People have told me during major moments in my life to keep a journal. I have been sporadic with my writing, but when I have, I am always glad to have it later. My journal writings and the photos I took in Swaziland are so special to me, and I want to share some of that through my blog. This entry is just some of the beginning of my trip (with me adding in some more detail now):
When we first arrived at the church, I was fine, taking
pictures and chatting with my mom. Then as 11:30 was approaching we drove up to the bus where we were all meeting and
I saw the parents saying goodbyes to their kids. That was the heartbreaking time for me, and
when reality set in that I too would have to say a goodbye to my mom, and that
I wouldn’t be seeing the people I love for a week and a half because I would be
in AFRICA.
I’m not going to name names, but I’m pretty sure I heard a,
“I’m not crying, I just have something in both eyes.” (*cough cough* Harvey!) Harvey and Yasmin are are one of the most endearing couples I have ever met. Such a strong couple, unified in their perspectives, and just clearly enjoying their time together. It was fun seeing them appreciate sitting next to one another, praying together, and serving together.
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| Yasmin, Harvey, and Kristen |
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| Logan, Lee, and Lisa |
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| Me, Shelby, Joey, and Laura |
Shelby is the fourth part of the Smith Family. She is a sweet girl, and learning so much about our world and faith as only a sophomore in high school! Joey was my roommate for most of the trip; I loved getting to know her a little more deeply and see how much passion she has. Laura is open about sharing her experiences in life and was positive and encouraging the whole trip. I am so glad she was part of the group, as she gave me some good advice that I carry with me. :)
Brooke said a prayer over our group and drove us all in the
bus to the airport.
I am convinced that
working for TSA must be one of the worst jobs. They have to assume the worst in
everyone, checking for signs of terrorism for anyone just trying to
travel! I was “randomly chosen” – which
seems to happen every time I fly anywhere. They checked me for 15 different explosives. I just remember being in the airport and everything feeling so surreal, but being excited to see Africa, the kids, and to experience a new culture.
***
We are sitting in the Atlanta airport where we had a layover
for a couple hours. Right now I am
mostly excited that the next time I step on land, it will be in a different
country – South Africa!!!!! I am also
anticipating how the 15 hour and 25 minute flight will go. Hoping I can sleep.
***
Holy cow – just woke up on the plane and we have 3 hours
left in-flight. And let me say that
plane travel to Africa is not even a little bit like plane travel somewhere from US state to US state. They trick you! You start on the
plane energized, realize there’s a TV on the back of the chair in front of you
loaded with the most current movies and shows.
You talk to the people next to you for a little bit, watch a movie or
two (in my case, one and a half – Identity Theft and half of Side
Effects). You have your pretzels and
water or pasta meal, then you get sleepy.
Let me say it goes downhill from there.
A few of us that ate the pasta and got upset stomachs. I tried to slouch down in my chair a bit, but
my knees immediately hit the reclined seat in front of me
#tallpeopleproblems. I was in one of the
middle seats, so I couldn’t really lean against anything. (There were three rows of three.) The whole time I was trying to adjust my
travel pillow (thanks mom for making me bring it!), pillow and blanket from the
plane (thanks Delta!), and shifted around trying to get situated.
All that with my two bags under the seat in front of me made for a
pretty cramped ride.
Thankfully, I got tired enough to eventually fall asleep,
and as I said woke up with three hours to go.
Probably got a solid six hours! Woo!
Monday night – I am just getting situated in bed for the
evening at African Dreams. It was an
exciting to finally land in Johannesburg, South Africa. I got my passport stamped and everything – my
first time out of the country! (Go big
or go home, right?)
The Prince Family greeted us at the airport, and they were
even nicer than I could have imagined.
They have three adorable kids – two girls who are 22 months apart but
look like twins, and one boy. They were
all five so happy and eager to give each of us a hug. Our driver Benele (Ben-ay-lay; he drove us the whole trip) made sure we
all got to African Dreams safely. I am
rooming with Jordan tonight and after they showed us around the guest house a
little bit (not called hotel), we got showers and met everyone in the
conference room for dinner and chatting.
Everyone said a little bit about why they decided to go on the trip and
about where we are in life, and the challenges God overcame to get each of us
here.
The dinner was amazing.
It was kind of like a beef, carrot, and potato stew over rice. And they gave us dessert, which was like a brownie with some gooey stuff in the middle and banana pudding around
the outside. So good. In part of our discussion we talked about the
American Dream and how we can be go-go-go, rarely taking time to slow down and
enjoy conversations and people. It made me excited to experience a culture that works a little more slowly, where people take their time.
At this point in the trip I was feeling a little bit of anxiety about opening up to the group, but also excitement that I was in South Africa. The next day we were to travel across the South African/Swazi border. So much anticipation!
