Home again in Africa

We had a strange occurrence in Atlanta that had our group mesmerized by the gate window while we were waited to board. This strange substance was falling from the sky making it difficult to see. What was this wet stuff that we have heard tales about occurring in distant lands? It was a downpour- significant enough to cause the planes to be backed up on the runway. We boarded but then sat in the plane for about 90 minutes before it was our turn to depart. The pilots were gracious enough, however, to deceive us and told us every so often that we would be leaving in about 5 minutes. They really were truly motivational speakers.

God gave us a great gift in that our companion seat held no companion even though we overheard the “gate keepers” denying last minute tickets due to a fully booked flight. As far as I was concerned we just got upgraded to first class (minus the duvet covers and decorative wall art). We suddenly had access to another layer of cushion for our Goldilocks bed. Though their thickness resembles hiking socks it was welcomed with open arms. Additionally we now had an extra blanket. Though it was pretty much see-through it was also welcomed as they shot cold air through the cabin in an attempt to numb our aching muscles. Our extra seat pocket made a handy dandy storage compartment for me to gather up uneaten treats like a squirrel. First class all the way!

Team Africa made it to Johannesburg and so did all of our bags! Woo hoo! Our PH, Danie, met us at the airport and we breezed through SAPS (police station) since Danie did the paperwork before we arrived. It was awesome to be in what has come to feel our home away from home. The smells (even Joburg) were pleasantly familiar....the birds with their distinctive coos...and all the other sounds of unknown origin were still familiar. Ahhh....Africa once again.

We are staying at Opikopi in Pretoria and after a relaxing meal of sol, lamb chops and fillet we settled into our rooms with sweet dreams of what is yet to come....