But don’t worry… we made it!
Roughly 36 hours of travel.
Siem Reap, Cambodia to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore;
Singapore to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;
Addis Ababa to Johannesburg, South Africa…
W E L C O M E. T O. A F R I C A!
Cue the millions of songs with African references. One of the squad favorites is “Africa” by Toto. [Go look it up and then listen to all the other Toto songs, I’m a fan!]
Now, time for immigration.
The skeptical lady at the counter looks down at my 5-page passport and then looks up at me.
“Where am I supposed to stamp?”
“There’s lots of space, there’s a whole page at the back.”
“I can’t stamp there, it’s for endorsements. I can’t let you in here.”
After many of questions, half explained answers, lots of back and forth and much reluctance, the now three ladies at the counter gave me the arrival stamp under one condition; I would need to get a new passport before leaving the country.
Which isn’t a huge problem except that our group was headed to Durban, South Africa [an additional 11-hour bus ride] for a 6 day debrief before heading to Lesotho for month 7. If you know anything about passport services through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate [which I must say, I am becoming quite the expert], things don’t typically work that fast.
Long story short, one of my fabulous SQLs, Julie, and I have stayed back in Durban to wait and get new passports. We had our appointment yesterday, Tuesday February 6, and now we will have to wait 7-10 business days [more or less] for our new passports to arrive hot off the press from the US of A.
So, in the meantime, Jules and I have the absolute hook up!! We are working with Hope House, a home for children who are awaiting adoption. Right now, there are five sweet, sweet babies, who range in age from 3 months to 2 years. We are staying with a family across the street who has so generously opened their home to us, two complete strangers, without even batting an eye. I am so thankful to the Lord for unexpected surprises and blessings! I’m in awe and wonder how He is constantly working things out not only for our good, but also for His glory!
