Third World to First Class

48 hours ago I was boarding a plane in Monrovia. Now I am sitting (and freezing by the way, my feet are so cold they are starting to go numb) on my couch at home in Bonney Lake. The last 2 days have been a whirlwind...


Monday afternoon I went to say good-bye to the kiddos at Frances Gaskin's. Before I left one girl, Caroline, came up to me and said, "Auntie Debbie, we want to pray for you." She then proceeded to call over all her friends and lead them in the most precious prayer for me, followed by an equally precious prayer from Jeremiah and followed with everyone singing the Lord's Prayer. While they were praying I kept feeling small, reassuring hands on my back and shoulders. Out of the mouth of babes...one of the most amazing and precious experiences of my time in Liberia.

Back at the house, while I was preparing to head to the airport, I attempted to take one last shower. In case you don't know, we shower outside under a barrel which we pump full with water from the well. After getting in the shower I realized that it was empty. Towel on, I went back into the house to ask if we could start the generator for a bit so we could fill the shower. No problem- except that the water pump has been moody the last few days and did not want to work. So, I decided to just take a bucket bath, but there were no full buckets. I was just starting to think that I was going to have to begin my 30+ hours travelling already stinky when Andrew came up with the great idea to fill one of our drinking water buckets (which have a spout) and balanced it on the corner of the shower for me. It gave me about a half inch of water flow, but it worked. Phew! Thanks Liberia for one last "This is Africa" moment.

Matt, Mariel and Ashley dropped me at the airport. Everything went smoothly getting checked in. I was through all the stops in less than half an hour. With a little time to kill before take off I decided to check out the airport "gift shop." I use the term loosely because all that was inside were a handful of beaded necklaces, a few African dresses, handmade leather sandals, imported Chinese hand bags, local wood carvings and Irish Spring soap.

The first leg of my journey was from Monrovia to Brussels. I would just like to talk for a minute about all the bread I consumed on this flight. First they brought a small turkey sandwich on this amazing soft, sticky wonderbreadish roll. Then with dinner (lasagna I think but I did not eat it, I was so distracted by the bread) was a crusty french roll with real butter and a still warm from the oven wheat roll. For breakfast they gave me a fresh croissant with melted chocolate inside! I must admit, even with all the wonderful bread I was enjoying, I did not make it through that first flight without shedding some tears for my beloved Liberia and my friends that I will miss so much.

The flight from Brussels to Seattle (via Newark) started with an upgrade to first class (Thanks Juvy!). I had never flown first class before. My seat assignment was 2A, that is really close to the front of the plane. Almost before I sat down in my lazy-boy recliner seat they were filling my champagne glass. I had over 300 movies to choose from on my personal TV screen. The 5 course meal included salad (real lettuce, yum!) spinach and artichoke pasta, garlic bread (like I needed more bread) and ice cream with Bailey's. Talk about culture shock!

In Seattle I was greeted by my friends at the baggage claim and we headed straight to Holly's house for a Cinco de Mayo extravaganza. After a hot shower and changing into my fleece clothes, we gorged ourselves on enchiladas, tortilla chips, homemade salsa, guacamole, real sour cream, key lime bars and strawberry margaritas. I was asleep on the couch by 9:30 (I know, a real party pooper, I guess the 40+ hours with no real sleep and full belly did me in).

I finally made it to my house this afternoon (2 days after I left my house in Monrovia). As soon as I drove up I noticed new flower pots on the deck. Inside I was greeted by the scent of fresh cut lilacs (my favorite), a clean house, full fridge and cupboards, fresh coffee, gift cards, a picture collage made out of my own pictures from Liberia and a hand painted watercolor painting, all supplied by my wonderful friends. Thanks guys, I feel very loved, spoiled and welcomed home.

I guess tomorrow I should think about unpacking. . .