I Am HOME

I have arrived on my new Island!  My new home!  Yesterday morning I was overwhelmed as I finished packing up the last few things into my bags before catching a morning flight over to the Little Island.  I arrived at the airport with 7 bags and a gun case (for my spear gun), as well as a bit of doubt that I would be able to get all my things on the airplane.  When I arrived at the airport, there were men with carts fighting over getting to help, so I chose the first three, and we loaded up!  What I didn’t know is they leave you at security.  You have to reload your own stuff onto new carts on the other side.  I went through security- which always cracks me up because I am carrying a gun case and they don’t care to see what is inside, yet they want to look completely through my bin full of school supplies! That’s happened twice.  Not that I’m complaining- just think it’s funny!  I loaded up all my bins and suitcases onto three new carts and proceeded to take one cart at a time to the check-in gate.  People were staring BIG TIME.  Like “This is incredible- lets just watch this poor girl drip in sweat while she loads all her stuff and goes back and forth to get all her stuff to the line”.  I actually had one guy say, “I was going to offer to help, but you are like a strong man.  You don’t need my help.”  Haha Um…thanks?  Got to the line and I handed the airline assistant my ticket and license.  He asked me if I had any bags and I smiled, turned, and pointed to the line of suitcases behind me.  His jaw literally dropped and he made a “Ha!”  Luckily, I have a friend on the Island who has connections with everyone.  He is what we call, “kind of a big deal!”  (And no, I’m not talking about Justin, ALTHOUGH he has all sorts of connections, as well)  He had talked to the owner of the airline earlier in the week, and the owner said there shouldn’t be any problems.  He also said that if the guys at the check-in counter gave me any trouble, just to call him.  So I went prepared with the owners number ready to call if there were any issues.  The two guys at the check-in counter couldn’t have been nicer and promised that if all my bags didn’t fit on my flight, then they would send them on the next flight.  As I was boarding the plane, one of the guys ran up to tell me that all my bags fit!  So grateful for that!  I even got to ride shotgun in the airplane.  I know what you are thinking- “You always ride shotgun on the plane rides- you should learn to share”.  Well, I actually was the last person on the plane and that was the only seat available.  Yes, please!  It is an absolutely breathtaking flight over the green Islands and turquoise and dark blue Indian ocean!  The whole flight I couldn’t stop thanking God that THIS is where He has me.  It still feels surreal that I have finally arrived.   Shannon picked me up from the airport and brought me home, where we ate lunch and unpacked some of my things.  Then Shannon and I went up to the Adult Education Center to print and bind booklets for the English classes that start tomorrow!  Last night, I had the BEST shower I’ve had since I left America in May!!! Oh man, I could have stayed in there for an hour!  Or two.  It was the first hot shower and the first shower with good pressure I have had, and it was AMAZING!

Today, the electricity was out the whole day, so we went and looked at a few housing options for me, and then went on a long walk through the fields.  I am continually blown away by the beauty of this place!  When I get my new camera in the mail (which should be soon), I will take some pictures to post.  

Also, I may start posting some, “you know you live in the shamba (field/farm) when…” 

Todays is…. a chicken runs into your house and tries to lay its egg on your couch. 

Yep, I’m definitely in Africa.  And I couldn't be happier.