But going from 40C to -25C in the space of a few days is a little bit of a shock to one's system!
I almost didn't make it out of Jb, due to a missing stamp in my passport. It was one of the most stressful two hours of my life. I won't go into the details, 'cause I don't want to relive the whole thing... but in the end, about 15 minutes before my plane was supposed to leave, the immigration guy had my passport in his possession and was NOT going to let me have it for anything. He just kept saying, "You're in big trouble..." All I could do was stand in the middle of the airport trying not to cry and praying! I had called all the people I knew to call (even tried calling Richard in Uganda, though I couldn't get through :( ) to see if they could get me out of this pickle... but to no avail. I had even looked everywhere for my Immigration Buddy. But he was no where to be found, either.
So what to do. I just stood there for a few minutes, just waiting for something to happen. Because something had to happen... either a miracle would happen and the guy would change his mind, or the plane would take off without me...
And then, a miracle DID happen. I never thought I would be so happy to see my Immigration Buddy... but there he was, a vision in his brown suit, striding through the doors. I'm sure he was so pleased that I was so pleased to see him, and I immediately shook his hand in greeting and launched into my problem. He dropped everything he had, strode over to the immigration desk with me in tow, told the immigration guy that was giving me the problem that I am his wife and I am a very good woman, grabbed my passport, grabbed the stamp, and I was on my way! What an amazing answer to prayer - this guy that I complain to no end about actually strode in at the very last minute and became my knight in shining armour (except that the only thing shiny about the day was my face, as I'd been running around in the 40C heat!).
Another one of my friends who works for an aviation organization was there, as well, and was sticking around to make sure I got out ok, so he walked me through the security and made sure I got on that plane to leave. What a comfort it was to have Peter there to put me on the plane, as I was so relieved from all that stress that I was almost in tears again! I was just so ready to leave that country, and I had no idea what was going to happen if I didn't make it on that plane when I was supposed to! So I was thanking the Lord that Immigration Buddy walked by when he did - on his day off, no less. There was no reason why he should have been at the airport that day, but he was, and he just happened to come and find me just a few minutes before my flight took off!
Now the tricky part is going to come when I get back. He did me a huge favour. What do I do in return... without giving him the wrong idea, if you know what I mean?! But I'll worry about that later. For now... I'm enjoying all the wonders of being home!
From Jb, I flew to Addis Ababa, where I stayed with my friend Hiwet again. My favorite taxi driver friend picked me up from the airport (where we actually landed early and I got through immigration incredibly quickly - so quickly, in fact, that I had time to eat a Twix chocolate bar whilst waiting... mmmm.... my first Twixt in almost a year!), and I went to Hiwet's house. My three days in Addis were so incredibly relaxing - I drank a lot of macciatos at the cafe near Hiwet's place, I visited some good friends, I strolled around the shops enjoying some lovely things, I read a couple of good books... and I slept so much in the nice cool fresh air! It was lovely.
Celine, however, followed me to Addis. Everywhere I went, there she was. Her heart was still going on and on and on...
But everything in Addis really went without a hitch, and I had a great refreshing and relaxing time. Of course, the days went much too fast, but I was also getting a bit anxious and ready to come home to see my family and friends here.
The rest of the journey home went as smoothly as it ever could. There were absolutely no problems with anything. I even had nice people to chat with on the planes and while waiting in the airport. And mommy was at the airport with a nice warm coat, mittens and a toque for me to put on when I arrived!
Since I got home, I've been trying to stay warm, doing a little shopping, got my hair cut (something that hasn't happened in several months!), drinking hot tea, doing a little more shopping, enjoying electricity and paved (albeit icy!) roads, and playing with my new computer (my other one died in Jb - I had been borrowing one from the organization I work for), and catching up with friends and family. Oh yeah, and sleeping under a great big blanket, snuggled in some lovely flannel sheets!
Only a few more sleeps and I get to see my sister, bro-in-law and nephews... and I'm SO excited. I'm just sorry I haven't had more time to talk to them on the phone - I seem to be out a lot these days :( But they're coming in a few days, so I can't wait to see them!!
And now, since I've been up later than I have been in days, I should probably tear myself away from the fireplace and put myself into those flannel sheets of mine... mmm... so cozy and warm...
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