Travelling Not So Light- (anyone catch the Max Lucado reference?)

Well I write this entry lying on my new bed under a mosquito net that I mistook for a really cool canopy. Before I write about my adventures thus far in the beautiful land of Mozambique, let me take you on a quick tour of my travels getting here:

I departed from LAX on Thursday with two bags stuffed so full it took Trent, Trav and I an actual hour to zip them up. We laughed about how awful it would be if the airport made me open them...oh you know what's coming. So to save hundreds of dollars, the airport recommended I lighten the bags by adding a third bag. Why did I not think of that? So while everyone in line watched, I unloaded my bags and packed a third and sweated so much I got pit stains. A compassionate Brit took mercy on me and helped me zip them back up and I was off. I had myself a little tear fest while I waited in lines, thinking of everything and one I would miss. However, since I was flying to London first, I got hear some great accents and funky outfits whiched cheered me up. Yes, I am easy to cheer up. Once, I boarded the first plane, the tears were gone and I was ready for the adventure to begin!

Flight to London: 10 hours and 10 minutes. Ok, those of you know me well are probably waiting for an "awkward Katie" story because airplanes, like weddings, seem to be a breeding ground for awkward moments for me. I have twice snuggled with the stranger sitting next to me but sorry guys, no snuggle stories this time. I did however spill orange juice all over my pants and chalked that up as a victory since that was my only mishap on the flight.

I arrived in London with plans to meet my friend Jenny who recently moved there. I exchanged my money and I thought I would show how intellectual I am by saying, "Yes, I'll trade these in for Euros." I figured, I'm in Europe, surely England uses Euros. Luckily the lady saw through my brown hair and smart-looking aura and saw the true blonde pretending to be smart and informed me England uses pounds. Darnet.

Jenny took me on an amazing whirlwind tour of London. My first time in Europe was amazing thanks to her tour-guide skills. We rode the "tube" everywhere which was very similar to the subway in New York, minus the grossness. Lunch was spent on a blanket in Hydes Park where Jenny assured me the ducks would not come near us on the grass. (you see, in Daisy Scouts I had a tramatic experience where a large goose bit my hand and I've had a massive fear of giant ducks and geese since.) The picture does not show the full effect.
Our next stop was Picadilly Cirle or Circus. I can't remember the name and those of you who are smarter than me will know because apparently it is quite famous and I am just clueless.Next we went to Buckingham Palace and yes, I knew what that was. (mostly because I recently watched the movie, The Queen, which I highly recommend.) We walked through this amazing park to get to the palace which almost impressed me more than the building. The paths were lined with giant trees (if only I was a tree expert right now, I'd tell you what kind) and I had an overwhelming urge to go for a run. In the picture I am purposefully standing by myself awkwardly. I just love solo poses. Is there a cool way to stand when your alone in a picture? I propose that there is not but please inform me if you've found one. I am reinacting my pose from the 8th grade trip to the White House. (minus the cool flannel shirt) Oh, If it is tough to find me in the picture, I am the only one facing the camera. The other picture is trying to show the statue in the background. I honestly don't know if it's famous or not. Aren't you glad I'm not teaching your children World History? Our last stop on the tour was the House of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. We said a quick hello to our friend Ben and then whisked off to Jenny's flat and back to the airport. Jenny will now be selling the "5 hour tour of London" if you are interested. It was amazing. The only sad part was I did not get to run into my childhood crush. Oh you know who. I used to be so certain that William and I would run into each other and fall in love and I would become queen of England one day. (well it was either him or Leo) I guess I'll have to run into him another time.
Flight from London to Johannesberg: 10 hours and 45 minutes. Another somewhat uneventful flight in which I was able to sleep very well after running around. I tried to trick my seatmates into thinking I was British by speaking in an accent and I think it worked for awhile when I only had to use one word phrases. Things were going smoothly until I went against my instincts and ate the omlette. For the record, I now have a strict non-egg eating rule on all flights. I felt the rumble down under and prepared to make the awkward climb over my seatmates. (surely there is a better name than seatmates but I am drawing a blank right now) Right as I stood, the pilot came on the air and announced that ALL the toilets were broken. NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I imagined the worst case scenarios and they were not pretty. Luckily I was able to fall back asleep and yet another "Why me?" incident did not take place.

