We have arrived!

After 25 hours of travel time, little sleep, and only one small mishap (a glass of water falling on Levi’s face while he was asleep) we arrived safely in Nairobi last evening! Thank God, there were absolutely no issues or problems with the logistics of the travel, aside from the fact that when we initially checked in at NWA in Phoenix, they were not going to issue our boarding passes because we did not have return flights (Kenyan visas are issued at the Nairobi airport and are only good for three months). But one quick call to Samaritan’s Purse, a subsequent fax, and all was well. We checked 23 items (20 “Action Packers”, 2 duffle bags, and 1 box) filled with homeschooling supplies, orthopedic equipment, household items, etc. totaling 1390 lbs! They ALL arrived in Nairobi and in good condition (at least on the outside). I was a little concerned, because as we were boarding our initial flight in Phoenix, I looked out the window to see the baggage handlers tossing the action packers upside-down on the loading belt. Oh well…

Dr. Russ White, the chief surgeon at Tenwek, kindly met us at the airport, along with his two boys, two Samaritan’s Purse staff and three trucks to haul our stuff (so embarrassing as Americans – why do we have so much “stuff”). We stayed the night at the Mennonite Guest House in Nairobi, and today has involved shopping for groceries with Russ’s wife Beth, buying a SIM card for my Palm Treo, and grabbing a quick latte at The Java House (Kenyan equivalent of Starbucks). The Whites have been such a blessing to us since the beginning...I could not imagine trying to handle all of this without their help. The kids have been playing all day outside in the warm sunshine, meeting new friends. Jeremiah just came in the room after trying to catch skinks all morning and said, “Dad, I love Kenya.” He is in his element. Tomorrow, Lord willing, we head for Tenwek.
Thank you for your prayers during this journey…we remain so dependent upon God’s mercy and grace. Please continue to pray for us now while we get settled in, set up the house, get into a routine, and as I start surgery. We appreciate you all so much!