Can't Sleep

It is about 4 in the morning here and I can't sleep so I figured I would post a few pictures I had. I am 7 hours ahead of Missouri time.

For those of you who have not traveled long distances over seas, this is something I thought might be interesting to you. When you have long flights, you are fed well. I thought I was just going to get one meal on the 17.5 hour flight, but instead I got three. And, the meals are good and big. They always come with a main dish, side dish, a roll, something like crackers & cheese, and a dessert. Below is a picture of one of my meals. The main dish is tortellini with chicken and broccoli. I also had a breakfast meal with the main dish consisting of  eggs, sausage and potatoes and another dinner meal the main dish being chicken curry.

My 3rd meal on the long 17.5 hour flight from Washington D.C. to Johannesburg, SA

Also, this summer I was blessed to be a part of a Bible study with a group of women from Kearney, most of whom I had not known before. Throughout the summer they have been so supportive in praying for me and asking what I still needed before I left. I mentioned that I was going to get supplies to bring to make life story books with the kids, but if they wanted to donate supplies they are more than welcome. I figured whatever was needed once I got what they donated, I would just buy. Well, I did not end up needing to buy anything because they were so gracious in their donations.

As you can see, they gave a ton! And you might be wondering how I got this all there. I took 2 medium sized suit cases and filled each half full of the supplies to distribute the weight (United has a 50 lb. weight limit). I was not sure if I was going to be allowed 1 or 2 free bags so I also had another bag full of just supplies in case I got 2 free bags and then I would pay for the 3rd. I knew either way I would pay for at least one bag. It turned out that I only got 1 free bag and the 2nd was $50. The 3rd would have been about $200 so I left that one home and it will come with a group coming in a couple of months. Thanks for all the donations ladies!

This is just a glimpse into the generosity of everyone while I was support raising whether it has been financial donations or garage sale donations or supply donations. Everyone has been so supportive and I am so grateful.

 Tomorrow I will learn how to drive a stick. Please pray for that as I am super nervous mainly because I don't want to ruin their clutch. And on top of that, driving is opposite here so that will take some getting used to. The Mama at the orphanage is fully expecting to rely on me to help take the kids to school or to the hospital in emergencies so I really need to learn how to do this.

And finally, although this has nothing much to do with South Africa, I think it is kind of funny. My 19 year old younger brother just had to try this before I left:

my brother Scott trying to raise me above his head

At home, Scott always likes to pick me up and swing me around until I'm falling over from dizziness. This time though, he just had to try and lift me above his head, but as you can see was not too successful.

If you have any questions for me over the next months, please ask. I love hearing from you!