Thursday, April 9, 2020

The Long Way Home

Kelly has been after me to write about our experiences coming home so you will all know that we did arrive safely back in the United States and eventually to Russiaville.

After I posted on Tuesday night, I receved an email from the US Embassy in Liberia.  I had written them earlier when all the flights out of Liberia were canceled and it appeared that we would be in Liberia for some time - at least until April 15th when Brussels airlines was to resume service ( as we now know that is not going to happen).  We were all packed and ready to move out to the "Kumeh Compound" in Bardnersville on Wednesday to await word on our return.

Back to the email.  The Embassy wanted all our information:  Name, Passport #, Address in Liberia, address in the US, phone numbers, and emergency notification information.  I completed all that and returned it immediately.  I also registered us with the Department of State Foreign Travel Service.

Wednesday morning, I went upstairs to have breakfast and Timothy remained in our hotel room catching a few more winks before we would leave to go out to Bardnersville.  About 9:30 am he came up the stairs carrying his phone saying that the Embassy had called.  I called them back and was told they would be having an medical evacuation plane leaving for the US that night.  Did we have any medical issues and/or were we over the age of 60? When I told them our ages, we were informed that we qualified for the flight.  Were our bags packed?  We could only 2 two each and one very small purse/bag for carryon as there would not be room for anything larger.  Answer: Yes.  We were to be at the Embassy promptly at 11:00 am to complete additional paperwork and sign a promisary note for the cost of our flight.  We were to be at the airport promtly at 8:00 pm and the plane should fly out about midnight.    While individuals with the virus  and another critically ill person without the virus would be on board they would be in isolation.

I immediately called Jeff to come and get us and take us to the Embassy.  By this time it was 10 am and he said that he would leave immediately.  We would be cutting it close but could make it on time.  However, about 10:30, Jeff called to tell us he was caught up in traffic and would not make it.
I told him we would call a taxi and leave our luggage at the hotel.  He could pick it up and then meet us at the Embassy when we were finished.  At least that was the plan.

The hotel clerk called a friend of his who did transport and he arrived about 10:50.  My anxiety level was climbing as we attempted to tell him where we were going - the Main Entrance of the US Embassy.  Well....he took the long way around, got lost twice around the Embassy and finally when I told him across from the Masonic Temple he was able to get us there.  This was about 11:15.  He was really upset with us and took all the Liberian money we had.  I think it was nearly $10 USD.
We went to the door and dutifully washed our hands only to be told that we must wait outside and only one could enter at a time.  OK - no choice but to wait.  Several others arrived with appointments as well.  When it came our turn, a lady tried to move in front of us because she was only 1 and we were two.  However, the guard said that since we were together we could enter. 

Security check: no phone, no camera, no keys, no knitting needles, no coins, nothing metal, etc. etc.  I asked if they just wanted to take my bag but they didn't have room for that.  I proceeded to empty my bag and put everything in a locker and carry the empty bag into the Embassy.  We went through 2 more security checks and then were give more paperwork to complete with the same information that we had given earlier.  We weren't able to give them phone numbers because our phones were locked up when we entered.  We were told "No problem".  With the papers completed and a promisary note in the amount of $1400 each, we were able to leave with the knowledge we had a place on the flight and again to be at the airport promptly at 8:00 pm.  We were to take something to eat and water because nothing would be available on the flight.  (All this in a small bag.  Uh huh!)

As we were leaving a family was at the security desk with the information that one of them was old and infirm and needed someone to accompany him on the flight.  He had his son, daughter in law, and two grandchildren he wanted to take with him.  Later, we did not see him at the airport so apparently he was not able to take all the family.

Jeff was waiting for us as we left and we headed out the Bardnersville.  Once there we had to explain to the children and grandchildren that we would not be staying after all and would be leaving by 6 pm to get to the airport on time.  The balance of the afternoon was spent sorting out things I wanted to leave and giving them to the proper people.  We had promised 2 of our grands our phones but we would need to keep them until we knew for sure we were flying.  I made us a couple of masks for some protection.  There was an incredible gas shortage and I gave Jeff $100 to fill up the jeep with gas to make the trip.  He ended up having to go three different places to get enough gas to make the trip.  He finally got back about 5:30.  With final tears and goodbys we were off.