In Johannesberg I had to get my bags and check into the domestic terminal. Sounds easy right? It took me 3 hours! Luckily my layover was a 7 hour layover. I was warned not to accept any offers of help at the airport because they would expect a tip but as I was walking with my bags doing my best to look completely confident, a man asked me if I was looking for the domestic terminal. Innocently, I responded that yes, I was and he motioned for me to follow him into the elevator so I followed. About halfway up the ride I realized this man was not being friendly, he was looking for a tip. I had a very awkward time trying to get him to leave and searched frantically for a bathroom to hide in hoping he would leave but could find none. Finally, I mustered all my meanness and said, "Look, I know you're looking for money but you're not helping me. I'm carrying my own bags and I can follow the arrows so leave me alone." I know, I'm tough. He then proceeded to follow me for a bit mumbling some pleasant blessings to me in another language but luckily I'm a pretty decent speed walker and lost him.

While waiting at the next terminal I played, "spot the American" and read my book. I was sitting at a gate with literally 2 or 3 other people and this little African man came and put his jacket right next to me and then sat down on my leg! How is one supposed to respond in such a situation? My mind raced with options for what was going on: 1- he was trying to rob me in a very unique way. (I clutched my purse tighter) 2- Africans have less of a "space issue" as I do. 3- He was doing a dare. (I doubt if many 40 year olds still play this game although i kind of hope I do.) Well whatever his intentions were, I was freaked out and after staying strong for a full 30 seconds I left.

Flight to Nelspruit South Africa: 1 hour. Tiny plane, but enjoyable flight with no incidents.

I arrived in South Africa and Madalena, the woman I am living with, picked me up from the airport and we drove to a hotel. I pulled a Katie and tried to get into the drivers' seat and was very confused as to why the passenger seat had a steering wheel. (I've done this 2 more times since) I must confess, I was a little disappointed. We walked to dinner at a mall that had a huge casino and movie theater and it did not feel like Africa, it felt like a non-brand name version of America. There were more white people at the mall than black which surprised me. No offense Whities, but I was hoping to be living amonst the Africans. Madalena assured me South Africa was another world compared to Mozambique and boy was she right.

I will leave you hanging in suspense as to what Mozambique is like until I write my next entry. A few teasers of what's to come in the next entry:
* a kudu by the road
* feisty Madalena scolds a stranger
*humbling trip to the icrecream store
* ugly faces ministry
* french kiss with Gizmo

I still have this complex that missionaries are supposed to sound holier than I do and since I haven't even mentioned God in this entry I thought I'd throw his name in. I love him and He was with me every step of my travels and I thank you all for praying for me as I travelled. Seriously though, thank you, He really did answer prayers. I read a really cool entry in the "Experiencing God day by day" devotional that I'd love to share with you. (not to try to make myself look like a better Christian, but just because it encouraged me and I hope it encourages you as well) (if this violates some copywrite law, please don't snitch)

He is At Your Right Hand

Psalm 16:8 I ahve set he Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

"What does it mean to set the Lord always before you? It means that you choose to relate everything you encounter to your trust in God. What you choose to focus on becomes the dominant influence in your life. You may be a Christian, but if your focus is always on your problems, your problems will determine the direction of your life. If your focus is on people, then people will determine what you think and do. In biblical times, the right hand was the most distinguished position, reserved for one's chief adviser and supporter. When you choose to focus on Christ, you invite Him to take the most important position in your life as Counselor and Defender.

Every time you face a new experience, you should turn to Christ for His interpretation and strength. When people insult you and mistreat you, you should seek direction from your Counselor regarding the right response. When you face a crisis, you should receive strength from the One at your right hand. When you experience need, you should consult your Counselor before you react. When you face a fearful situation, you should take courage from the Advocate at your right hand. Everything you do is in the context of your relationship to Crhist.

What an incredible act of God's grace that Christ should stand beside you to guide you and cousel you and defend you! How could you ever become dismayed over your situation with Christ at your right hand? What confidence this should give you!"

You know who I am so grateful to right now? How many of you are thinking Jesus? If you did, you're wrong, I was actually thinking that I am so grateful for my typing teacher in high school. She wore the same bun every day which really bothered me at the time but she gave me such a sweet gift in teaching me how to type quickly. (not to boast, but I am pretty quick) I hope that passage blessed you as it blessed me. I for one struggle with focusing too much on people and letting others' opinions determine what I think and do so it was convicting.

Until next time! Which I'm guessing will be tomorrow. If you read this entire entry, bravo my friend, I am impressed.