Team B arrives in Senegal

Yes, we made it!  Sarah, Chloe, Ella, Mike, Judy, Catherine, Bonnie, and Tom assembled at O'Hare on Saturday at 10am and departed for JFK about 30 minutes late due to weather on the East Coast.  We had 5+ hours layover in JFK, where it was raining quite steadily.  That gave us time to take some walks, have lunch and eventually leave for Dakar on time about 30 minutes late at 10:15pm.  From there, it was the usual grind through a 7-hour flight, arriving at passport control around 9:30am Sunday.  Most members of the group got some sleep, but it was very difficult in the crowded conditions.  The new visa process introduced more time in the airport, but we did eventually leave for the Dakar church around 10:30am.  The service was in full flood, and we rendezvoused with Carol, Karl, Nancy, Joanne and Deb (who had arrived the day prior).

The service was energizing, with singing and prayers and singing.  We learned that Dr. Bashir will be married shortly!  Everyone we knew was there and hugs and greetings were exchanged.  Our first-time visitors were introduced to the congregation to warm applause and more singing.  After the service, we spent a few minutes cleaning up as best we could (there is no running water today), and then went to a nice restaurant for lunch about 3pm.  After a short walk on the ocean beach, in conditions the locals termed "cold" but we all enjoyed (low 70s), we headed back to our guest house.

A group of shoppers have headed out to Sambas to buy gifts.  I expect many of us will be turning in by 8pm.  It has been a long day.

-- Tom