It was amazing to see all the traffic and the lines at the gas stations we lined up for at least a half a mile down the street in each direction.  Some people had just parked their cars and left them.  Others were gathered with gas cans to get in lines for them as well.  While we were under a directive for no large groups and practicing distancing,  people congregated in clusters to discuss what was going on.
We were finally out on the highway and making our way to the airport.  It seemed to take forever and I passed the time looking for landmarks and seeing with amazement all the new construction that has taken place. 

As darkness fell, we finally reached the airport.  We were stopped at the gate, got out, washed our hands, and presented our passports to be examined by personnel and recorded.  The airport was dark as we entered and only Jeff, Timothy and myself could enter the airport proper.  The others in the car had to wait out in the entrance parking lot.   Security personnel told us "Yes, the plane was coming, No, they didn't know when. Go park in the inside parking lot."  So - we did.  Other cars were coming and soon we saw the lights of a little bar/cafe in one of the auxilary terminals.  Jeff went over and bought us soft drinks.  By 10 pm  the main terminal was still dark and I was getting hungry. We were able to go in and get some food.

About 11 pm the lights came on and we made our way to the main terminal.  By this time I was so worried about Jackie, Jeff's wife O.Z. and daughter being alone in the outer lot that I told Jeff to go on home.  We gave him our cell phones and waited in line.  Embassy personnel told us that if anyone had not signed paperwork at the Embassy earlier in the day, to leave the line and go home, for they would not be on the flight.  There were several who stepped out of the line but also several who remained in the line telling the Embassy personnel they had cause to be on the flight regardless if they had signed paperwork or not. 

We were then called by name to identify ourselves and asked to form another line to go through security before entering the airport.  At the same time we were admonished for standing too close together and to be at least 6 feet apart.  It was interesting to watch the people.  Most were Liberians who had American citizenship.  They felt a sense of entitlement and would push and shove their way forward in the lines.  I puzzled at the size of the bags they carried filled with all sorts of things including food, water, pillows, blankets, etc.  Timothy and I hung back just to watch and be safe. 

Later, we were called to enter and our bags scanned and passports checked at the entrance to the terminal.  Then a maze to enter to move from place to place again having passports checked, paperwork checked, yellow fever cards checked, visas checked and stamped, and final immigration check.  Our handheld items were examined and finally we were allowed to go upstairs to the waiting lounge.  All this was done keeping everyone at a safe distance apart. 

When we got upstairs to a large room we were directed where to sit.  At this point there was only one other white American with us.  I found out that he was a Baptist minister from Arkansas and had been there teaching Baptist pastors how to preach.   Later we were joined by US AID families who were also on the plane.  They had been kept separated from us and even given a separate place in the terminal.  We first heard the flight was to be at midnight, then 3 am and finally at 5 am we heard that it had just left the airport and was on its way to us.  That flight would be about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

While I was walking around to stretch my legs I talked with some of the US AID personnel.  Most of them were working in healthcare either training or monitoring.  Most of them had their families with them and the children really weren't aware of what was happening.  The children were still bright eyed and bushy tailed at that hour in the morning just due to the nervous energy.  Their laughter and playing helped to relieve some of the tension.

Finally the plane arrived and once again we lined up and passports were checked.  Having been separated during our wait, we were then loaded on a bus to go out to the plane.  It was a cargo place and huge.  We were greeted  by medical personnel outfitted in isolation suits with fitted headgear and a battery pack air filtration unit on their backs.  Tempertures were taken and recorded on a wrist band along with our seat assignment.    There was heavy black plastic taped up everywhere in the rear of the plane along with three toilets.  Two of which we could use and the other for the people isolation group.

Hand sanitizer and paper towels were the order of the day.  They were to be used before and after each trip to the toilet.   Farther into the plane were the seats which had been added.  I chuckled because they were so old they still had ashtrays built into the armrests from days long ago.  There was a large boxy unit with its own air filtration unit in front of us (presumably for the medical staff for storage) and beyond that was more black plastic.  It appeared that all this took up about half the space on the plane.  I have no idea where the virus patients or the critically ill patient were located.

