Safe Arrival

Late on Tuesday night Guy and I arrived safe and sound in Mombasa, Kenya. The trip went well but sure kept us on our toes. We arrived at our departure gate at O'Hare just as they were boarding. Our connection in Amsterdam was a tight one so we were a bit concerned when weather delayed our departure by 30 minutes. However, a stong tail wind (I think directly from the breathe of God!) helped us make up the time in the air so when we landed in Amsterdam we had 1 hour before the flight to Nairobi departed.

A kind airline attendant moved us to the front of the plane before landing so we were able to disembark quickly. The 2 airlines we flew were not partners so we were unable to get our boarding pass in Chicago. That meant having to get our boarding pass before going to our gate. There were automated check in machine right outside our gate so everything fell in place for us to print our boarding passes and get in line for security and then on the plane for the 2nd leg of the flight.

We anticipated some down time during the layover in Nairobi, but that time was eaten up by an hour wait to receive our visa and go through immigration and then time looking for the 3 pieces of luggage that did not arrive. The line to report missing luggage was so long that we ended up getting permission to open the file in Mombasa and headed off to get on that connecting flight before they closed the gate. The one bag we had was the last one on and we arrived at the gate as they were loading the bus for the short drive out to the airplane.

The last flight, as the other 2, was uneventful and we arrived in Mombasa on time. It didn't take long to report our missing luggage and collect the 1 piece we had left. Missionaries Bobby Bechtel and Jim Horne met us at the airport and drove us to our motel. We were thankful for the opportunity to stretch out in a bed to sleep.

This morning we awoke to the beauty of Africa and the sounds of the voices of these people we have come to love so deeply. Last night I spoke briefly to Pastor Mark and told him that we made it home safe and sound. I had to correct myself, but in truth this place is like a 2nd home to us. We love this land and these very special people.

Guy spoke at the Bible Institute today. Afterward we had lunch with the Bechtels and the Hornes. We laughed and talked and enjoyed catching up with our good friends. I even got to hold little Dylan Bechtel for the first time. What a little treasure he is!!

During lunch the call came that our luggage had arrived. YEA! Guy and Jim went to collect it so I am spending a bit of time alone in this beautiful place. Pastor Allan stopped by. He is our loved friend and pastor here in Kenya. It was a joy for me to visit with him!

We will enjoy some down time tonight as we adjust to the time change and get ready for a couple of busy days as Guy will be teaching at the pastor's conference tomorrow and Friday. A special thank you to all of you who have prayed for this event and donated the money to make the resource books available to these dedicated servants of God. We appreciate your partnership more than we can say!

I will post as I can...........and will try not to be so log winded. :)

Thank you for your love, prayers and support in allowing us to be your ambassadors in Kenya!
Denise