March 31st,
I am not one that does well with "goodbyes", especially when it deals with family. So today was a day to say, "until we meet again", we pray that our children and grandchildren will stay safe and healthy and live an abundant life walking the road less traveled. Thank you Gruvers for an amazing experience in a land of beautiful people, where the animal kingdom is alive and well on planet earth and where one can imagine the beginnings of time near the cradle of humankind. Packing was an ordeal, as we had to weigh each bag and transfer items around until it was passable with six large bags and carry ons with the thought of a car load waiting back in Dallas. Excess baggage seems to add up when one is gone for it seemed like a half of a year out of a suitcase between Dallas and Africa. It was well worth it to be with our family - it is what God designed.
The same day that we were leaving, Pamela, Tiembe's daughter, arrived to stay with her Mom during the week. A cozy bed was made up for Pamela, who is 6, in Tiembe's bedroom. Pamela instantly became the perfect playmate for Saili. We were so glad we were able to meet Pamela before we left for home. She is such a sweet little lady. And Saili can be such a little Mom taking after her older sister, Claire.
Our flight home was good but we had extreme jetlag again upon arrival in Dallas which involved extreme headaches, fatigue, and time adjustments. Along with those adjustments, we experienced a high content of allergens in the air in Dallas and in a day or two we had a full blown allergy reaction like a bad virus with horrible coughing spells which we still are continuing to nurse in Minnesota and we think it may take a good couple of weeks to get unpacked and get our house in order and to feel better.
It was a comfort to have the Rioses greet us upon our return to the US of A. We took them to the grassy knoll JFK museum tour as the children had never been to it and we are big on history. We also had experienced such a delightful movie in Africa with the Gruvers "Mr Peabody and Sherman", so we wanted the Rioses to experience it too, and we took them all to it. During our return week there, we experienced a bad storm where tornadoes were touching down near their house right when we were having dinner there ; and then we had to drive home in it. That was a bit scary but we made it and I am actually now driving in Dallas - not far, mind you, but at least I have made the big step.
 |
| Gabe now has the full Blair Atholl attire |
 |
| Stacy modeling her African necklace |
 |
| Greyson's Monopepe enjoying a bush baby and the African dish from the Gruvers |
I had another hair appointment with Terri at Artistik Edge in North Dallas to have my hair colored. We took Stacy and Gabe one night to our new favorite French restaurant in that same area.
 |
| painting done in Paris of owner and his wife |
 |
The owner, attentive to his guests 24/7      |