For more information about the plane you can follow this link to the company who does the evacuation:  The inside of the aircraft is specially modified designed to transport highly contagious patients. The technology was created by Phoenix Air out of Georgia, at the request of federal agencies during the height of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa six years ago.
We took off from Liberia at 8 am.  I later found out much later after we had reached the US that a text had been sent to my US phone that we did not have to be at the airport until midnight.  Such is life.  The Embassy personnel told us this was a very fluid situation and to be patient as we traveled.
Our flight took us to Lisbon where the flight crew would change and we would pick up some more Americans.  That portion of the flight would be 4 hours.  From there we would travel to Dulles Airport.  We would arrive at approximately 8:30 pm US time or 11:30 pm Liberian time.  We had been given a cold meal consisting of french fries and a turkey sandwich.  There was also plenty of water in coolers along the sides of the planes.  When we left Lisbon we were served a hot meal of beef, rice, bread, cheese, and a chocolate mousse.   Later we received a danish.  We did not go hungry.

Sleep, reading (I read an entire 2 story paperback), knitting and stetching our legs was the order of the day.  The medical personnel were upbeat and encouraging as we traveled.  We even played a couple of games of silent bingo where the numbers were written on large pieces of paper.  Prizes of candy were awarded and at the end each of us received an minature Hershey bar as a treat.

Upon landing at Dulles our temperatures were taken and recorded on our wristbands.  After being transported to the terminal we went through a immigration/customs/CDC processing and told we were to be in home isolation for 14 days.  The airport was empty as we gathered our luggage and Timothy and I decided to find a motel and spend the night and deal with getting to Indiana the next day.

We chose an Embassy Suites because the cost was about 75% less than their usual price and I knew we would be pampered.  They did not have a courtesy bus so we had to get a taxi.  Our driver would not take us anyplace until I had an actual address of the hotel.  My patience was running thin at this point but I managed to find it.  When we arrived the hotel was empty and the clerk on duty said they didn't have enough business to even pay the electric bill for the month.

After a hot shower, I made plane reservations to get us back to Indianapolis.  A good night's sleep and a sack breakfast the next morning we were ready to tackle the day.  Since we were flying out of Reagan airport I made arrangements with Uber to do the transport.  They didn't show up and I didn't even have the reservation on my phone.  So I made another one.  This time they made it and we were off to the airport.  We really didn't need to be there early since the airport again was deserted and we checked through very quickly. 

We grabbed some lunch and the flight personnel told us we could even take it on the plane with us if we wanted.  We chose not to.  When we left the airport there were only about 10 people on the plane.  It wasn't long before we touched down in Indianapolis.  We stopped to go to the restroom and by the time we reached the baggage claim, the only luggage left was ours.

Alan was waiting in the cell phone lot and it wasn't long before he arrived to carry us home.  He had stopped at the grocery for a few items I had requested and had those in a cooler in the back of the car.
Off to Russiaville we went and arrived about 7 pm.  After a snack of popcorn and cold water we were off to bed.

It was quite the adventure, but we were well cared for during the entire trip.  We thank God that we arrived safely and in good health.  Our isolation will end on Easter Sunday and we have been blessed to have groceries delivered and even a special delivery of Popcorn Cafe popcorn.  Thank you all for your prayers.  Stay in and stay safe. 

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Tuesday, March 24th, 2020

Normally, today would have been out last full day in Liberia.  But --- as we know  ---nothing is normal anymore.  So, we gathered ourselves together and made the journey out to the Kumeh Compond in Bardnersville.  However, before we left, we had an opportunity to video chat with Kelly and the puppies.  They were trying to get at us when they heard our voices.  Everyone is doing well and much comforted in seeing the others in person to know they are OK.  I hope we are able to do it again soon.  It certainly raised my spirits.

The police were out today enforcing the rules they had made ealier regarding the number of people carried in the taxis and KaKas.  Taxis are a driver and one person in front and limit of 3 in the back.
KaKas are a driver and 2 passengers.  We saw a bus impounded for having too many people on the bus.  It is difficult to get around and many of the government offices are either closed or on a skeleton crew.  Some of the stores are closed and I anticipate even more will be closed in the near future.  It probably won't be long before many of the markets are closed as well.  Ozie went out today and purchased enough rice to last 2 months, plus other non-perishable items.  Charcoal has risen in price and there will not be anymore coming into Monrovia from the areas producing charcoal.  Even without a large number of cases, the effects are still felt in the city.  As of now, there are only 3 confirmed cases of the virus.  We are far removed from them but still exercise caution with hand washing.  Today Ozie and I got the sewing machine up and running with lots of help from Eziekiel, a nearby tailor.  Now to get used to it and get it broken in.  I managed in over an hour to complete one simple face mask.  Now that we know the construction techniques and how to the the machine moving we should be on a roll and able to make masks for members of the family should we need to go out.

