Yep, I made it

Whew, 28 hours after departure, I arrived in Tanzania safely. Thank you, Jesus. I must say flying to Africa is not for the faint of heart. It's a long time in the air. I had it all planned out though, I'd read, chat and then take an Ambien to doze off until we landed. Well, I had never taken Ambien so I took one on the flight from Washington, D.C. to London and didn't sleep it off. And my system did not like it. I arrived at Heathrow sick to my stomach and dizzy. I can't even remember our 4-hour layover in the airport. Everyone was laughing at me, because I was wobbling as trudged through the airport and waiting in line for our boarding pass to Kenya. But that all passed and when we landed in Tanzania about 4pm Indy time, I wanted to kiss the ground.

We got our visas and headed to pick up our luggage, but the airline had other plans and left it in Kenya. So we headed on to Arusha (about an hour from the airport) and our luggage arrived the next day. We were so thrilled. Again, thank you, Jesus. We ate lunch and headed off on the 2 1/2 hour drive to Babati. What an experience! For over an hour we were on paved roads and then headed on to the worst, bumpy dirt roads I have every experienced. But we were blessed to have such wonderful hosts and had great conversation on the way.

I absorbed the country and will talk more about the people as I move through the week. But, wow, the poverty and horrible surroundings bring such pause to my comfortable, excessive lifestyle. It is hard to imagine that people live in such conditions. But they do and smile all the while.

So I am here staying in a little hut at our missionary host's compound. I have had about 8 hours sleep in the last 36 hours, so I have no idea how this blog will sound...it is around 10 pm and I'm about the fall over. Tomorrow we get up and begin work on the school. We are sanding, painting and getting the dorm ready for final stage. I'm looking so forward to serving and seeing where God shows up.

Derek and Zach, it was good to hear your voice earlier this evening. I was so restless not having talked to you. But I'm glad you got my text.

Peace to everyone. Thank you for your prayers and support. Goodnight!