Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Africa Trip, Part 3: Flightpath

Finally!  We had landed on the continent that I had been thinking about for so long, and I was anxious to get my first whiff of the African air...



but before we could smell the african air we had to wait. 
When we got in yet another line of waiting it was then that Sumer looked at me and said for the first time, "This is Africa" and indeed it was.  We were now in the land where no one and I mean no one is in a hurry to do anything.  It took a long time to get outside and smell the air.  When we finally got outside it was very dark, and I have to admit that I felt a little scared. Dorothy was not in Kansas anymore.  While many think that Africa smells like I wood, my memory of the smell of Africa will always be of exhaust fumes and smoke. 

We stayed one night at the Ethiopian Guest Home and the next morning we were on on our way back to the airport to take our flight to Uganda.  By this time, I was feeling good and excited to get there.  I was also feeling more comfortable about flying.  The plane was not very full, and I even sat by myself so I could maybe take a nap. 

Let's just say that I did not take a nap on this flight and by the end of it, I was white knuckling the seat in front of me and praying out loud in Jesus name for Him to get control of the plane...my comfort about flying was gone.  Forever gone.  I made it very clear to God that I wanted to go to Africa, I didn't want to die there. 

I read this passage about Peter this morning, and I immediately laughed at my fear...

But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and[c] worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Next time I'm taking a boat;)

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3 comments:

Tabby said...

I am laughing out loud. It is odd that one of our most terrifying moments is now one of the funny ones. I still just think about Jason telling the story and crack up. I think I am with you on taking the boat next time (can we still take our meds with us?..just in case...lol)

Heather said...

Next time, just make a quick stop by the African Pharmacy for some Valium for the flight home! ;) We had a guy on our flight going home whose ONLY carry on was a bag of "goodies" from the Pharmacy!! He boarded the plane, asked for a bottle of water, and headed straight for the loo! Good times, I tell ya! ;)

Naomi said...

Oh my I am the worst flyer ever and have flown so MANY times around the world so you'd think I'd be okay.... but I'm not and reading this makes me want to talk myself out of going on the trip to ET and Uganda this July with Kari!!! However, God has said to go!!!

I am so enjoying reading about trip and may comment again I am sure!!! BTW, saw you link on Kari's website!

Blessings,
Naomi