Traveling to the US

 Well, it's time we go on a furlough. A real furlough. Actually leave the continent of Africa. It's been 44 months since we've visited the US, the many family and friends and supporting churches. 

It's long over-due.

We tried to have a furlough after our typical 3-year stay on the "mission field", but that was the year 2020. Lots of crazy stuff happened that year, one of them being canceled flights, which affected many people world wide.

So here we are: US furlough take 2!

It begins with a 2-day road trip across the country of Tanzania (the size of 3 California States!), from Kigoma to the coast and city of Dar Es Salaam.

Long hours in the crowded car!

The sights from driving across the country:

Trucks carrying big loads.

Bicyclists carrying big loads.

Beautiful, puffy white clouds.

Threatening, dark, gray clouds.

Then, once in the city, it's time to get covid tests and allow for a couple days to get results. William isn't 2  years old yet, so he's the only one who doesn't need a covid test for entry into the USA.

Everyone is very excited for the international flight. Especially the movies.

Waiting in the Dar airport.

But after a 6 hour flight, the newness of it all wears off. We arrive for our layover, and we try our best to get comfortable for our 10-hour stay in the airport.

Everyone is getting a good sleep at the Dubai airport.

We board our flight to New York, and after a 13 hour flight we safely arrive, get thru customs and are happily reunited with our luggage! Welcome to the USA!

At the New York airport!