Arrival In Africa

The trip

After a long trip, an extended lay-over in Paris and a long wait in line at the Togo immigration department I officially arrived in Togo.    I was greeted outside the baggage claim by sister Erin, Dr. Kelly and 'Anna Banana'.  They helped get me loaded up and driver Pirico whisked us away to the little hotel we were to spend the night.

The next morning we had an outdoor breakfast consisting of fresh, warm orange juice, a small loaf of bread and scrambled egg.  We loaded up and drove to a couple of grocery stores to acquire supplies that aren't available in the smaller villages.  It was fun to listen to Erin communicate with the store keepers.  She's doing really well with the French language.

We made the 2+ hour trip up to the hospital site in Tsiko where the rest of the people are.  Here are some pictures from along the way.

Street vendors just outside the grocery store in Lome

A rare street sign

Building code is not quite what it is in North America

A kid peeking in the window at a roadside veggie stand.  The BEST pineapple ever!

Fires burning to clear brush and undergrowth.  They can then go behind and plant their small crops

Here is a picture of Mt. Agou - the highest point in Togo

Tsiko 

I finally got to see the rest of the family!  Everyone was all smiles, glad to see a familiar face?  Or perhaps they knew Erin was bringing more food and snacks!  Kylie walked over to give me a hug, and that was awesome!  Ted and Jack ran up to give me a squeeze, as did Nolan and Nathan.  I had to wander into the house to see Ethan - he was sitting on the couch with his leg up just resting.  I later realized I have to walk at a good pace to keep up with him while he scoots around on his crutches.  The video of his surgery is pretty impressive.  Check out Erin's blog if you want all of the gory details!

The Westons are in good hands here.  The people around them are great.  Lots of great medical care, good friends and smiling faces.

 Here is a shot of Kylie's foot.  She is coming along slowly.  She still needs to have twice-daily treatments.

 This is Ethan's swollen, cut up, rod supported leg.  He's moving it, spends some time up and walking around and then stretched out relaxing with books and sketch pads.

 Here are a couple of shots of their house.  The living room and dining room areas are nice and spacious.

Hanging out in hammocks on the clothes line.  Those will be nice for resting in the afternoons and after supper!

That's all I've got for now.  There is so much more to show and tell, but the power just went out and I'm about to lose the internet connection if I don't get this posted!

More later!