Today we arrived in Impfondo after an interesting airport experience. We
took a small charter plan to Impfondo and because it was so small there were
VERY STRICT limits on the weight that our bags could be, 20 kg (44 lbs) and not
a kg more! We spent a good 3 hours Sunday night packing and re-packing and
debating what was actually needed and what we could live without. Questions
like these were asked:
Can we all share 1 tube of toothpaste?
Do I bring 1 skirt for an entire month?
Can I survive without shampoo?
(Girl): Do I ditch the tampons and pray that I don’t get my period?
But we eventually figured it all out, leaving all books, extra shoes,
and backpacks behind! However, when we arrived at the airport we were quite
frustrated to find that our 20 kg bags (weighed at Bravo) no weighed 24+ kg at
the airport because of the charter plane’s purposely-skewed scale! We then
proceeded to hilariously put on lots and LOTS of extra clothing so that our
bags could weigh less. In total I wore 3 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shorts, 2
skirts, and 5 shirts (and that was in 90 degrees weather); let’s just say we
were all pretty sweaty and smelly by the time we arrived in Impfondo!
Once we had arrived, Dr. and Mrs. Harvey picked us up and took us back
to their house for lunch. Lots of introductions were made and our meal was
delicious! After lunch we were brought to the house we would be staying in for the month. It is quite nice
compared to what I had mentally prepared myself for. We each have our own room
and there is running water (that is drinkable!).
However, here are some prayer requests:
1)
Our house only
receives power every other day for about 4 hours tops, this provides a
challenge in lots of ways, please pay for patience and peace!
2)
Food is both limited
and expensive. That being said, please pray for wisdom in what/what not to buy
during this month.
3)
For joy. This may be
one of the hardest things I have ever done; it is easy to focus on the
negative. This month is going to be difficult and tiring, please pray that I
would find joy in this challenge and strength through God at all times!
Way to go babe! Love you tons and praying for you this month!! I would say wearing all those clothes on the plane was quite resourceful! Keep posting if you can, it's helpful to get a flavor for what life is like there. I'm praying!
ReplyDeleteFaith, I am glad to hear about the start of your African safari. As you know, ours has gone on now for over a decade! We love Africa, and hope you will too. The vibrant colors, the unsanitized smells, the noise of the markets and the children and the streets, the beauty of the continent, the welcome and love of so many of the people! I hope you will trust God with all your heart, and trust yourself to your local hosts, who will help you will all the newness. Blessings!
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