Frankfurt to Nairobi

We only had about  2 hour layover in Frankfurt and we did have to clear security there. By the time we had walked nearly a mile to our next gate, according to Cynthia's fitness app, I  only had enough time to post the blog entry I wrote on the first flight, send a couple of emails and post to Facebook.  The boarding process went smoother than in Houston but we're on a much smaller plane, the Airbus A340-300.

We took off pretty much on time and will arrive in Nairobi a little after 8 pm local time. We were given a new form on the plane from the Kenyan customs authority wanting us to declare everything we are bringing into the country. I have no idea how to value our vision supplies or my cameras and laptops.  I'm sure it's just another way to tax us. I just hope it goes smoothly on our arrival.

Our lunch on the plane was a choice between a chicken or a beef dish. I chose the beef and it was good. We're all trying to stay awake on this flight so we might be able to get some sleep overnight before an early morning safari.  I'll get to be with my friend Barrack for the safari and for lunch afterwards. It will be good to catch up on each other's lives.  We always do an early morning  trip to the Nairobi National Game Park on the first Saturday for several reasons. Since some of our team members may view this mission trip as a once in a lifetime event, it's good for them to see some of the  countryside and the abundant wildlife and flowers. Second, if we can stay active and be pretty exhausted over the weekend,  we'll naturally get better sleep and will be almost acclimated to the 8 hour difference from Austin to Nairobi by the time we begin the clinic.

After we get our luggage and clear customs, Catherine has arranged for a van to take us to Rosa Mystica,  the  convent we will call home while we are in Kenya. My first order of business will be a hot shower,  you can get pretty grungy when you travel for 24 hours or more!  Next I'll try to let folks know we arrived safe and sound.  Finally, I'll attempt to get some good sleep. On my first few missions, it was Monday or Tuesday night before I got a good night's rest.  These days, Saturday night or Sunday are possible. Never on that first Friday night though. You're still wound up from the rigors of travel, it's a short night and you are anticipating the morning photo safari. But you still have to try, even if it's just laying there, which is still way better than an airplane seat slightly leaned back.  That's it for now. We're about three and a half hours from touchdown.  The next post will probably be short and sweet just saying all is well.  We've been blessed with relatively easy travel so far with only the expected minor inconveniences. Thank you Lord for travel mercies!