Welcome Home
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| Walking to the plane |
After a couple days' travel I finally boarded a 12-seater plane for the short hop home. It was a beautiful flight, full of gorgeous views.
Arriving on the island, I had a choice: taxi home or walk? Yes, I live within walking distance of the airport. So I walked. Along the way I greeted several people in the local language. Although I took a back route, I still ran into a couple of acquaintances along the way. The last block before home, I heard my name yelled super loudly.
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| An earlier picture of my friend and I |
One of my best friends here was running down the road to meet me. Seriously, it was the best welcome ever. We hugged and laughed, trading greetings without hardly answering the previous one. Then she helped carry my bag to the house and followed me inside.
"Oh, it's really dirty in here" she said.
"Yep." It was filthy. Dust covered every surface and the hallways was a mess from the cat's meals. Ugh.
And the next thing I knew, she had a broom in hand and was sweeping the house. Before I'd even gotten all the doors unlocked she'd dusted and swept my room. She swept most of the house, then excused herself, saying that she'd see me later.
And about 5 minutes later I got a text from her, "Come find me at my house. It's urgent." Well, I was really worried. What sort of emergency might happen during the short time that she was away from her house?
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| I was seated in the very back of the plane. |
So I grabbed a wrap and went to her house.
For lunch! Yes, she made me lunch and insisted that I eat all of it. Very traditional island fare, and I loved it: chicken wings cooked in a tomato sauce with a full bowl of rice. So I visited with her and her family while enjoying a great meal.
Remember back in March when I wrote a similar "Welcome home, or not" post? Well this time I truly felt welcome. Even the neighborhood bossy lady gave me a huge hug and wouldn't let go for a minute or two.
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| Volcano Island, just after takeoff |
Pray: for the rest of my teammates who will be traveling tomorrow. For local-
language concentration which starts on Tuesday. For English classes that will be starting up Sept 9th. For my team leaders' youngest son who got burned badly (it's healing, but slowly).
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| Clove Island, seen through the clouds |
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| Ndzia, happy to have company again. |
What a great feeling that must have been! :)
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