The Arrival.....

I arrived at the Kilimanjaro International Airport on Nov. 6th at around 8pm. I was sooo thankful that all of my flights and connections went smoothly and without delay. The Lord further showed His kindness when I made it through Customs and Immigration without a single hitch. My bridge family, Gary and Judy Woods, and their daughter Kendra Stephenson were waiting for me on the other side of Customs and were amazed at the speed at which I had made it through. In fact, I believe I now hold the new team record for the fastest entry! :-) As soon as we loaded the Landcruiser it began to rain and the team was soooo excited. Judy then told me that they had been going through a major dry spell and had been fervently praying for rain. Judy told me, " You have brought the blessing with you. You have brought the rain!" After a 45 minute drive to Arusha we arrived at Gary and Judy's home where I was to stay for the next 4 weeks. After going in a coma upon my arrival I woke up bright and early to begin my new life in Africa. Gary, Judy, and Kendra had tentatively found me a rent house located right next to Kendra and Jeremy, her husband. My first full day was a blur of activity. Within 20 or so hours from landing in Africa I: decided on the house, bought all my major appliances including gas stove, washer, and refrigerator, bought small appliances, got my new cell phone number and made an appointment to look at a vehicle the next day! Not bad for being in the country less than 24 hours!! The next 2 weeks are not quite so vivid in my memory as most of my time was spent battling jet lag and exhaustion. Most people have a hard time getting into new sleeping patterns when they visit or move to a new time zone. I had no trouble, but for about 2 weeks I could hardly keep my eyes open. One time while helping Judy in the kitchen I actually feel asleep while standing up! I am soooo thankful that the Woods were so kind to let me take lots of power naps during those days.