In London. I landed around 6:15 am London time. Had to hurry to catch my next flight. They made me go through security as well. I found my terminal and noticed I had 15 minutes to spare before my flight started boarding. I stopped at the gate desk and checked in. The lady informed me that I would have to pick up my checked bag in DC and take it through customs. I thanked her for the information and then sat down. With the few extra minutes I had, I decided to finish the rest of my cereal. I then proceeded to the bathroom to brush my teeth.
Upon boarding the plane, I was selected for a random search. I had to surrender my bag and they opened it and searched through it. I was also padded down.
At this point, I realized that in just 8 hours, I will be back in America again and my trip to Africa will be over. This was a bittersweet moment for me.
My flight from London to DC took about 8 hours as I expected. It was mostly smooth. I ate both meals the airline offered. I tried to sleep but would only doze in and out. I watched the parts of a few movies. When we came into DC, it was overcast. We had clouds from about 5000 ft to 1000ft; the lowest I’ve ever experienced on a plane.
I had to fill out a customs card for the US while on the plane. I noticed on there that I would have to declare any fruit I had on me. I realized then that I had some apples still backed in my bag. I bought them in Zambia to eat on the plane rides back to the US. I didn’t declare them on the form and threw them away in the first bathroom I saw after getting off the plane. However, I did have to report on the customs form that I was on a farm while away.
Going through customs was pretty simple. You just give the guy your passport and they check some things on a computer and then stamp it. You then have to go through another gate before you are let back into the main part of the airport. At this checkpoint, they examine your customs card. I was stopped and was directed to another area where I was asked about the farm I was on. After a few minutes and another bag inspection I was on my way. The whole process from deboarding the plane to getting back into the airport was about 20 minutes in length.
Once past this gate, I noticed I was at the baggage claim for my flight. I immediatly saw my checked bag there and was thankful as I knew that I would have my bag once I got to State College. I then picked up my bag and was instructed by an airport worker to place it on the nearby conveyor belt. I did so and then headed to my gate.
I took the shuttle to get the my State College flight. Once at the terminal, I checked the flight schedules and then called one of my friends to tell him I would be in State College around 2pm; he was my ride home.
It was hard to believe at this time that I was back in the US. Just over a day ago, I was in Africa. Amazing! I must say though that I am a little overwelmed. I am also hungary and thirsty.
The flight to State College was a little bumpy. We spent most of our time in the clouds so looking outside the window to pass the time was useless. I finally saw the ground once we began to fly into State College. It was beautiful! I couldn’t get over how green, lush, and hilly everything was. The site really made me appreciate the natural beaty this place has to offer — just amazing!
The plane landed and I got off and collected my checked bag. I said a silent prayer to myself thanking God for a safe and wonderful trip. I prayed a lot on this trip, nothing too intentionally, but mostly a stream of prayer all day long. I would often thank God for getting me to my current place and then ask Him to help me go a little further. He always answered.
I walked outside and a few minutes later, my ride showed up. I went home and took a shower. I tried to sleep but couldn’t. I weighed myslef and realized I lost 10 lbs while gone. I weighed 154lbs when I left and now weighed 144lbs. I then sat around for a little while and reflected on all of what had just happened. I then took off to Mad Mex for our weekly Thursday dinner. I was now becoming a part of my old routine.