Airports and Airplans

Dr. Stewart and I arrived at the airport at the exact same time as Dr. Patey. Between the three of us, we unloaded nine suitcases: hard shell cases filled with venitilators, drugs for the hopsital, computers, and gifts from our community. With three trolley pilled high, we made our way to the desk and were happy to check in and not have to see them again until Nairobi.

We arrived in London at 6am UK time and experienced the rush of multiple planes landing simultaneously. Since Heathrow does not permit landings before 6am, planes are forced to circle until then so first thing in the morning, the airport becomes packed instantly. We had to go through the crowds and security again so after a quick breakfast, it was time to catch our 9:50am flight to Nairobi.

The flight to Nairobi is 9 hours but since Kenya is three hours ahead this time of year, we arrived at 10pm. Kenya does not change its clock in the fall and spring like we do so this time of year they are 8 hours ahead of us. We had to go through the process of Visa application (which is done on arrival) and pay $50 US for it. We met up with a man from Norway named Noel who is a donator to Bethany who was waiting for us after coming in an hour earlier on a KLM flight. Two men from Africa Inland Mission help up signs with our names. We loaded up two cars and headed out in to the Nairobi night.

Our driver Stephen was a native of Nairobi. He slid a mixed cassette inot the tape deck that played Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers songs exclusively and navigated the roads in and around traffic as I stared out the window at the buildings, sings, billboards, shacks that sold everything you can imagine during the day, and the tin roofs. We had decided to stay in Nairobi to save the night time drive to Kijabe. I was delighted with this plan as we were tired from such a long journey, and happy not to be risking a drive into the mountains at night. Stephen took us to MAyfield house run by Africa Inland Mission which is associated with Bethany. After some confusion with keys and reservations, we unloaded the cars of all of our bags again, pulled them into the room, pulled the mosquito nets over the bed, and fell asleep.

Though I have taken a lot of photos already, I am not able to post yet. I look forward to doing so soon.