Some of Timothy's friends are realizing he is here so he is often entertained by their visits.  Fred was here all afternoon which kept Timothy out of our hair while working on the sewing machine.  Ozie and I have some material and we want to start making a nine patch wall hanging so she is able to learn how it is done.  Even the children want to learn.  We shall see.

I did get an email from the US Embassy here in Liberia requesting information regarding our status, passport information and other information and our flight plans as they were to have been and now are canceled.  Whether or not we will be able to the return to the US by government transport remains to be seen.  We will wait -----

I was able to watch soap making today and had not seen how it was done.  It is a very hard ball of soap and is excellent for washing clothes.  It is known as "hard soap" and sells for $20 Liberian or about 10 cents US.  A soft drink in a bottle is $200 LD or $1.00 USD, and gas is 3 gallons for $10 USD.  The price fluctuates depending on the availabilty.  I was able to get 2 yards of elastic for $20 LD and a bottle of water is $150 LD   It is interesting to see what the difference is in pricing.

 About 6 pm we returned back to the hotel for our last night before moving out to the family place.  There still seems to be some confusion as to where we are staying but it will all be worked out tomorrow.  My posts may not be as often depending on if I am able to find internet service.  But I will blog daily so you are able to what is going on here.

Take care, be safe and prayers for all
Anne


Monday, March 23, 2020

Monday, March 23rd, 2020

Good evening!

All flight reservations cancelled, all hotel reservations cancelled and Wednesday morning we will be transferring the the Kumeh compound for the duration of our stay.  The grandchildren are delighted to have us back with them and we will be staying in the little house with three of the grands.  It has the best screening and I think we will be fine.  Faith wants to learn how to knit and we should be able to pick up some needles (sticks) and yarn at the market down the street.  I will be able to get some of the sewing supplies I need and we can have plywood cut right next door in the widths we want for quilt squares.  What more could I want other than to be on my way home.

I forgot the mention yesterday about my morning breakfast on the 3rd floor veranda.  I asked the amn on duty (I am afraid I am unable to remember his name) if it was all right for me to eat outside rather than in the breakfast room all by myself.  His reply "As you wish".  I immediately thought of Kelly and her love for the movie Princess Bride.  I asked if he had seen it and he just laughed.

This morning as we waited for Jeff to come and pick us up, I was able to take a short nap.  I was still weary from the night before.  We traveled downtown to my favorite pharmacy to pick up a supply of the medications  we are taking.  Our pharmacy in Kokomo prepackaged our meds for our time away.  So, we were going to run out come Thursday.  Fortunately we were able to get them all but one.  They were much more expensive and I don't think I will complain again for the price of drugs in the US.

It had rained during the morning (it is now the beginning of rainy season) and they day was overcast and comfortable.  How amazing it was to see people in winter coats, jackets and knit caps.  It was very cold to them.  The traffic was terrible in spite of the fact the the government had issued an order that everything was to close at 11 am.  I didn't see much of anything closed but did see a large gathering of city police at the City Building on the way through town.  Maybe they were getting their orders but it wasn't much better as we drove back tonight.

Son, Adolphus, works at the port unloading  gas from the tankers that come in.  I was asking him about it and he said the tankers came in and unloaded.  Then the brand name gasoline companies come in and fill their gas delivery vehicles for distribution.  There is a set time for each company.  The interesting thing was they all get the same gas.  I recall when I was here before our guys each had a brand of gas they preferred.  Amusing to learn it is all the same gas supply.  The supply operates so close if a tanker does not come in on time, there is a gas crisis and the stations run out of gas.  We experienced that last week.

Faith made casava greens and rice for our meal today.  It was very good, however I did pass on the chicken feet and left them for the children.  She also bought me a treat that appeared puffy like the pork rinds but it didn't have much flavor - sort of like puffed up styrofoam.  However, I ate it and survived. 

It was intersting to watch four boys sharing crayons and a coloring book.  They colored on the two open pages and exchanged crayons as they colored.  It worked pretty well until they got bored.  As I watched the happenings in the yard, I saw a chicken pecking around in the trash area.  It had a red ribbon tied to a feather on the wing.  Faith told me that is the way the owner knows it is their bird.
The children were gathered at the pump filling buckerts to carry home for washing and drinking.  It is a clean well a group in Illinois funded when we came in 2010.  It is serving the community and gives them safe water to use in their homes.  I understand that during the Eboli crisis, no one in the community got sick due to the safe water.  For that I am very grateful!

