The End and The Beginning

We've been in Uganda for about 3 days now and I'm finally getting a chance to right about the process. If you don't want to read, just scroll to the bottom for the pics. :)
First, we are so grateful to the folks who made it to our sendoff party! There was a huge turn out! One family drove up from Houston to surprise us. A few folks came to say hi, even though they had other engagements. Family members drove from the Austin area and Oklahoma. There were just so many people! I felt like I would not be able to adequately say hello and farewell to each one, but I hope that you felt our love and appreciation if you were there.

We are also grateful for all the kind notes, emails, and messages from those of you that couldn't make it to the party but took the time to send well wishes. We appreciate it as well!

Sunday was a bit of a whirlwind. We went to our favorite donut place (Max's in Allen) with Floyd's brother Corey and his wife Stephanie. When we got back to the house, my family had already arrived! Fortunately, Barbara and Clyde had greeted them. We ate donuts and the guys began loading the trucks. By 11:20 everyone had arrived, and the hustle and bustle was a bit overwhelming. By noon, we were out of the house with 4 trucks and 2 smaller vehicles loaded up. We met more friends and family at the church for pizza before we headed to the airport.

This smaller gathering was still more people than we would have imagined. Again, I felt like there was no way to really visit with each person and say farewell, but we did our best. We loaded up and headed to the airport.

That's where the real fun began. We had so many carts and so many people helping us. The friends and family that went with us helped load everything and waited with us for about 2 hours. We were finally checked in and said goodbyes. Even though we arrived at the airport with more than 2 hours to the flight, by the time we got through security, we had just enough time to get a drink and board the plane.

When we got to Heathrow, the security lines were even crazier. We had a 4 hour layover, but the security line took over 2 hours. Of course, when we finally got through the line, all kids' backpacks were delayed. Raegan's was randomly selected and the boys were taken aside for concerns about how their liquids were placed. It ended up being no problem, but was still a delay.  So, we had just enough time to grab breakfast and head to our gate. Even more fun was the scare at breakfast when Floyd thought he had lost Tyler's passport. He searched everywhere, and even went back to the security check point. It turned out that Troy had his in his coat pocket and Floyd had mixed up his and Tyler's. It was all just a bit of confusion.

In the end, we got to Entebbe, where Pastor Johnson and 2 others were waiting for us. Everything arrived mostly unharmed. I did have some minor damage on two things and one thing of sentimental value was broken. It was one of the few crosses that I kept because I've had it a long time and the verse on it has special meaning to me. I am hoping to find some super glue, or something similar to put it back together.

So, all is well. We're in a hotel until the construction is complete (or at least complete enough that we can make food and have secure quarters).

Snapshots from the farewell party

My nephew...the best luggage cart helper ever!

We made it on board :)

Breakfast in London at Huxley's

Finally in Entebbe, loading the truck at the airport. It is shortly after midnight here.

Our temporary home...it's an apartment style hotel (bedroom and living room). We're here at least a week.