Let the Journey Begin...

Well I did it! I packed my bag full of clothes and didn't even hit the 50 pound mark...and that is packing enough clothes for a MONTH! Many our asking how that is possible...well, I am wondering the same :) Thank the good Lord everything fit, and I was able to be on my way. Saying goodbye was hard, and some tears were shed saying bye to my Ry, but knowing he will be with me soon makes all the difference! It's hard when you just pick up the phone whenever you want and call someone about 20 times a day, and now you can't. But nothing compares to my excitement as I sit here in Brussels knowing where my next flight will take me.

My flight here to Brussels was great! Thank you Jesus for two seats all to myself! Woot Woot! I was thankful I made the flight, seeing as a I had a 1.5 hour delay in Chicago, but all was well! The flight attendants were awesome and I was able to watch "Life as we Know It," grab a bite to eat, and get about 4 hours of sleep!

Next, I had a five hour layover in Brussels, and let me tell you...it's not like a fun NYC type of airport. The terminal T that takes flights to Africa is like a barren land! There is NO food, drinks, Starbucks...nothing! So...I got creative and slept for a few hours. I had my arm wrapped through my suitcase, my bag in my arms and was OUT. THankfully, I was so tired I was able to sleep and the five hours passed quickly. On the flight to Cotonou, I was in the middle section on the aisle...yes, it's nice for some leg room, but not the best place to try and sleep. It was a great flight though, and the staff was awesome! Each seat had an iPad in the headrest and so I was to watch a few movies and let my excitement build knowing where this plane was going to take me!!!

We finally landed, and my heart was overwhelmed! The weather was ideal! The warmth with the cool breeze and the sound of Beninese French felt so comforting. I waited anxiously for my luggage, and PRAISE the LORD it was all here! I got out of the airport, walked through the crowd of people and there was sweet Jon with a big smile waiting to help me lug my stuff around. Then there came Ash with a huge hug, the tears began to flow and she said the words that makes my heart so happy "Welcome HOME!!" Jeanine and Matilde had came with Maman and Papa. I was so excited to squeeze and kiss on them.

We made the two hour drive back to Sakete, and dropped the girls off at the Center. We made our way through the dark night with a flashlight to try and wake the kids up...Tata was here!! Unfortunately, they were OUT, and I felt too bad to wake them so I just kissed their sweet faces and headed to Jon and Ashley's house to unload and catch up. I got all unpacked, chatted and giggled with the Barchus' and cooled off in my cold shower. I got a great night's sleep and feel well rested! Now it's time to get ready to see my sweet nieces and nephews!!!

Here our some pics from my travel here...

OK...soo all the pics won't upload...and i'm over it...will try again later :) It's time for me to go enjoy this 80 degree sunshine and love on some cute kiddos!!

PS...if there are tons of grammatical errors...Please remember I wasn't an English major and have to type fast due to the possibility of the internet crashing :)

Love love!

Tata EE