Soon it was time to return to the hotel for the night.  We turned on the airconditioning for a time to cool things down a bit.  When they went to change generators ( they have to shut one off and then turn the other one on)  There is a gap of darkness and then everything resumes.  I had changed to setting on the direction the air was moving.  When it AC came back on agian it went to the original setting and I had a second bath in cold water than had collected on the louver.  Oh well, I didn't melt and a towel quickly got the rest of the water.

Another interesting observation.  News is the order of the day in the evening.  The Voice UK and other shows popular shows we would watch in the evening are on during the day.  We are watching BBC world news and all the updates all over the world on the virus.  Come Wednesday, we will not have access to the news other than the radio.

I will continue to blog each day but I am not sure how often I will be able to post.  I will keep you all up to date as best I can.  I plan to pick up a flash drive so if I have access to a computer I will be able to download it right onto the blog site.

Our prayers for all of you as you practice your self isolation.  We will be doing much of the same here.  One day this will all be over and give us something to remember in the future. 

Peace and joy,
Anne


Sunday, March 22, 2020

Sunday, March 22, 2020

The news from Liberia just gets more and more interesting each and every day.  This morning I learned all airlines are shutting down services tomorrow, the markets and stores are to close at 11 am.  All this with 2 cases of virus in the country about the size of Indiana.  In fact it is shaped much like Indiana just a mirror image.

No church today, so we hung out at the hotel while I fussed about not being able to leave, having made reservations for a flight on Tuesday, and reservations for a hotel room near the airport so we didn't have to travel 1 1/2 hours to arrive at 5 am.  Then, I realized that I would save about $4,000 by staying here a couple of weeks longer.  We have the hotel until Wednesday noon, then we will be going out to the house to stay the balance of the time.  At least we won't have the long trip by car each day going and coming.  The children are excited!!!

We went out to Jeff and O.Z.'s place today to put together the treadle sewing machine we had purchased.  It was quite and interesting feat since there were no directions about the assembly.  Fortunately I had had a treadle machine when we lived here before so I had an approximate idea as to how it would go together.  We managed with only a couple of errors and should be up and running tomorrow.  I wanted to get some sewing machine oil on it before we started since I don't know how long it has been sitting packaged up. 

Tomorrow O.Z. and I are going shopping for a few more supplies to get us started.  I found a pattern for masks that I would like to to make in case they are needed or we can supply some of our friends the the healthcare field.  These have a pocket for the filter and it can be removed and the mask washed.  Thanks to all those who have been publishing these patterns.

When I told Alan and Kelly about the change in plans, Alan thought it was interesting that in 2014 we were not able to return to Liberia because of the Eboli outbreak and in 2020 we are not able to return to the US because of the Corona virus.  We just have to take it in stride and not get discouraged.

We met a new puppy at the Kumeh big house.  His name is Puff and just a cute little fluffy thing.  However he will grow into a Liberian dog  which is much like a terrier of mixed varity and medium sized.  They all look alike even to the color which is tan with maybe a few black markings.

Chuckie overcame his fear of GGrandma today long enough to accept a piece of fried plantain from me.  He would close his eyes and move forward and I would put it in his hand then he would quickly move back.  Hopefully I may win him over before we leave.

The streets were fairly empty today so we saw motorcycles racing each other down the main street of the city.  Too funny at times.  There is a lot of construction of buildings and road work going on.  The economy is bad but progress is moving forward.  It is strange to see the mix of the old remains of buildings not completed before the war and now the new buildings rising in the city with lots of glass for showrooms.  Supermarkets are growning and several of the smaller grocery stores located in the outlying areas of the city are closed.  This is an example of the NGO's living in the city with their higher salaries and the others in the other areas who do not have the income to shop at a store.  Most of their shopping is in the open air markets. 

