May 2, 2012

One year ago today we were in Africa! After the longest flight we had ever experienced to that date, 12 hours, we were in Ethiopia. It was a bit scary, we were in a land where we didn't speak the language, we couldn't read the signs and we needed to catch our connecting flight. Our group of travelers tried to stick very close together as we took a shuttle, then climbed a set of stairs to a new building. We were so excited to see some restrooms, we could brush our teeth, wash up and get some bottled water. But we didn't get comfortable as we saw the line through security we needed to get in. This was new, in Africa we had to go through security to get to our gate. We went through pretty easily after a short wait and then we felt like we were in a fish bowl. The gate is completely surrounded by glass walls, we had many chairs, not enough for everyone so half stood. There was a little wifi if you stood in just the right area of the bowl. The flight did not board on time and we didn't understand any announcements so we just waited until those who could began to assemble by the door. This was not a real long wait, it was an hour longer than we expected, but we were very tired, it was hot, we were anxious to get to Rwanda.

When we did board the plane it was not at all as roomy as the last. We were packed in like sardines. Just another fun experience to remember. This flight had a stop over in Uganda to drop off most of the passengers, then we had lots of room for our final leg. Here is our first glimpse of Rwanda:

Once we landed we were able to step outside and breathe the wonderful fresh air, seemed like forever for that. We entered the airport, filled out some paperwork for our visas and headed down to claim our luggage. What a sight we received, on the other side of the of the partition from baggage claim was the remainder of our travel group (minus 1 dad who was with their new daughter)! We saw our old and new friends waving and smiling, yelling hellos, it was a celebration as we were all so happy to see each other. When we got all our luggage together we processed through to their side for hugs all around, the Stengels were there with the Brannons, Bowers and Smiths and our 2 power of attorneys. We felt like we had truly begun the trip now.

They got all our luggage squared away, they had it down and we didn't have to do anything or worry, such a blessing. We had a quick stop at the hotel to freshen up and then we split up into 2 groups. Most of the group went to sign some papers and then to meet their children at Home of Hope, what a blessing. We went with the other family awaiting their referral, and some of the families who had been in country a few days, to the ministry to meet our case worker. We had to go through security to enter, we got used to this quickly, then we waited for a meeting to end and spoke with her. We found out that our official referral was needing to be typed up still but she did have our referral from Home of Hope on her desk. It was a disappointing meeting for both our families and we struggled to feel optimistic but we had such a wonderful travel group and they were supporting and encouraging to us and a joy to get to know.

After the meeting we got settled into our hotel, it was so beautiful:

We had a wonderful evening as we heard the amazing stories of the families meeting their children for the 1st time, either today or within the last couple days. We enjoyed our 1st pizza at Sole Luna and Jeff tasted the drink of the men of our group "Fanta Fiesta". It was a great evening and the beginning of a wonderful stay in Rwanda. We were already so in love with the country.

It was so great being in Africa finally, and the best news, that we found out later, it was Isaac's 1st Birthday! We couldn't believe we arrived in Africa on his birthday :) what a treasure. So, today we celebrate his 2nd birthday, here at home, all togther. We will no longer celebrate anything without our family complete. Here is the Birthday Boy:

Sheri