Sunday, March 6

We have arrived after a long journey !! We left JFK (NY) yesterday evening. Brussels Airlines was very kind and allowed us each 2 extra bags at no charge, so we were able to bring a lot of supplies. We arrived in Brussels at 7 am, and then caught the flight to Monrovia at 12:30; the flight included a stop in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Interestingly, this flight was full to capacity, and one of the noticeable things was that there were a lot more Caucasians than we typically have seen on these flights. And a lot of Chinese as well, but that isn't a surprise as China has worked to become a dominant force in Africa, and they have been successful. At Robertsfield, the international airport in Liberia, you deplane onto the Tarmac and then a large bus takes you to the Arrivals building. Tonight we were met at Arrivals by Louise, who seems to run the VIP facility at the terminal. She was holding a piece of paper with my name on it, and I remembered her from previous encounters. She took our passport documents and baggage slips, and someone took care of the formalities as well as picking up our 8 duffel bags while we enjoyed a refreshment in the VIP lounge. We then drove to JFK Hospital; Dr McDonald called Alvin while we were driving in to welcome me home ! Munah was at the hospital ready with a meal for us, and then Moses brought us to the Royal Hotel where we will be staying on this trip. It is very comfortable, and after a nice hot shower I'm ready for bed. Rumor has it that we will have plenty to do on this trip !