We arrived in Nairobi just a little early and we went through the same procedure that was used in Doha. Curtains closed between the cattle car and the pricier seat sections, down the stairs to the tarmac and into a waiting bus. Deborah was sitting near me in the front part of Economy and Elizabeth was back about 20 rows from us. So this time, it was Deborah and I going through the passport check together and Elizabeth bringing up the rear. We got both of their luggage in record time and mine didn't come and didn't come,but there was still hope while more bags were dribbling out onto the conveyor. Eventually, it was obvious mine wasn't there. Qatar Air had a rep there with a laptop and he was able to determine that my bag was still in London, as were some bags from other teams that had been traveling since Chicago with us. This was the shortest and easiest lost baggage claims process ever. It's usually an hour or more, this was a couple of minutes. I give kudos to Qatar Air for their efficiency in helping with short connections, with the luggage, the food on the planes was great with real silverware and the crews were very nice. I am hoping they will deliver my bag to our lodging tomorrow. I somehow lost my flannel shirt on the last flight and it's cool here in the mornings and evenings, so I'll have to get a sweatshirt tomorrow if my bag doesn't make it Sunday. I've got another jacket in my suitcase. In the meantime, last year's travel fiasco taught me to have an extra shirt, underwear and socks. I was able to shower when we finally got to Little Daughters of St.Joesph around 10:30am. Start to finish, from my doorstep to our rooms was about 45 hours without the benefit of staying in a hotel like last year. This ranks it as my second all-time worst travel experience for one of these mission trips. But we're all smiling and the rest of the team will be here late tonight. Thank you, Jesus!
We went to lunch at 11:30 at the nearby Java House, a restaurant chain with very good coffee. Think Starbucks with decent food. We all got about an hour nap after lunch and are refreshed. I took Deborah around the grounds of the convent with my wildlife camera in hand. Lots of beautiful flowers and an exotic bird or two were seen, as well as a monkee climbing high above in one of the trees. So now Phase 1, travel, is in the books. We will worship tomorrow with our host church in Ongata Rongai near where our clinic will be held. Stay tuned, we're just getting started!
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