4th of July... in AFRICA.

I flew into Zambia on the 4th of July. When I made it through immigration, claimed my bag, and went through customs, I saw the Padovich's smiling faces. Needless to say... It was SUCH a relief to see a familiar face. They drove me to the mission home, and we had a yummy lunch. I then took a quick nap on the couch.

After, they drove me to meet with a lady named Kathy who is the CEO/founder of Mothers Without Borders. She told me a bit about her program and the type of service they did-- and that her team started the very next day, however it costed money. She also told me of a few other ways I could serve in Zambia. I wasn't sure what I would do at that point, but she told me to come with them on their first day because the place they were visiting would be a place I could volunteer at during my stay. We talked a little while longer, and she told me to go and think about what I wanted to do.

When we got back to the mission home, we celebrated the 4th of July by having a BBQ. It was me and all the Sr. Mission couples, and WOW were they so much fun!! We ate, had some dessert, and played a card game that I was not very good at. It was fun to be around loving and embracing people. My first night in Zambia, and I already felt at home.

Kenya.

My time in Kenya was short lived. Keep in mind I was SUPPOSE to be in Kenya for the entire two weeks. When I got to Kenya and went through the immigration line, my suitcase didn't make it to Nairobi. The workers at the Kenyan airport typed my baggage number into this outdated 1990s computer and said that my luggage never made it on the plane, and that it was still in London. When I walked outside the baggage claim, there was no one there from the organization to pick me up.... I called 3 different numbers that were given to me, and there was no answer. 3 hours later, someone finally called me, and I was picked up. After this, I was taken to a little hotel and dropped off where there were a few other volunteers. They just kinda left me for myself. At least I had some other volunteers to hang out with, and we had a good time with each other.

The next day, we had orientation, and I thought it would get a little better... nope... I was taken with 2 other girls to our placement... in the outskirts of a little town called Thika (keep in mind I was told I would be with several other volunteers). We were literally in the middle of nowhere... or as they say in Africa, out in the bush. They just dropped us off, and from there we were responsible for ourselves--even getting back to the airport at the end of our stay. The lady said we would be doing her housework and watching after her grandkids, and that when we went to the orphanage the children wouldn't be there. She also kept indicating that she wanted our money. Needless to say, none of this was what I saved up for... so LONG story short, I was able to get flown to Zambia to stay with the Padovich's who are currently serving their mission there. President Padovich is the mission president for the Zambia Lusaka mission. President Padovich contacted President Broadbent--over the Nairobi, Kenya mission and the Broadbent's took me in for a night and got me safely to the airport. I am SO grateful that the church is everywhere, and that everyone was so willing to help me out, it was SUCH a blessing to me.

volunteers at orientation

Kenya is so beautiful and green

I will NEVER complain about LA traffic again... ever.

London.

I originally didn't plan on leaving the airport during my layover, but then I realized it would be CRAZY to sit in an airport for 9 hours. I am so grateful that I decided to leave the airport since my flight arrangements home changed. I didn't see as much as I would have liked to, but a little is better than nothing!! London is BEAUTIFUL, and I definitely want to go back someday.

a real phone booth!!

London's dollar store

This is where I ate some lunch... I had some pasta which was SO tasty. 

And so it begins.

So... I am back from my African adventure... to say it was an adventure would be an understatement, but it was the most amazing experience I have ever had.

All ready for my flight

Boarding pass and passport

I had to wait at this gate for like 3 hours because I was SO early to the airport

Flight boarded....

I got to sit at the emergency exit, so I had TONS of room

The food really wasn't too bad. 

I watched the Hunger Games

Still SO much time left to my flight

when I woke from my little nap, there was ICE on my window!!!

Justin Bieber to keep me entertained... LOVE IT!

The flight into London wasn't all that bad even though it was SUPER long. I had my own personal little TV and watched a few movies, and listened to music. I had a couple meals that tasted pretty good... but once I landed in London I was SO excited. 

AFRICA.

So.... I am back from Africa. It was an adventure to say the least... but it was AMAZING. So... bear with me as I post little by little!!