Friday, 15 Nov.
It was a little hectic this morning. I had for the most part completed everything that I needed to get done except for packing my clothes and sending out a couple of emails. But, as things usually happen, there were a few last minute things that I had to do, a few things I had forgot, and some last minute house keeping things to do before I left. By about 12:30 pm, I had completed everything and all I had to do at that point was wait on Luke Kuepfer to pick me up.
Luke, his wife and daughter, were going to Wilmington, Ohio to lead a Lead Like Jesus Encounter starting on Friday evening, and he had volunteered to drop me off at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Airport. Luke arrived a few minutes after 1 pm. We loaded my two (2) huge suitcases (one with clothes and one with materials and books) in the trunk of his car (which was already pretty full), and we were off. We had a very enjoyable drive and Luke and I talked the entire time. It seemed like we arrived at the airport in no time at all.
Luke pulled up to the terminal at about 2:30 pm, we got the bags out of the trunk, and then Luke helped me carry my bags to the Delta ticket counter. We said our goodbyes, I thanked him for the ride, and I checked in while Luke departed to get back on the road towards Wilmington.
The airport was not very busy at all. I checked in very quickly and headed for the TSA screening. Again, there was not much of a line and I was through and on my way within 15 minutes or so. I went down the elevator and started walking towards Terminal B and gate B-5. When I got there (at about 3 pm), there was only about four other people there, which kind of surprised me. I sat down, got my ipad out and sent couple of emails and text messages, charged my iphone and ipad batteries, and watched all the people go by. (By the way, people are really funny. They act in some of the strangest ways? Of course, they probably say the same thing about me.)
The time flew by and at 4:50 pm, they started boarding the plane. I looked around and it didn't seem to be a lot of people there for such a big plane? I quickly sent Michelle a text message telling her we were leaving and that I loved her and would text her when I get to Paris, and then I boarded the plane. Sure enough, the plane was only about 2/3 full. It was great!! I had an aisle seat on the right side of the plane and there was no one in the seat next to me. This was going to be a great flight! Thank you Lord!
On the way, I did some reading and watched the movie 42, which is about Jackie Robinson and his breakthrough into the Major Leagues. Great movie. By the way, the first part of the movie was filmed in Florida. There were a couple of scenes in Daytona Beach, Sanford, and Deland.
About halfway through the flight we started to experience some turbulence. It wasn't really too bad, but was just enough to keep me from sleeping very much.
Saturday, 16 Nov.
We arrived in Paris at Charles de Gaulle airport at 7:18 am (1:18 am in KY). It was really foggy and very cold. They have made a lot of improvements to this airport since the last time that I flew through here (about 10 years ago). It really is pretty nice. Of course, it was super busy as usual and very crowded. The worst part was that there is NO heat in the terminals. None whatsoever! After I found the right terminal, I went through security, and then located my gate and walked across the aisle and got a cup of coffee and a pastry. I noticed right away that this place is really cold. Of course, I did bring a winter jacket BUT I put it in my suitcase because I thought that I wouldn't need it until I got back to KY next week. Boy, was I wrong. I tried to tough it out. I would sit for a while. Then I would walk around. Then I would sit some more and then walk around some more. Eventually, I decided that I was freezing! So, I walked back to where the shops were and found a sweatshirt. I ended up paying about $40 US for it. Oh, well? At least I'm not freezing now. I also have a souvenir with "Paris" written on the front.
My plane departs for Monrovia at 1:35 pm (Paris time). I hope it is on time. I know it is much warmer there than it is here.
The flight was a little late getting out of Paris, but only about 15 minutes or so. Again, I lucked up and did not have anyone sitting next to me. The flight was about 80 percent or so full. The flight was pretty good and I was finally able to get some sleep. It was a nine hour flight and I probably slept at least 5 hours of that time. However, the plane was not very warm. I was able to wrap myself in a blanket and I kept my sweatshirt on the whole time.
When we arrived in Monrovia it was pouring the rain. I got off the plane and then had to go through their immigration/VISA check. They made me fill out a form, which didn't take but a few minutes and then I went to baggage claim to get my bags. It was definitely my day. Just as I walked into the baggage claim area my bags were coming around on the conveyor belt. I got both of them and went through customs and started outside. There must have been a celebrity of some sort that was on my flight. When I went outside there were about a hundred people with signs and posters with the name of a woman written on them (sorry I forgot her name?). I looked around and I heard Fannia calling my name. I hugged her and told her that I was really glad to see her.
We loaded my bags in the vehicle and took off to the hotel. We did have a slight problem at the hotel getting checked in but within a few minutes everything was OK and I am finishing this post from my hotel room.
We leave for Ganta at 7:30 am. I am not looking forward to the drive. Fannia said that because of construction, the road is actually worse than last year. Please pray for our safe travel.
We'll, I made it this far. And, I've got all my luggage! Thank you Lord for the safe trip thus far.
Blessings!
Fred
Sent from my iPad
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