It was not just 5 Parkers who needed transporting across the continents to East Africa, but also our 10 suitcases, 2 car seats, a large box with Joel's carrycot inside, a pram, 5 pieces of hand-luggage and a very important flask containing Joel's Hepatitis B vaccines....
Thankfully, all went smoothly. We got off to a great start when kind friends from St John's kindly organised the use of a mini-van from their business, meaning that transport to Manchester airport was a dream, instead of a daunting nightmare! Friends at the airport and my parents all helped to make our passage smoother and despite the dreaded "good-byes", we had a safe and easy journey from Manchester, via Heathrow and overnight flight to Dar es Salaam.Breakfast was served just as we flew over Kilimanjaro's summit, with the sun rising to greet Africa for a new day from behind the mountain. What an incredible moment for us. Ben and I had prime views from our seats and I have never enjoyed such a stunning view with my early morning cuppa!
Once in Dar, a MAF member of staff (with the fantastic name of Joel!!) came to meet us, to assist us in passing customs with our somewhat large luggage allowance and in loading our car for the very long drive home.
Once in Dar, a MAF member of staff (with the fantastic name of Joel!!) came to meet us, to assist us in passing customs with our somewhat large luggage allowance and in loading our car for the very long drive home. 
Although we felt exhausted, we opted to press on with the journey. An extremely tiring option for our main driver Andrew, a fairly tiring option for sub-driver Liz - but a rather pleasant option for all 3 children who were able to catch up on missing most of a night's sleep:
We arrived safe and sound in Dododma to a warm welcome from Claire and our friends and neighbours on the MAF compound, which included dinner at our next door neighbour's home. When I entered our house, I was delighted to discover a kitchen stocked with fresh fruit and veg, a freezer full of home-made bread, cakes and a couple of pre-cooked meals for re-heating. Our house lady Jane had been busy and her thoughtfulness was a real blessing. Despite my fears and misgivings about returning to Tanzania from my home culture, I felt a great wave of thankfulness for our cool, spacious house and kind friends here in Tanzania.It was good to be home.
glad you arrived home ok .Was he plane big enough for all that baggage aah and has number one son eaten all the cakes yet.
ReplyDeleteWell in your first photo Andrew and Esther look as fresh as daisies (though Ben and Joel look somewhat ravel weary) but seems it wasn't too long before Esther became a sleeping beauty.Good job you and Andrew managed to stay awake.What a lovely welcome back with full larders and happy smiling faces.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear the story of your journey back, I am just glad and thankful that you are all back safe and sound. A
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