Greetings. Hopefully this will be an extra although my week has not gone as planned. Ken and I left Wednesday for Malawi, Africa. Initially I had planned to return to Africa to see my sister Beth and her family and to visit the new friends we made on last years trip. As many of you know Beth and her daughter came home for our brothers funeral. I still went to see Beth's husband and her boys as well as my new friends there.
Pablo and Paula drove us to the airport in plenty of time. However due to our flight being delayed we sat waiting for over three hours. Finally we boarded, concerned about our connecting flight in Detroit.
We landed in Detroit and ran to our next gate only to find out the gate had just closed. Our plane was still sitting just outside the window and our other two buddies coming from different airports were boarded but they wouldn't let us on.
We spent 2 hours trying to arrange another flight. International travel does not have as many flight options. We were asked if we would stay in Detroit overnight and figure it out in the morning. Finally we rebooked a flight leaving in the middle of the night for Amsterdam arriving there around noon the next day.
We landed over the Holland country side. A very flat country with many canals. Russ and Keith, our intended traveling companions had left for Nairobi just 2 hours earlier.
We found out our next chance for a flight to Nairobi would not be till the following day. We are also hearing that the last leg of our trip is up in the air due to a workers strike in Malawi. The Lilongwe airport is currently closed.
We were given food vouchers, a little bathroom bag, and a hotel room. We rode a bus into town. Fortunately Ken had talked me into carrying on some of my luggage instead of the baggage claim.
So here I am sitting in Holland. I wish I could figure out how to turn on the TV. I bet it's in Dutch. I'm limited on the folks I can ask questions to because not many know English. I have money in my billfold but it doesn't buy anything because everything here is purchased in Euros. I asked for a cab to see the city. He said $170 to downtown please. I said I"ll pass thank you. My daughter Becky was very gracious and loaned me her smart phone. She even programmed it for international use. I think I must be missing a password or two because I can't quite make it work.
But before you feel too sorry for me I want you to know I have it quite good here. A very nice hotel in a nice country with a very nice restaurant. We have a supper and a breakfast voucher. My shower is hot and felt good after 30 hours of traveling so far. Things at home are in very good hands. It's not snowing here.
Our restraunt menu was mostly fish, I was told my voucher had a 20 euro limit. I ordered an item translated "North American steak". I just have no sense of adventure do I. Well I'm just rambling. Hopefully we'll talk Sunday. No promises though.
One of the things I am learning here is to slow down and listen. So often, even when I talk to God, I tell him what's on my mind, ask for help, and ask for direction but many times I don't stop, listen, and take the time for an answer. Someone that talks all the time doesn't learn much. God bless.
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