Well, here we are again. We have not thought of any new and clever ways to say, "Gosh, it is fabulous to be back in Africa."
We arrived in Johannesburg just a few hours ago--greeted by the most perfect weather. Apparently, it just rained and the air feels like something you would pay for at a spa. There is a gentle breeze, and the temperature is perfect.
Landing at the airport was fun. The new construction has come a long way in the few months since we were last here. The whole city is gearing up for the 2010 World Cup, and the airport is the hub of the action. We usually exit the plane via staircase onto the tarmac and take a bus to the main terminal. Today, we walked off a gangway into a spiffy new concourse. It is exciting to see southern Africa preparing to host the world.
Inside the bustling Johannesburg airport
Jen at work in the airport cafe
It is always nice to see our old friends at our layover spot in Johannesburg, The Airport Game Lodge (most of them with webbed feet or four legs). We use the forced overnight (last flight out to Ndola leaves before the U.S. flights arrive each day) to have a long night's rest and look over our plans for the trip.
A view from our rooms
Dave resting and working in a thatched gazebo
Some of our friends:
Our time in Ndola is short this trip--just a week. Our main objective is to touch base and be sure everything is on track. Within that, we have big ambitions: we are hoping to see a nearly complete medical/community building and talk about what is needed to finish it; we have many things to discuss with Kantolomba residents, including ideas for emergency assistance for people displaced by collapsed houses during the heavy rains, collaboration on health and clean water campaigns, and thoughts for next steps on the projects; we have a good deal of government business to attend to, most significantly being sure we are on track to bring the children from the Living Compassion house back from their home village where they were abruptly sent when it seemed some papers were not in order (see previous Africa coordinator update; we hope to scope out a location for the next well; and, well, much, much more. We'll keep you up-to-date as it unfolds.
Off to the long night's sleep part of the program--it is only 6:15PM! Success!