A Long Way from Tipperary

With the speed of our trip to the South African airline flight - we made it but our luggage, unfortunately/fortunately did not. D1 and I agreed to get up and go to the airport and the South African Airline office early the next morning with Rev C. We looked at each other and thanked God that we were not arising a 4:30 to make it to the 6:00 am public bus! Since ALL of the plans had now changed Rev C was working on "Plan B" (bus or no bus). After a night of restful prayer, the team was all assured that God was in control. He was still on "Plan A" His plan all along!

Our original intent was to leave and be at the airline office when it opened, but the transportation now had to be worked out, AND our luggage would NOT arrive until the SAA flight came in at 2:30 pm.

Add the time to unload the luggage, find 13 pieces, get loaded, checked up and checked out, and on the road, it was going to be a long day.

Rev C and his friend J, secured a bus large enough to accommodate all six of us and our 700 pounds of "stuff". I'm sure when Rev C actually saw the amount and size of our sizeable suitcases, he was thankful for not having to take public transportation.

It took us over 1 1/2 hours to get out of the capital city. It was Africa all the way. Dirt roads, dump sites and multitude of merchants. For those returning and for the two that had never been, there was silence while we took in the surroundings. Words do not express the depth of the "other" world, barely considered "third" by most standards.
"Now listen daughter, don't miss a word. Forget your country, put your home behind you. Be here - the King is wild for you!" Psalm 45: 10-11 The Message

The scenes were wild, and we were trying to keep our minds occupied from the danger and impending dark around us. We had 6 1/2 hours to stay with our minds fixed on everything but what "could" happen at the top of the next hill.