Stow Hotels
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The Last Dance
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Wednesday - July 18 - 12:00pm
We awoke about 9, packed our things, and waited for our departure. Claire graciously used her lunch break to take us to the airport. She came at 11:30 and dropped us off at Cape Town International Airport. After unloading our luggage from the boot (trunk), I thanked Claire and we said our somber goodbyes.
The flight would be the same format as the last South African flight: two carry on bags and a personal bag. It wasn't as menacing this time because we expected it.
All too quickly we boarded, departed, and landed in Johannesburg. Once we rechecked our bags, we stopped at the ocean basket for a final meal of feesh (that was the way it was spelled on the menu - yeah... I don't know why either) and chips. It was delicious, and, by the way, the airport prices in Africa are quite reasonable. $4 for fish and chips; you can't beat that with a stick!
Security was a breeze and I stopped at one of the airport stands to use up my left over Rand (South African currency). I purchased three twenty-ounce cokes. From there, we waited to board at the gate.
I was waiting at the gate when I noticed two obscure gentlemen. They were dressed differently than the other waiting passengers. Everyone but these two gentlemen was dressed in comfortable clothing. This was appropriate being that would be on a cramped uncomfortable plane for the next 20 hours. But these two guys appeared quite ambiguous.
They were dressed in black suits. There crisply starched white shirts were buttoned up all they way to the base of their jaw line. It looked as though their neck measurements were two sizes small and their ties were tighter than something abnormally tight.
"Who in their right mind would wear a tight and uncomfortable suit on a 20 hour flight," I thought to myself. "That's crazy." I was wearing scrub pants and a t-shirt. That's the way to travel comfortable. Not a suit that looks like it was painted on. I mentioned it to Aaron and then I forgot about the 'soon to be if not already uncomfortable' suited men.
Our plane was slightly delayed. This was of no concern. After all, I would be spending the next 36 hours on a plane anyway. Boarding was announced and I moved through the ticket counter. Usually anything you purchase after the security check is fare game to bring onto the plane, right? - Wrong!
I went down the corridor and I was met by another security check. Not knowing what was going on, the officers searched my carryon and personal bags again. They removed my newly-purchased beverages and said I couldn't bring them on the plane.
Being American, I tried protest, but the Ex-Rugby looking security guards were not having it. I meandered down the rest of the corridor baffled as to why there were two security checks. Quite frankly, I was disappointed because I bought those cokes for the Beckster. Sorry babe!
After a maze of walkways, I made it onto the plane and into my seat. Aaron and I were sitting, awaiting takeoff, when all of the sudden I looked up and saw PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER WALKING ONTO THE PLANE!!! NO WAY!
Former President Carter and his secret service agents made their way up and down the rows. The two men dressed in the suits were JIMMY CARTER'S secret service agents - I knew there had to be a reasonable explanation for the uncanny attire.
President Carter shook everyone's hand. While walking around, people began to snap photos in his face - which is classless on all levels. As if he was used to it (and he was - hello - president), he ignored the flashes and kept to his agenda unbothered. How bizarre. Just when I though the trip was winding down, I meet JIMMY CARTER! Nice!
The former president greeted everyone and we departed. Halfway through the flight I went to the back of the plane and chatted with the secret service agent. He shared some safari stories, as did I, and we spoke for another half hour about miscellaneous African experiences. Crazy. It's a small world and it's getting smaller everyday.
Anyhow, 19 hours and 54 minutes after takeoff from Johannesburg, we arrived in Atlanta, Georgia. SWEET HOME AMERICA!
IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK IN THE STATES! The air was delightfully fresh and the airport walkways were filled with the sweet scent of Cinnebons and freshly brewed coffee.
Waiting - Flight to Dallas - More waiting - Flight to Cleveland
ARRIVE CLEVELAND - I AM FINALLY HOME!
Closing remarks:
This journey has been incredible. At the end here I would like to give some recognition. The expressions of gratitude are listed in no particular order.
LifeNets - You are doing some wonderful things. It was a delight to be a part of your organization. I hope to donate and volunteer again someday soon. If any of you are planning on donating money, rest assure, LifeNets is doing good in the world. They are striving to improve the quality of life for people all over the globe.
Victor Kubik -You got the ball rolling. Thanks so much for helping make this dream happen.
Dr. and Mrs. Chilopora - You provided me with a home and a family for well over a month. Thank you so much for everything! We are now family. Dr. C, you gave me invaluable medical experience. You are a wonderful doctor and an even better man.
Mr. and Mrs. Wallis and Family - Thank you so much for putting a roof over our head and food in our stomachs during the days we spend in Pretoria. Also, thanks for carting us back and forth from the airport! I am so grateful! Good friends we shall remain for years to come.
Jason and Monique - You took us under your wing in South Africa and showed us the ropes. Thanks also for rides to the airport and the company. I consider you both good friends!
Dr. and Mrs. Chonde - Thanks for a great introduction to Malawian medicine and lunch. May God continue to bless you as you continue to practice.
Mark and Meshek Chonde - Thanks for the rides to the airport as well as the wonderful hospitality during our first few days in Malawi. You always have a friend in America!
The Lilongwe and Blantyre UCG Congregations - You are all wonderful people. I hope that in years to come, I can revisit Malawi and once again see all of you. Stay strong!
The Johannesburg and Cape Town UCG Congregations - Thank you for your warm welcome. I can see your areas growing because of the warm personalities you all possess.
Mr. and Mrs. Weber - I can't even begin to thank you enough for extending us every courtesy available. Your generosity was amazing as well as the time we shared with you.
Gareth and Claire Gordon - It was wonderful meeting you. Thank you so much for allowing us to crash and interrupt your lives for a few days. It was truly a pleasure. Please come to the states and visit us soon.
DONORS! - Thank you so much! I can't express how thankful I am for your generosity. Does anyone remember the movie 'Pay it Forward'? If you haven't seen it, it's a must see. At any rate, you can be sure that I will exercise the principles from this film. I am so grateful; I am at a loss for words - for once - Haha.
Jennifer Myers - It was a joy to have met you. You are a delightful and talented woman who will be able to aid LifeNets greatly over the next few years.
Aaron Blue - It was a great ride man. I had a great time with you! You are going to make an awesome physician some day. Keep working hard. I know our paths will cross again soon. You are a good friend. I am a better person for having met you.
Dad and Mom - This never would have happened without you. Thanks for the help the support, and the love. You supported my all the way no matter how uncomfortable you may have been at times. I love you so much.
It is the people who are listed above who made this trip happen. If you know anyone who is traveling, extend a hand. It's a wonderful experience to stay with a family for a few days. You learn so much about yourself and the person who is staying with you. If anyone needs a place to stay and a friend around Cleveland, Ohio, let me know.
Travel to as many places as you can. Experiencing other areas of the world is invaluable. You can't truly appreciate what you have until you see what life is like without it. That's for sure.
Volunteer. Help someone out. It's the circle of humanity. Some are blessed with strength so they can lift and carry the weak. People helping people; and remember almost helping someone is the exact same as NOT helping someone.
Finally, Thanks to everyone who has read my blog. You were the inspiration. I kept writing because of all your entertaining and supportive comments. I plan to gather these entries and write a proper book about this unbelievable journey. It may take a while though.
And now I sign off. There and Back Again: Africa 2007 is finally complete. It's been a life-changing journey and I am glad you have been here to enjoy it with me.
Take Care, God bless you, and please stay in touch.
With Love,
Phil
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