Oh the Places You’ll Go…and the People You’ll Meet

My friend Sarah gave me a Dr. Seuss book before I left called Oh the Places You’ll Go …she couldn’t have been more accurate. Since Sunday, I’ve been from Rochester to Washington to Frankfurt to Libreville…three continents.

But, in addition to the places you’ll go, there are also people you will meet. Waiting for my flight in Dulles, I was surrounded by many Germans – I just love them! The best part is, everyone assumes I’m American and they think I cannot understand them, but little do they know I’m half German. On the way to Frankfurt I sat next to a painter from Oklahoma and had a lovely conversation with him. He was travelling to Venice, Innsbruck and Salzburg and had only ever visited Paris. Thanks to my parents and their insistence that we visit every museum on the face of the earth, I was able to give the painter a crash course on what to expect during his travels. It was a lovely flight.

You know when you’ve arrived in the Frankfurt airport when you hear a buzz of different languages, see confident Germans and observe lost Americans. Unfortunately, German organization does not penetrate their flight gate assignment system. I had to inquire at a counter what gate my flight would be departing from…but, before I could do that, I was thrust into an impromptu translator situation.. A German Lufthansa representative and an American were having issues communicating, so I stepped in. Immediately following that episode, the same Lufthansa representative was becoming very impatient with a confused South American gentleman who spoke Spanish and broken English. The poor man spoke to me in Spanish which I then translated to German to acquire the correct info from the Lufthansa representative. The frazzled gentleman was much relieved once I relayed the desired information to him. There is nothing like translating at 7:15am to wake you up…At this point, I had the flight representative so confused since I was speaking English, Spanish and German. It was hilarious. The reserved, matter-of-fact German lady informed that my flight was scheduled to leave from Gate B24 but that was subject to change up until 45 minutes before the flight’s departure…very out of character for the ever organized Germans. You can imagine just how many times I check the departure screens. This kept me on edge and prevented me from falling asleep and thus missing my flight. I don’t know whether I looked like some kind of guide or what, but a French-speaking woman travelling to LBV asked what gate our flight would be departing from and kindly expressed her frustrations with the Germans. I then informed her that I would do my best to find out ASAP. She looked much relieved once I gave her the correct information and explained the situation.

I was very tempted to stay in Germany…Fresh rolls and cake from the bakery practically shouted my name when I walked by the stores in the airport. My Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to LBV was delightful. Food was DELICIOUS. I’m fairly certain I could live on a Lufthansa flight. I completely fooled the steward and stewardess and pretended I was German ;-) …I’ve discovered that Germans are much friendlier when you speak German because it allows them to stay in their comfort zone. There is certainly no danger of dehydrating on a Lufthansa flight. I think every half hour I was asked if I’d like something to drink. The stewardess would not take no for an answer and INSISTED on giving me some water every single time. I was in line for the bathroom in-flight and the four men in front of me insisted that I jump to the front of the line. I was rather suspicious of their kindness...Naturally, when I was sitting down later, one gentleman (Hispanic) approached me and gave me his business card (I have no idea why) and indicated that we were both from the U.S. since I spoke to him in English.

You know you’ve arrived in Gabon when you feel the humidity envelope you as you step off the plane and about a minute later you can feel the sweat dripping down your forehead. But, I LOVE IT! I’ve never been happier to arrive anywhere. The customs officer didn’t like me much (I think) and asked over and over again what my occupation was. I think he thought the answer would change and was surprised at my consistency. Pastor Sangoye stepped in and saved the day. Sangoye and I met up with Pauline (a missionary returning from England) and headed to the Straw’s house.

So, I’m currently sitting in Libreville (capital city; aka LBV) at the Straw’s house. Wednesday morning, I’ll be leaving LBV with Pauline (another missionary) and taking a bus to Mouila (possible 10ish hours…who knows). Then, someone from the hospital will pick us up and we’ll drive another 2ish hours. Everything is subject to change & delays without notice ;-)

That’s it for now!