Hello all of my friends and family who are still in America! I am not. I am in Africa. Not like you don't know that because I have been talking about it for forever it feels like and bragging to all of you. Well, I am here finally and it has been quite the adventure so far...
Well, my mom, Courtney, and Elliot took me to the airport. We met Andrew and his Uncle Rick there (that man is so nice) and I can't even explain how good it felt to be back by Andrew's side. It's truly where I belong. We went through security smoothly, got to our gate, and sat down to watch some shows. Now (dad you'll like this part) my dad normally goes straight to the kiosk at the gate and checks his ticket. I really wish we would have done that because it came time to board and they had completely re-done mine and Andrew's itinerary where I was supposed to go to Paris ALONE and he had some other random place he was going. Well, they had to re-book us for a flight going straight to JFK airport but our luggage was already on a plane to Philly. Once we were in NY we were supposed to check and make sure our luggage was there and would be sent to Dakar with us or that they would do it ASAP. Well our flight to JFK was postponed by 2 hours and we literally sprinted to get to our connection for Dakar. And boy, am I out of shape! It was bad. My throat was burning and my shins were in so much pain. It was a long ways, but I should not have been hurting that bad!
On the flight we all had little touch screens on the back of every seat and we select between a variety choices of movies, tv shows, and music to watch/listen. It was very nice and helped quite a bit. We also received dinner (which was chicken and rice African style I believe) and then later we got breakfast (a cheese and egg croissant). It was very delicious. Our luggage obviously didn't make it here because we couldn't check on it. I think it's like in France right now or something crazy, but the Bradford's are being so nice and sharing whatever they can with us. Thankfully I received some great advice and put two outfits and extra underwear in my carryon, as well as some important toiletries.
The view from the plane of the city of Dakar was so amazing, but it still hadn't hit me that I was in Africa. I think the first thing that really made me realize where I was, was when Andrew just started speaking French and almost very fluently, I must add! I knew he spoke a little, but homeboy downplayed it SO much! I also must add that it was very attractive hearing him. :)
We went outside of the airport and lined up was the family that I had seen in pictures and on Skype. It was strange because I feel like I somewhat know them, but I'm also meeting them for the first time. Soon we were driving down the highway (where people totally just run across and hang on the shoulders... SUPER dangerous!) and then we pulled in front of their house. It is a beautiful house. I love how his mom has decorated their house. It's really beautiful and very much almost like I want to decorate my future home. We went out to eat at a Brazilian restaurant and it was very good. I'm enjoying trying new foods so far. We also went out to get ice-cream (THEY HAD OBAMA ICE CREAM LOL) and the ice cream here is absolutely fantastic! Andrew had me try this ice cream called Kinder and it was soooooo good. It is chocolate with like these white chocolate pieces mixed in... oh my goodness I will not look at ice cream the same anymore. After we left, these Africans began to ask for money, and Andrew just put his arm around my back and moved me into the car. I had to look away and Andrew told me everything was okay and that they give in other ways and provide in better ways. It was hard on me, though, to see it all. It's hard on me in the states when I see people in need. I wanted to cry. It was a little boy. I'm going to be praying for him tonight.
We got back to the house and at some point I started to take a nap? Haha! I don't even remember when I got sleepy or ending up in Corrine's bed. I slept for 2 hours though! So funny. Now I am awake and I'm pretty sure we're going to play some games and watch a movie. Cannot wait. I'm so excited to get to see Andrew's life here and where he grew up. I'm loving being an observer in his life when he's always been the one in mine. I'll update later on. :) I'll also have to add pictures later but they are mostly on my Facebook!
Love, Kimmy
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