May 23 (this was yesterday's post, but couldn't get it up due to internet :) And no pics because I can't figure out how or if we can do it...

We made it to Africa! … finally!

Two weeks ago, Josh, Charlie and I were blessed to spend some relaxing time in San Diego with family. The awe of the ocean scene and the crashing waves was soon overtaken by a week of moving madness. From the day we go home, until literally an hour before we left for the airport, we cleaned, packed, and moved what remained in our house from the yard sale. We also completed 5 million pieces of paper work.  We also had a beautiful going away party in which our friends and family prayed such sweet prayers over us. I was covered in tears and snot, that Is how emotional it was. We also were able to laugh and reminisce on the good ‘ol days. I wish we could have spent more time like that in our last days, but instead it was a frantic mess. I got one hour of sleep the night before we went to the airport.

We were at the airport at 4:45 in the morning with our 9 pieces of checked luggage and WAY too many pieces of carryon items which made loading and unloading from the planes painful. After a tearful good bye with the Shinar parents, we left for Chicago (3 hours). There we met up with the Danforths. Then onto Frankfurt (8 hours) followed by an hour flight to Brussels then to Yayonde, Cameroon (6.5 hours).  When the 5 of us arrived it way mayhem. We had 20 pieces of checked luggage between us and again WAY too many carryons. But the missionary friends who came to get us had paid some men to delivery our stuff to the trucks which were guareded by more paid men. Only 1 bag was missing! All in all, Charlie did wonderful on the flights. Thank God that she had her own seat and her hippo!

On our drive home from the airport, I did my first truly African thing- hold Charlie on my lap in the car. No car seat law here. It made me nervous. I guess I will be stretching my comfort zone!

Some things are already challenging me on my first day- such as ants. They are everywhere. We have to keep our sugar in the fridge  to keep it safe and all other food must be  wrapped thoroughly. I don’t think it helps that we have a toddler that leaves chunks of food in her wake. I swept our floor 4 times today!  I asked Aleta how to get rid of them and she said, “Oh it is really hard.” I asked, “Do you really mean just deal with it?” To which she replied, “Yeah.” Another missionary put it this was, “Make your peace with all small critters. We put our houses on top of their houses. They were here first,”

The other thing that I am having a hard time is how un baby proofed the houses are! Today I chased Charlie all over. It wore me out. She really likes to turn on the gas stove!  I am looking forward to moving into a place that I can modify more to make life easier.

The heat and humidity are also a challenge. Charlie’s head was wet all day from sweat- poor baby. But we have a fan that really helps and every once in a while there is a cool breeze.  I am sure we will learn to adjust.

We got phones today. They are hilarious. They look like phones from ten years ago and they have the loudest most obnoxious ring tones. Think soccer game Latin American music mixed with Bollywood tones.  They have sim cards- a pay as you go type plan. The cards also double as the internet access. Crazy.

We also had our first intro to African living lesson. I learned that we have to soak produce in a bleach solution to prevent getting worms or bacteria. We must also wash dishes with a bleach solution. When you enter a room, you have to shake everyone’s hands. When you shop or do business, you have to have small talk even before you ask a question, otherwise you are rude. No using the left hand and no crossing legs.

Things that I am loving so far- a simpler life in many ways. We do not have a tv and our internet is limited, so today we napped and talked with people. It was a nice change from our hectic last week.  It is exciting to be in a new place and learn a new way of life.

Things I miss- diet coke, convenient food, baby gates.

Things I am praying for- Charle to adapt to the time change. She is all messed up with days and nights. Safety for shopping tomorrow. Less ants.