I have really enjoyed our stay at the Hotel 71.  Our room is cleaned daily - and I mean cleaned!  Our laundry is done and folded on our bed when we return of an evening.  Always fresh bottles of water for us plus the air conditioning , television, internet and small refrigerator.  We are able to leave our personal items in the room and they are not disturbed.  Breakfast is morning is fun and filling.
Today I chose to eat on the veranda rather than in a separate dining room.  It was cool, with a slight breeze and very pleasent.  The staff is curious about what I hear from the US and they keep me informed about what is going on in Liberia and the rest of the world.

I was able to watch a bit of the Shiloh UMC service which was posted on the Russiaville UMC facebook page.  Thank you Pastor Michael Goodspeed and our good friend David Johns for setting it up for us.  It is wonderful to know there are many capable and willing people to keep things going while I am away.  I pray for all of your daily and feel your prayers surrounding me.  Each day is filled with challanges but also lots of joy and laughter in spite of the world being in chaos.

The day is drawing to a close and tomorrow will soon be here with all kinds of new adventures.
Peace and joy,
Anne

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Saturday March 21, 2020

Good news today - we are confirmed on the Ethiopian flight leaving at 8:00 am Tuesday morning.  We are to be at the airport at 5 am.  In order to reach the airport we need to leave Monrovia at least by 3:30 am.  Yikes!  While at O.Z.'s this afternoon she suggested we spend the night at the Farmington Hotel at the airport.  Sounded like a good idea to us.  At least we don't have to get up quite so early.

Trying to find the Airline office this morning proved to be daunting adventure.  We stopped at two different airlines and a travel agency before finding the location.  It is interesting doing a U-turn on a major roadway in the midst of Saturday morning traffic.  Somehow Jeff managed and we made it.

We went on out the family home - it took almost 2 hours to reach there this morning the traffic was so bad.  It was delightful to visit with Adolphus the oldest son, for awhile before going over to OZ's and Jeff's home for a meal.  Fufu and soup was the order of the day for Timothy and I had rice and soup.  She had also fixed a delicious salad of lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onion and carrots.  I really enjoyed it.  In addition there was fresh fruit - papaya, mango, and bananas.  We shared with the grandchildren and it was enjoyed by all.

The sun was so hot, and the air so quiet that is was incredibly warm today.  The temperature was 89 degrees and an added heat index.  We went outside for a bit to at least have some air moving.  Little Adolphus the Great grandson was having such a good time playing football.  He can really kick and wanted to play a game with grandma.  We played for about 15 minutes before I was worn out.  Just too old for football anymore. 

His mother, Sarah, was getting her nails cleaned and was going to plat her hair.  She asked me to do it.  Everyone had a great laugh because I have not mastered the art yet.  Someday I will be able to if I can practice long enough.  Friends and neighbors stopped by to say hello.

When it came time to leave, O.Z. had to bring back to the hotel.  The traffic was crazy and at one point there were 5 lanes of cars moving where there should only have been two lanes.  I would not have the nerves to do it.  The children and I were in the back seat and my assignment was to keep them occupied while their mother was driving.  We arrived at the hotel safely.  The children saw my stash of M&M's and of course, needed some.  It gave me an opportunity to spoil them a bit.

Cool showers, a light snack, a cold bottle of water and we are set for the evening.

Sleep will come easily tonight.

Peace and joy,
Anne


Friday, March 20, 2020

Friday, March 20th ?? 2020

As crazy as it is, I am not able to remember what the date is.  I know things are in an upheaval in the US, and they are here as well.  Currently, Liberia has only one case of Corona Virus, but because all the rest of the world is impacted, it impacts us as well.  As I reported Brussels Airline Office locked their doors and disconnected their phones.  Apparently there was a flight that was supposed to go last night, but the plane did not arrive.  The report is that there was quite a crowd of people waiting to flyand they were just a "little" upset and stayed until after 2:00 am.

This morning after learning all this news, I decided it was time to go to the American Embassy here in Liberia and see what was going on and if there was an alternative to getting back to the US.  After washing my hands (we do this everywhere we go) we went in only to receive an email address in order to contact the Embassy which we were told they would answer.  So, back to the hotel to write the email and wait.  I told Timothy he could go out to the house, but he wanted to stay with me.  Sometime later, I received a response stating they were sorry I was not able to fly, to keep  at Brussels to see if things could be worked out.  Well -- there was no way to contact Brussels.  My only alternative was to try to find a different way home, or stay until after April 19th and take my chances that the office would reopen and we would fly.

