Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Home, Sweet Home
I figure I should let everyone know that we have arrived safe and sound, as did all our luggage. We are happy to see that winter has also come in time to welcome us. It is quite something to go from 32 Celsius + humidity to -16 + windchill, so that we've gone through a 60 degree change in a few short days.
Winter and all, there is no place like home. We arrived in Edmonton early Sunday morning (about 12:30 am). We were delayed an hour in Minneapolis waiting for other passengers and their luggage to load the plane. The trip from Amsterdam to Edmonton was quite long, but I am happy to report that I was much less cranky than I expected. I think everyone was happy about that! My godfather, Bob, and his friend, Tish, were there to meet us at the airport which was a nice surprise. My mother screamed just as I imagined she would. It was a beautiful sound. Mark and Rob were there, as were our winter jackets and boots. Welcome home, indeed!
We got home and unloaded the contents of our bags, distributed gifts, shared a few stories, and had some grilled cheese sandwiches before heading to bed around 3:30am. We all slept well and were up and about by 10:00am. My Grandma Mary came over and we had brunch together. It nice to spend time with family.
Sunday night, after catching up with Kristy and Brad, I finally got to sleep in my own bed, with flannel pyjamas, and a down comforter. Not a week ago, I was sleeping under a mosquito net, sweating in my shorts and tank top. What a world we live in. It's weird how Africa seems close yet so far away.
This week has gone by well enough, so far. I'm trying to get back into this time zone, unpack, get ready for Christmas, and get reaquainted with the world around me. I went to the mall yesterday and felt a little overwhelmed. And I only went as far as Bonnie Doon Mall! This might take some time.
I look forward to seeing many familiar and friendly faces over the Christmas holidays. Christmas is a nice time to come home. I've always loved Christmas lights, Christmas trees, Christmas carols, and the Fire Log on Channel 18. I am getting my pictures developped today, and I would be more than willing to tell anyone the stories behind the precious faces. Big Hugs all around.
Winter and all, there is no place like home. We arrived in Edmonton early Sunday morning (about 12:30 am). We were delayed an hour in Minneapolis waiting for other passengers and their luggage to load the plane. The trip from Amsterdam to Edmonton was quite long, but I am happy to report that I was much less cranky than I expected. I think everyone was happy about that! My godfather, Bob, and his friend, Tish, were there to meet us at the airport which was a nice surprise. My mother screamed just as I imagined she would. It was a beautiful sound. Mark and Rob were there, as were our winter jackets and boots. Welcome home, indeed!
We got home and unloaded the contents of our bags, distributed gifts, shared a few stories, and had some grilled cheese sandwiches before heading to bed around 3:30am. We all slept well and were up and about by 10:00am. My Grandma Mary came over and we had brunch together. It nice to spend time with family.
Sunday night, after catching up with Kristy and Brad, I finally got to sleep in my own bed, with flannel pyjamas, and a down comforter. Not a week ago, I was sleeping under a mosquito net, sweating in my shorts and tank top. What a world we live in. It's weird how Africa seems close yet so far away.
This week has gone by well enough, so far. I'm trying to get back into this time zone, unpack, get ready for Christmas, and get reaquainted with the world around me. I went to the mall yesterday and felt a little overwhelmed. And I only went as far as Bonnie Doon Mall! This might take some time.
I look forward to seeing many familiar and friendly faces over the Christmas holidays. Christmas is a nice time to come home. I've always loved Christmas lights, Christmas trees, Christmas carols, and the Fire Log on Channel 18. I am getting my pictures developped today, and I would be more than willing to tell anyone the stories behind the precious faces. Big Hugs all around.
# posted by Chantal @ 12:57 p.m. 
