But before I share my precious moments of the reunion at Mtendere village after being away for 7 months, I MUST tell you about the interesting, and yet somewhat annoying and alarming characters I experienced in this journey of 30 some odd hours.
I will start at 3am which is our check in time at Atlanta airport. (of course, airlines require you to be there 2 hours in advance for international travel, yet they are NEVER there before 415 a.m) anyways, Dana and I are with all the other cranky and crazy people for scheduling travel this early and low and behold, we attract the attention of an older gentleman in a complete Nike sweat suit, from head to toe. He is kind but a little odd. Well naturally, once the airline counter opens, it is complete self check in on the computer and no offense, but not many 60+ year olds are too keen on working those things. Especially "mike" (I will use this as a alias name in order not to offend the actual man) who just informed us that he just got out of prison, (several actually) that he volunteered himself into so he could "do research". And now he is writing a book on his experiences entitled "the Jew." no, he is not Jewish. Yes, this is a real story. And yes, ALL he was carrying was one small cardboard box. (watch out LAX, he was headed your way. And I know this bc I ended up checking him in since I guess his "research" in the prison system didn't allow him much time with computers:) he also said he might put dana and me in his book, im crossing my fingers he does not:) ok, enough about "mike".
Then there was another elderly gentleman who was clearly used to getting his way: from cutting in front of the entire check in line, to convincing the attendant at the gate to be first on the plane (before the handicapped or passengers traveling w small kids). He even left his family sitting in the gate while he boarded the plane. He also threw in the fact that he had friends who smelled just like cat pee .... ?????after that comment, I was thankful he schmoozed his way on the plane before any long, crowded line could form around him.
Next we ran into a guy from Ohio who married a southern belle. He was en route to Kenya to do some mission work there. I do not know much more ab him than he is married w 3 kids and was reading his bible on the plane. Seemed like a genuine guy who was excited about spreading the love of Christ.... He said to check out lostorphans.com ..... I think I will!
Last, but not least I must tell you guys of the screaming, horrible, loud, restless kids who sat on the row adjacent to us! (lucky me). These two little girls kicked, screamed, hit, bit, crawled, jumped, talked, fought for the ENTIRE 14 hour flight. After being a part of this misery, I began to question my sanity..... I tried to drown them out w music, movies, and lastly medication. ALL FAILED ATTEMPTS. A word to the parents: BENADRYL.
Those are just a few of the stand out moments of travel this time, I'm sure there will be more to come!
The point is, after all of that, I made it safely back to "the Warm Heart of Africa!". (warm is accurate as it is currently rainy season with plenty of heat, humidity, and bugs!) the land is greener than I have ever seen it with corn fields that are taller than me and extend for miles upon miles. The flowers are in full bloom, and the trees are filled with color! It is a beautiful scene!
The economy continues to decline here with the promise of no sugar in the next few months and gas prices at close to $10.00 a gallon (that will make anyone feel bad for complaining ab our "high" gas prices in the states.) foreign exchange is scarce and the government seems they could care less. But don't be fooled.... Although the country as a whole might be declining, the people are still happy and hardworking. The kids, moms, and staff at Mtendere are joyful and bellies are full! Of course, they were all completely surprised to see us since this was a surprise trip for a work audit for 100x and NO ONE was informed about our arrival! The smiles and hugs were the perfect thing to end our long trip here! I will be here for the next 2 weeks doing research on some local village dynamics, meeting with different nursing groups, assisting in the Nursing Council visit to Blessings Hospital, health check ups w the Mtendere family, and mainly hanging out with the people I have missed so dearly for the last 7 months!!
More to come soon with an update on Lekeleni, an intro to the newest baby at Mtendere, Shyreen, who is 16 months old, medical updates, and any other special moments in Malawi.....
P.s. I probably should have entitled this blog "miserable moments on the way to Malawi....". I promise not to be such a complainer in the upcoming blogs!
P.s.s. 100x development website will be featuring a blogpost from me sometime next week, check it out.....
100xdevelopment.com
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