ZAMBIA, HERE WE ARE!

I have to say that when we got off the plane, my first thoughts were: “This is just like being in Barbados” and “Am I really in Africa?” Marc, of course, took photos right away. (Those of you who know his career would understand why.)



South African Airlines in the foreground and Zambezi Airlines in the background



View of the airport terminal from the tarmack

 

Regional jets



Our British Airways plane

 

A South African Airlines plane.  It started up just as Marc took this photo.



The walkway into the terminal building

We passed through immigration, picked up our bags, and were met by our in-country representative D.S.  It was so amazing to meet him, as we had been waiting for this event for over a year and a half.  After figuring out how to cram three large suitcases, a tandem stroller, two carry-on bags and personal items into what a rental car company would deem to be a “compact” car, we were off to check into our guest house.  We chatted on the way about the excitement of finally getting to this point, but mostly about the children: Did they know we were coming?; Had they seen photos of our family?; What did they think about everything?; Were they in good health?; and of course, the most important question, in my mind:  When do we get to see them?  I had been hoping to see the boys the next day, as it was my birthday and I thought that meeting them for the first time would be a wonderful present.  But as things were to work out, D.S. told us that we would drop our bags at the guest house, have a few minutes to freshen up, and then head out to meet the boys.  That very day!!!  Even better!!!  I had been praying for months that my next birthday would not pass without having at least a referral.  God, as usual, saw fit to go one better and to even allow me to meet my children on the last day before the expiry of my timeline.  God’s perfect timing, as always!

Once our bags were in and we were sorted out, we headed back to the taxi.  Plans had to be changed a bit, so we went downtown first to meet with social workers who had been working our file, then for lunch.  We had a great opportunity to talk with D.S. and get to know each other better, as well as talk about the events and trials each of us had faced in getting to this point. Faith, hope, determination, and perseverance are truly the only reasons we were actually sitting together having that conversation.  After lunch, we were able to go to the children’s home to meet R and E for the first time.