Journey to Africa and Beyond Part 4

Part 1   Part 2   Part 3

Needless to say, there were a lot of emotions running around in my head during the few days before we left. We were leaving October 1, 2005. A few days before, someone on the team had to back out so we had a last minute replacement.

Finally, it was time to leave. We met at the airport, some of us meeting for the first time. Nineteen of us boarded our first plane for the 8 hour flight to London. Our flight left on Saturday at 630PM and we finally arrived in Nairobi, Kenya at 845PM Sunday. This included two 8 hours flights, a 4 hour layover in London, and a 7 hour time difference. Truthfully, I don't remember anything about getting to Nairobi except standing in line at London Heathrow airport for what felt like forever, and then turning a corner and standing in line again.

The airport in Nairobi was complete chaos. Getting through customs and searching for all of our luggage was quite an experience. One of the missionaries, Mike, was picking us up at the airport. Fortunately, we were travelling with some folks who had been there before and told us exactly what to do... and not do (Like do NOT let anyone help you with your bags; they will expect to be paid). All of the luggage arrived safely, except for one container full of medical equipment for the clinic at the university where we were staying (this never arrived. It was held up in London - never to be seen again). Once we finally arrived at the house, it was late and we all just wanted to get some sleep.

Africa Nazarene University is located just outside of Nairobi, Kenya. It's really a beautiful campus and highly secure. This is where we would spend a better part of the next two weeks.

To tell you the truth, I don't remember the order of the rest of the events that happened, which I will share in the next few posts. I'm sorry this is taking so many posts to tell, but I am sharing as I remember, and the thoughts don't come as quickly as I would like.

to be continued...   Part 5