We have arrived!

So for everyone who is waiting for news from the group here it is! The group had a quick introduction to life in Malawi and travel to Africa. We were late for our fist flight due to problems at check in. We had a lovely relaxed lay over in Washington DC and met Gretchen our final team member there. Excitement was building as we boarded the long flight to Ethiopia. The energy of the group was so much fun. Lots of phone calls to loved ones and last goodbyes. We all settled in our seats for what is always the most difficult leg of the journey.  The flight was quiet and most tried to sleep for the better part of the 12 hours. When we arrived in Ethiopia it was immediately clear to the group that we were no longer in the USA. Lines were long and not organized, people were cutting the lines and the bathroom was complete chaos! After a crazy trip through security we all got into our seats for the final leg. Most of us slept soundly for this 4 hour flight because our internal clocks were catching up to our emotions of excitement.  As we landed in in Malawi I was looking out the window and telling myself how beautiful the landscape was. I was so grateful to finally be back in the warm heart of Africa with an almost entirely new group of volunteers. After we passed through the immigration process it was time to tackle luggage! We had checked 18 bags and were all pushing our way to the belt to start pulling them off. We waited patiently as the baggage belt stalled and backed up a few times. Luggage pilling up and finally falling all over the floor. Many just standing watching this debacle occur. Onward though and eyes peeled waiting to see just one of the bags circle around…..after almost an hour I knew it was going to be a lost cause. I collected all the claim tickets and notified the team that the luggage wasn’t going to arrive today. All 18 bags had not made the flight from Ethiopia. I sent the team out to the waiting bus and I stood and filled out the necessary  paperwork for all 18 bags. I was given word that the next flight will arrive tomorrow around noon and off I went to connect back with the group at the bus. To my surprise everyone was still all smiles and rolling with the Malawian experience. It must be because they were starting to see just how beautiful of a place they were in. The bus ride was mostly quiet as all the new volunteers watched the sights. People walking along side of the road, bicycles passing, and children waving. A short ride later we arrived at the place we will call home for the next two weeks. After meeting the staff everyone was given a tour of the village and briefing on the rules and safety regulations. I decided to stay here while the group went for a walking tour of the farm. So here I sit happily in Malawi (finally) and enjoying the sound of the birds and the rumble from the staff who are busy cooking a wonderful meal for our first dinner. I’m sure tomorrow will bring more adventure for me as I will be back at the airport searching for luggage! The team will tour the school where they will volunteer at while they are here and hopefully we will all meet back at the village and ill have 18 suitcases in hand. Love to all of our family and friends and I promise to write again soon.