In the meantime, I contacted the travel agency we had used to get our tickets and they were able to find us a flight out at 8:00 am on Tuesday morning.  We will fly to Ethiopia and then to Chicago and Indianapolis.  It is the long way around and a new adventure for us, but we will do what we have to do.  I plan on going to the Ethiopian Airlines office tomorrow morning to confirm the flight.  You all know how much I love getting up early in the morning so this will be my challenge.  We will probably have to be at the airport by 5:30 am which means we will have to leave here by 4 am.  Hopefully we can have everything packed and get up at 3:15 to finish getting ready.  Todd Wilson, I can feel your pain!

The hotel is next to JFK hospital and we keep hearing the ambulance as it rounds the corner and down the street to the entrance.  It can be quite disconcerting at times.

Since we spent the day at the hotel, we read, worked puzzles, I knitted, and we watched an old Superman movie on TV.  Surprising, neither of us took naps.   Now Timothy is watching something similar to Animal Planet  on snakes.  Ugh!  I can do without that.

We walked around the corner to the supermarket and got fried chicken legs and plantain for supper along with some 7up and ginger ale for a treat.  Dessert was a coconut crossiant.  Yummy!

Tomorrow we plan to go out to the house, put the sewing machine together any maybe get the masks made.

Keep the faith.
Anne

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Thursday, March 19th, 2020

 Well, I just lost everything in the first post so I shall try once again.

As, instucted we traveled to Brussel Airline office this morning to check on the flight schedule to return to the US.  Much to our dismay, the doors and gates were locked and a large crowd had gathered outside to discuss and protest what was happening.  Rather that get caught up in all that we parked next door in the United Methodist Confernce Office compound to watch what was going on.

We were delightedly surprised to see a friend arriving at the Center at the same time.  Lango and Barnabas Toe were a young couple at the Amelia Ross United Methodist church during the time I was a missionary.  Bishop Kulah had assigned me at the Counseling Elder to the church to assist the new pastor, Agrippa Nyanti.  At the time, Barnabas was teaching and Lango was in Nursing School.  She later went on to be the Director of Nursing at the Women and Children's Hospital and now is serving the General Board of Global Ministries in the Health care capacity for the Annual Conference.  All the offices are closed but she had come in for a bit to do some reports that needed completed.  Her brother is here from Rhode Island  and is in much the same situation we are.  He said that the American citizens are meeting at the American Embassy on Monday morning at 9 am to request transport to the US.  We shall see what happens then.

We traveled on the the house in Bardnersville where I found a shady spot and a cool breeze on the back porch.  Faith was cooking for us and of course, greens and rice.  I find it fascinating how they fry chicken.  First it is boiled and then put in hot fat to brown.  It is so crunchy and crisp on the outside but very tender on the inside.  I enjoyed two servings!!!!

While in my shady spot,we were visited by several of the grandchildren, Toe, Anthony, Darlington, Teddy, Charming, Candy Girl, Riley and Sawsee.  Other neighborhood children came over to visit with us as well.  One little girl had part of her plats loosened on her head when she came.  I put down my knitting and worked to loosen a couple more.  She got sleepy and went home to lay down.  He mother probably wonders what happened.  The children think it is very odd that I am unable to plat hair.  Two other little girls came by with their dolls and I attempted to plat the hair on one.  They laughed at the old woman who wasn't able  to plat it plain.  It is something that they learn to do at a very young age.  Justina, one of the mothers of Timothy's children when she learned to plat hair.  She said she was very young but she doesn't do it any longer because of the arthritis in her fingers.  When we arrived last week on Tuesday she had a very bad tooth infection.  I brought her some medicine and she was much better today and even able to talk.  She was so grateful that we were able to help her.  She has very little money and only what the children give her from time to time.

On our way back to the hotel this evening we spied a new means of transportation.  It is a very small enclosed car that is styled like the old Woody.  It is a manual transmission but much more efficient that the KaKa's that are the small car mounted on a motor cycle.  The KaKa is open and it not very practical in the rainy season.  The Hercules caught Jeff's eye and he stopped to inquire the price.  $4,000 as opposed the the KaKa at $3,300.  A very good buy.  It may be enough to encourage him to
get some work so as to purchase one.

 The airline office was still closed as we made our way back.  We will check again tomorrow.
After showers, a bit of food, some water, watching the news regarding the virus, it is about time for sleep.  Tomorrow is another day.
Peace and joy,
Anne