4 Weeks Too Long

I can't believe how fast 4 weeks went. Getting on that plane in Durango felt so right, though, just as it always does when we leave to go back to what we joke is our "bush life." Leaving my crying parents at the gate is always hard, but part of me simply knows that Mozambique is our home and that's where my life & my heart now live.

My flight to Denver was easy & quick. I had a red eye to NYC from Denver, and I was the lucky lady in the exit row, all by myself. So needless to say, I stretched out and slept like a big baby. 

I landed at La Guardia on Tuesday morning, collected all 5 of my ginormous and overweight bags, and took the shuttle to JFK. At JFK, I spent over an hour arguing over luggage fees and after some tears of frustration, a South African Airways manager saved the day and I didn't have to pay any extra baggage fees. 

I'd already paid in Durango but apparently South African wouldn't see any of that money, even though they carried my bags the longest. That manager was an angel, to say the least. I cried, she hugged me, and reminded me there are so many awful things in this world that we have to help each other. 

The coolest part of all was I meet a man and his 2 kids who were heading to Beira, a gorgeous coastal town in central Mozambique. He told me that if the manager couldn't figure it out, he would pay for my bags. I feel like God personally held my hand through that leg of the journey. I was so tired, super hungry, and I just wanted to get on my longest flight that would at least get me back on the right continent. 

After checking my bags, I waited over an hour to get through security at JFK and then of course, they had to go through all of my carry on luggage, too. It was just one of those mornings. 

I speed walked my butt over to a breakfast joint by my gate, grabbed the last bacon and egg sandwich I'd eat for a while, and savored every bite. I chugged 2 big bottles of water and went to the bathroom to freshen up. The next thing I knew, I was tucked away in an aisle seat ready for a 15 hour flight to Joberg.

I've never really enjoyed those long flights but if they save me long airport layovers and extra hours on another plane, I'll do it. I just make nice with the staff in the common areas, walk the aisles, try to sleep, and watch a few movies. 

After spending one night in South Africa, I'm was back on the final flight to Nampula. We make a quick pit stop in a little town called Tete where we are stamped into the country, shuffled bags around and then quickly got back on the plane. 

Landing in Tete always makes me a little nervous. They tend to make a little trouble regarding bringing a lot of items into the country. Most custom officials could care less that we are a children's home, helping children who aren't being cared for. Many look at my skin color and want to get their payday, too. I'll let you know how it all goes down.

The customs officers had their hands so full they had no time to bother anyone. They scanned my bags and saw I had an imac in one. I chatted with the customs chief and he asked me why I have a computer. I explained and he told me to take my bags, drop them at the door, and wait to get back on the plane. You have no idea how miraculous this was! Like I said, it's like God held my hand until I got home.

Seeing these faces made my whole YEAR!

We ran back to our plane, and took the short hour long trip to Nampula. We landed, and there he was - my night in shining armor. I've never been so happy to see my man. I cried and couldn't let him go. We grabbed my bags, and went out to the car Phil borrowed from a friend. (Our truck starter conveniently went out on Sunday.) 

We picked Jadon up from the bus stop and I felt like my whole heart would explode. When we got home about 15 minutes later, and I hugged all my other babies, I finally felt home. This is home. 

I can't explain to you how amazingly Phil held down the fort. The house was in great shape, the kids were happy and healthy, and so helpful. I really married up. He's one of a kind. 

So, now to settle back into our routine; it's way past my bedtime. Thankfully, all 6 kiddos are tucked in bed and sound asleep. I still have lunches to pack and dishes to do but I'm so tired, I may just head to bed. Either way, the world feels right again. It's good to be home.