We arrived!

We made it home - wait which one is home? I think we just have two homes. While anyways we are in MI! Thank you for all your prayers. Here is the recap so far...

Luka came down with a fever the night before we traveled to the capital city in Uganda. We ended up taking him to the doctor the day we flew just to make sure he was okay. His fever was 101, he was malaria free, so the doctor thought it was just the flu (swine flu? shh, don't mention that in the airport). Poor guy was sick our whole travel home. He was really uncomfortable but did as well as to be expected. Lydia also had a mysterious red "rash" on her face that looked like a birthmark down her cheek. The doctor right away said she has Niarobi eye which is a beetle that lets off his juice and leave his mark. Lydia thought it was quite funny that the doctor said the bug squirt juice out it's butt on her. Thankfully it was gone by the time we reached MI.

Our flights went really well all and all. When we got to the airport they told us there was a fuel shortage in Uganda and we would have to fly to Niarobi to fuel up. Which meant our 9 hour flight would now be 12 hours. Our flight took off at 12:30am so at that time of night I was less than thrilled with the news. Our kids were great and slept almost the whole flight. Luka slept too but woke up often because he wasn't feeling well. Josh and I slept as much as Luka allowed us too.

We had a wonderful two day break in England. We stayed with our friends Tim and Anne Marsden. (Tim and Anne come to Uganda about once a year.) They live about an hour and a half south of London on the coast. We were so amazed by all the history. We stood in churches that celebrated their 900 anniversaries. I stood there and thought what a rock. Think of all this church has gone through yet it still stands. God's church is victorious! We had tea in their neighbors home which was built in the 14 centery. The beams had peg because there were no nails back then. How do these things still stand - not only stand but are still lived in. It was quiet something to see so many thatched roofs. Coming from Africa I did not expect to see thatched roofs in England too. We also went to an old castle where the Romans had built the walls. Who knew we'd see Roman remains in England? Talk about old! We toured the oldest British war ship (1700 something?). Man did they live through hardships. The canons were amazing. What fun to see so much history. And we saw the sea.

We were thankful that we bought winter coats in the market in Soroti. It was cold and sometimes rainy in England. (Surprise, surprise.) Our kids did really well. I kept reminding Lydia this was like school because we were able to learn so much history. We were thankful after our busy days of sight seeing that our evenings were quiet. The kids enjoyed the time playing and then resting. Marsdens have a nice home with a beautiful yard. One thing I liked the best is the quiet village like neighborhoods. So quant. It was almost like we were back in time.

I love seeing new places. Each place is so different. And I learn from them. I already mentioned about the history of the church and how it made me think of the how the church will last forever. I also think everything in England is small. Small cars, small homes, small doors, small stores, small towns... (in general of course). America on the other hand is all about big. Big homes, big cars, big stores, big cities, big, big, big... We also like our sugar as Americans. (Myself included.) I was also struck by the irony of the old churches and history of the church and the lack of church and Christians today in England. It really is sad.

I am so thankful that the Marsdens allowed us to come. The best way to tour is with people who live there. Stopping in England was a great break and a blessing.

Friday November 14 we arrived in Chicago safe and sound. Thank you God for answered prayers! Lydia cried at the first sight and first hug from her Grandpa and Grandma. Oh, it is good to be home.

Now we are enjoying so I will write more later...