June 7, 2011
After a 3-day journey from Bere, we arrived in Atlanta, to be met by our sons Brett & Roger. They had driven from Collegedale to meet us. Our journey started at the bus stop in Bere. The bus ride to N'Djamena, the capital, takes about 6 hours. We counted 78 camels, in different little groups, about an hour south of the capital. Arrangements had been made for "our" taxi driver (we at Bere share him) to pick us up and take us to the TEAM Mission, where we spent a night and portion of the next day. Our flight left at 14h20, headed for Addis Ababa. From there we changed planes and headed for Dulles, Washington, via Rome. It was a L-O-N-G night. Arrived at a wet Dulles airport, due to overnight rains. After a 5-hour wait we boarded a flight for Atlanta, and were pleased to experience the sunshine and fluffy clouds in Atlanta. Folks were complaining that it was hot, but to us it felt like a nice day.
We were shocked to see the destruction in the Ringgold/Apison area as a result of the tornadoes that passed thru there in late April. The people along this path are still rebuilding. Many homes and buildings were removed from their foundations.
It has been a reverse culture shock to be in busy traffic, walk thru the well-stocked aisles at Wal-Mart, attend church in an air conditioned building and step into an actual bank. We notice the absence of ox carts and motorcycles - feels strange.
At present we are house sitting for a couple on White Oak Mountain in Collegedale while they are on vacation, so we take care of 3 dogs, 2 cats and a huge flower garden that needs watering.
Kel is designing and making drawings this summer for the remaining portions of the steel structures the guys were working on in Chad before we left. There is still much to do. Josie is getting ready to sing at two Camp Meetings later this month. She also has several other venues booked to sing at in July/August. She has another batch of CD's ready to sell, so will be quite busy with music presentation & sales this summer.
We trust our blog finds you in good health, and that your courage is good.
God bless each of you in your corner of labor.
Till later,
Kel & Josie
How long will you be in Collegedale? We will be coming for a visit, and to have the twins dedicated, the first two weeks in August (2-16). We would love to see you if you're around! The dedication and REALife SS potluck will be on Sabbath, the 13th.
ReplyDeleteDan, Kelly, Gretta, Ella & Reuben Pratt