6-15-08 First Morning in Africa...

6-15-08

It’s my first day here in Africa. I am absolutely stoked. It seems so surreal and like I am in some other dimension of reality and have been shifted into a whole new world. I guess that idea is not all that far off. Last night when I arrived all the stories I had heard came true. I was a little unsure of what to do when my plane touched the ground. I wanted to change some of my money, but because I was so late on my arrival, I did not want my ride to leave or bail for the plane’s shortcomings. I hurried to the station and thankfully, received little dispute when I applied for my visa. That all changed though after I went and got the pieces of luggage that I brought for Christian (Harry J) and had to try and get them through customs. They were filled with clothes and supplies for kids that we were going to help there in Africa. I think the lady thought that I was going to try and sell them or something, because it took me a while to convince her that I was giving them away and that they were not new clothes that I was bringing into the country. After what seemed like an eternal interrogation, the lady finally let me enter. I went outside, and thank the dear Lord, my driver was still waiting for me with a sign with my name on it. I was thankful that he was still waiting for me as I was over an hour-and-a-half later than I was supposed to have come in. The driver I had is called Peter. On the way to the hotel we talked about his family, his four sons, and his jobs. We also spoke of math, the most feared of all subjects in school. He brought me to the hotel where I was able to get checked in and then I crashed out fast. I am now down in the sweet little restaurant waiting for Christian and the others to arrive. The food is not bad at all. They love croissants here. All this French stuff. Yesterday, I sat next to a big business man who lived in Nairobi. It was neat talking to him as he told me about his country and everything in it, until he fell asleep and started snoring! J Gotta love it. I am really looking forward to church this morning. Kanjii, the leader of Milele, is the worship leader for the church. Christian told me, “get ready bro. You have never seen worship like this before.” I am ready and waiting for what I will encounter on this trip. This faith adventure. Furthermore, the ride into town from the airport last night was like a real, live roller coaster. No rules, no regulations. I thought we should have hit and killed at least 10 people by the time we arrived. We did not, and I have no idea how.