And so the journey began… 2 people; 2 suitcases; 9 footlockers; three backpacks and two pillows later we were ready to go. Unfortunately, United Airlines did not get the memo!
Our trip began at 9:15 am Monday morning when we left the house for the airport. I had asked United if they would waive our bag fees since we were going on a mission trip. Originally they had said yes but then within a few days reneged on that offer. So from my understanding from the individual at the ticket counter, who I made a special trip to go see, we were to pay $70 a bag. Originally we thought we’d be able to get all the medical supplies, school supplies, clothing, solar panels, etc. in six bins. But as we filled the bins and weighed them we soon realized that thought must have been a dream – it was certainly a fantasy. And so the number of bins increased daily until we were at nine! And still we had to leave behind one jar of peanut butter. And to our utter surprise the cost to have the bins placed on the airplane was not $70 but $200! Fortunately, the Lord must have known this was going to happen as He has provided for our every need. I just wish He’d filled me in (just a small clue would have been nice) before hand.
We made it through security in San Antonio with no problem, found the gate, got on the plane and both sighed a sigh of relief. For the next four hours someone else was in charge and we could just sit back and enjoy. I pulled out my Kindle to read but God was not done with his humor yet. The overhead lights in our row did NOT work. So Liz and I talked and talked about last year’s trip, what we hope to accomplish this year. We laughed and laughed some more. United may have tried to get the best of us but it was not working!!
In Washington, DC we got off the airplane and woo-hoo our gate was right there. For someone as directionally challenged as me, this was great news. We stopped and ate at Wendy’s (and yes, there was some beef, for those of you old enough to remember the “where’s the beef” commercial) then grabbed a chai latte (not nearly as good as the one’s at the Loft) and sat and waited for the next flight. This flight was to Brussells and it went on FOREVER! It was like the “song that never ends”. The flight to Washington was very smooth – almost like a baby’s behind. This flight to Brussels was like being on the Rattler! Bumpy, bouncy, and up and down! And did I mention it went on forever! Finally we were in Brussels and that airport makes Atlanta look small. Of course we landed in one terminal and had to get to the next one. But not before they re-examined our luggage – twice!! We were not able to hook up to Internet without paying an arm and a leg so I hope you were able to track that we arrived safely. If United paid as much attention to their passengers as they did to the luggage they would be one incredible Airline!!
Now we are in Kigali waiting for the next batch of passengers to board. We’ve been on the ground for an hour and then will begin our last leg of the flight to Entebbe. Never has one place looked so good. We are so eager to get there and get off this plane. It is now 7:15 P.M. Tuesday night local time and Liz and I are both exhausted. We arrive in Entebbe at 9:55 pm and then will figure out how to manage all the bins, go through customs and finally meet up with Phil. That could be a story all in itself.
We are excited for this adventure to begin but for now we just want a bed! We are very jealous that each of you are soundly sleeping under cozy blankets. May God bless you all.
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