Off to Africa Again

The last trip was about a year ago. It was such a hard trip for me that it took me quite a while to be ok with going back. I enjoy the people tremendously but often feel isolated and lonely. I think that is caused even more because I get fearful I will get stranded in Africa. A little ridiculous but the truth all the same.

So, I took a year off and hoped that some things would change in my heart. For about two weeks prior to going, I was concerned that I would breakdown prior to going. I usually am so busy that I don't think about it and then it comes time to pack and get on the plane...everything starts to crash. And it can be a downward spiral.

This time I didn't crash as much. I had a few moments but I had a friend with me this time. Usually, all my friends are busy and not around for the packing and chaos of last minute details. It was nice to have a friend help and stop to give me a hug as the tears fell. Then I got on the plane to Paris and can honestly say I am doing ok.

I got a window seat to Paris and had a very nice man sit next to me. Other than my knee hurting from being cramped it was overall good.

Then the flight to Bangui was its usual interesting. They always have sooo much stuff. I am dumbfounded. I thought I was getting an empty seat next to me but the last guy on the plane was my guy. He had a lot of stuff too...so much that he could not find space for it. So, he put it between his legs. Entirely covered the floor. In a flight in the states, this would be against aviation rules...but when going to Africa anything goes. The sucky part was that he had to spread his legs to get it in and invaded my already small and cramped space. The nice thing was that bc he was so uncomfortable he stood in the back for 4 of the 7 hours...I was able to lounge out in my two chairs.

Arrival in Bangui was a little crazier than usual. I didn't bring the normal luggage so I couldn't just tell someone to pick up this bag so I had to wait at the belt to get my stuff. You seriously can't move. You pull out your luggage and there is no where to go. The people are crammed so tight together....and they are so tall compared to me. I was lucky to get a spot at the front. You lug 50 lbs through packed area and try hard to keep your balance. The nice thing is that people were kind enough to help me balance...they can't help it when they are that close together.

Then the guys wanted to fine me for bringing in new tools. So, we just stood there with begging faces until they finally just said ok....it probably helps a little that I can not speak their language...maybe it has nothing to do with it.

I got back to the guest house...said a few hellos and then slept for 4 hours...sometimes a bed even in heat is heavenly.