We are on our way! Five checked bags, 3 carry-on bags, 3 personal bags, and a baby stroller all at regulation weight and size. It definately took some doing but we are all packed and as ready as we are going to be. We were able to fit all of our clothes in the carry-on bags, that way we had room for the medical supplies, books, and items the missionaries at Tenwek needed.
When we had our layover in Paris, Arathena didn't like the milk, we later learned why. At the last hour of our journey she threw-up all over the place. Most importantly she threw up all over her favorite pink blanket and her toy dog Reggie that she got from Dan and Tara :(
Once we got to Nairobi we spent 1.5 hours in line to get our Visas. At this point we are going a little crazy with the long journey (17 hours on plane, 2.5 hours in Paris with 3 bus rides to get from plane to gate and back onto plane), but fortunatley we got all of our checked bags and literally walked right through customs without anyone stopping us to ask questions. I think it is because we looked so pathetic with all of our luggage and child in tote.
There was a sea of people as we exited the airport, but Andy spotted our Samaratin's Purse driver who had a name sign for us. We were told that we would have a car seat in Nairobi, but our driver had never heard of a car seat:) I decided I would just hold onto Arathena for dear life as we traveled to the Mennonite Guest House. No car seat, let alone lap seat belts, don't go well with my profession, but that is what we had, so we made do. We arrived at the guest house around 11 pm and met our friends the Sawatsky's there. The Sawatskys are friend we made in Pittsburgh while Andy was in medical school. They have a 1 1/2 year old son named Eli. Adam is a 3rd year Internal Medicine resident at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and he will be working in the medicine ward at Tenwek. Christon and I will be helping each other with cooking and childcare.
As Andy and Arathena sleep, I am frantically making my shopping list and planning meals for the next month. I had already thought about meals but tomorrow is my big day! Food for the month…agh! There are supplies at Tenwek, but not much locally.
Arathena did as well as a 2 year-old can do on a 17 hour plane ride with one short lay-over. She didn't cry which we are thankful for, but she was restless at times.
When we had our layover in Paris, Arathena didn't like the milk, we later learned why. At the last hour of our journey she threw-up all over the place. Most importantly she threw up all over her favorite pink blanket and her toy dog Reggie that she got from Dan and Tara :(
Once we got to Nairobi we spent 1.5 hours in line to get our Visas. At this point we are going a little crazy with the long journey (17 hours on plane, 2.5 hours in Paris with 3 bus rides to get from plane to gate and back onto plane), but fortunatley we got all of our checked bags and literally walked right through customs without anyone stopping us to ask questions. I think it is because we looked so pathetic with all of our luggage and child in tote.
There was a sea of people as we exited the airport, but Andy spotted our Samaratin's Purse driver who had a name sign for us. We were told that we would have a car seat in Nairobi, but our driver had never heard of a car seat:) I decided I would just hold onto Arathena for dear life as we traveled to the Mennonite Guest House. No car seat, let alone lap seat belts, don't go well with my profession, but that is what we had, so we made do. We arrived at the guest house around 11 pm and met our friends the Sawatsky's there. The Sawatskys are friend we made in Pittsburgh while Andy was in medical school. They have a 1 1/2 year old son named Eli. Adam is a 3rd year Internal Medicine resident at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and he will be working in the medicine ward at Tenwek. Christon and I will be helping each other with cooking and childcare.
As Andy and Arathena sleep, I am frantically making my shopping list and planning meals for the next month. I had already thought about meals but tomorrow is my big day! Food for the month…agh! There are supplies at Tenwek, but not much locally.
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