Travel

Last night I experienced sleeping at JFK airport. People were everywhere. Most of them Orthodox Jews with their families headed to Tel Aviv. Against every wall and particularly snuggled up to electrical plugs, there were people. Tonight I arrived at Heathrow intending also to sleep until my morning flight. They were amazed that I was travelling alone. Don't they see plenty of people travelling alone? They were amazed that I only had the luggage on my back. Don't they see plenty of people travelling light? They were amazed that I intended to sleep in the airport. Don't people do that here?

In the departure lounge, I found a wonderful Italian cafe with homemade pasta and a glass of wine. Lovely to put me to sleep. This time, hardly any other people. Those few who are around, are propped neatly in chairs, not a one on the floor. Nevertheless, I lay sprawled next to a chair on the floor with my pillow. Ahh! comfortable. Quiet.

Most of my fellow travelers have left word that they are stuck overnight in Istanbul. What a lovely adventure for them. That means that only two of our travellers have likely made their way all the way to Nairobi this evening. I wonder what wonders they'll discover.

I should head back to my little bed on the floor for a few more hours, but excitement is building. In the morning, I too will discover the wonders that Kenya brings. Will my flight also be delayed? Will anyone be there to pick me up at the airport? I have the number for the Nairobi International Youth Hostel where we are staying, so I have a fall back plan.

I feel like I am headed to holy land.

Okay, the journey begins . . .

I arrived for our training in Charlottesville, Virginia a day late because I LOST my passport. Learned that you can get a new passport in a day, which worked well, and then immediately found my old passport.

I've met the wonderful people going with me on this journey, as well as the people of the Presence Theatre troupe that will be holding space and energy for us here. Amazing to learn from so many talented people.

We did a little bit of developmental transformations, theatre of the oppressed, and played, getting ready for our work in East Africa.

Tonight I leave for New York City, leaving in the morning for London, then Tuesday morning on to Nairobi. I will try to touch in here along the way to update you on what we're up to.

Much love to all my family and friends who helped make this happen! Maggie