Day 2: Here we are in Amsterdam

Our group arrived safely in Amsterdam, after a smooth and relatively relaxing flight. Several of us were able to sleep long enough to feel refreshed, and we are waiting now outside the gate for our next flight.

Our group (so far) consists of Randy Strode, Don and Cherry, Mary, Rich, and Betty. We are expecting to meet up with Fred and Owen here in Amsterdam, and Erin will be waiting for us in Entebbe as we arrive.

Don discovered that the airport offers free Wi-Fi, so here we all sit, logging on and checking in with family and friends. I suppose we all look very American or very modern, depending on one’s perspective. MacBooks jumped right on the internet, while iPads don’t seem to like the wi-fi connection. Some Windows machines are happy, some are not.

We have a full flight to Kigale, which is in Rwanda, just southwest of Uganda. I am learning my African geography. Another whole continent to learn!

We are enjoying the announcements, “(Passenger name), you are delayed. The flight is about to leave. Please report to the gate, or your bags will be removed from the plane.” To our American ears, the first thought is that the flight is delayed, but this is the Dutch way of telling people they are late. I love cultural differences!

Day 1 – Monday Oct. 10: On the plane!

The day has finally come! When the airline employee asked, “Where are you going, I answered, “Entebbe,” and handed him my passport.

I was up five minutes before my alarm, after a short night’s sleep. A few last minute adjustments to my suitcase, remembering to ask to borrow Dave’s camera and video camera, downloading a few files for my presentation, and I was ready to go.

The last 24 hours have been filled with finishing some study for Christian history, and some final purchases. It was surprisingly difficult to find wipe-on mosquito repellant, but the fifth store was the charm.

Today’s prayer focus is adaptability, flexibility and calmness, apt words for hectic moments leading up to the start of a God-sized adventure.

On this first leg of the journey, my seatmates are a young mom and her two-year old son. William enjoyed watching 101 Dalmatians on my iPad while his mom and I spoke about Africa. She has traveled to Zambia to visit her sister’s family, and speaks of the warm people and the exquisite beauty, as well as the experience of being an American in a different culture.

I was reminded of the life-changing impact of my moving to Hawaii as a teenager, as well as the international travel that we have done over the last several decades. I am excited to see what Africa holds for me.