Four days after arriving, Andrew had to travel back to Nairobi for his six-monthly pilot's mecial. This was a check-up that Andrew was supposed to have on our way through Nairobi the week before, as we passed through Kenya on our way to Juba. In fact, Andrew had turned up for that appointment, only to be told that it had been cancelled; but no-one had let him know! This meant a second trip to Nairobi had to be arranged, for a second attempt at getting the medical check.
So we waved Andrew off early last Wednesday morning, fully expecting to see him again by Friday lunchtime.
A few hours later, I had a knock at the door and there stood Andy, our MAF Operations Manager, looking a little serious.
"Do you want the good news or the bad news first?" he asked.
For a MAF pilot's wife, personal house visits from the OPs Manager during work hours can only mean one thing: he is bringing some unexpected news about the flight or pilot. I felt myself tense as I tried to block out the scary thoughts that suddenly clamoured for attention in my now super-alert brain.
"Give me the good news first," I replied, trying to read his expression for a clue to the news I was about to receive.
"Well", he started, "the good news is, Andrew is fine and the MAF flight has safely landed in Kenya".
Instantly. the fear that had begun hovering disappeared like a burst bubble and I felt the tension leave me.
"Oh good," I said, with relief, "If Andrew is OK and everyone on the flight is OK, then there can't be any really bad news".
Mr. OPs Manager smiled and then went on to explain that Andrew had encountered a slight hiccough -and probably would not be back in Juba until the following week...
"Never mind! As long as he is fine, it really doesn't matter!" I felt quite cheery, despite being told that I was now to be Home Alone in Juba with the children for several nights. The relief that Andrew was fine eclipsed the fact that he was stuck in Kenya longer than any of us anticipated!
The reason for Andrew's delay was because of his visa. We had all entered the country on July 25th on a Single-Entry visa. We had forgotten this fact and now Andrew was in Kenya- and would need a new visa to get back into SS. Although this procedure can be done easily enough in Nairobi, it had all become rather complicated on the ground in Nairobi. Andrew had arrived too late on Wednesday to put in an application for a new visa at the immigration office.
On Thursday, the SS immigration office was closed for a national public holiday.
On Friday, they do not open for visa applications.
Nor are they open on weekends... so Andrew's return to Juba had to be unexpectedly delayed! With only one spare outfit and not enough underwear, Andrew was thankful for kind friends in Nairobi to lend him a washing machine, help him find somewhere suitable to stay and even feed him at their homes! I was grateful this end for thoughtful neighbours who helped out with the kids and meals in a busy first week of settling back in, unpacking and getting back into home-school.
Thankfully, the matter is now in hand and Andrew made it back home this afternoon! Horray!
Today. Esther was reading Aesop's Fables as part of her English lesson at Home-School. We had to discuss what a "fable" is and the importance of the moral at the heart of each story. Over the past week, we have experienced our very own Juba story with a "moral" that we would do well to remember for the future: never begin an international journey without first checking our visa requirements!
Never a dull moment! Glad you are all safe. Laura xx
ReplyDeleteDad says this sounds all very encouraging. I'm afraid he laughed at Andrew's delay at getting a new visa although we were sorry for the inconvenience it caused him and that you were so soon ' home alone ' and I praise the Lord for prayer answered and the kindness of all His people in Juba and Nairobi. Lots love mum and dad xxxxx
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