Here at the airport

What a roller coaster ride. First I had a flight, then I was bumped, and now I have a flight again. So I am here at the airport and patiently waiting. I am so very excited to share with you about the work here in Africa. It is a heartbreaking and heartwarming work. Abby came with me to the airport to see me off and then got a call this morning that the official (mayor) of Kivulu (the slum) was not going to allow the street kids to sleep at the church. He said they were dirty and were little thieves. Uncle David called Abby and he told her that the man probably just wants money. It is almost funny to think that the mayor would be calling the street kids dirty and thieves. The slum is filled with drugs, prostitution, open sewers, and violence. But it is not surprising that he would want money. The suitcase that we filled with supplies for the kids is now filled with beaded necklaces. The sale of those necklaces funds well over half of what Abby does. So please buy a necklace! I met the young men that make the necklaces. Five of them sleep in a one room apartment. Several don't know how to read but would like to learn. They are former street kids. So they have gainful employment and Abby can fund so MANY different things. I will post more pictures once I get home. I have some truly special pictures that I know you will be blessed to see. Last night when Uncle Julius and Uncle David went down to the church to give the street boys some warm tea and a bun and to pray with them one of the boys wanted to use a cell phone to make a call to Abby. So David called Abby and one of the boys wanted to especially wish me a safe journey and for God to keep me safe. Very humbling. Because I feel like he was really praying for all of you too. May God give us the heart to help hurting people wherever we go; whether it is in Phoenix, Paraguay, Shonto, Uganda or whever He has us at the time. God bless you all and I will see you soon.

Missed Flight In London

Well, in typical Gina Orr fashion I missed my flight to Entebbe, the airport in Uganda. Don't even ask me how I did it. Just keep in mind that I was in the airport for over three hours and still managed to somehow miss the flight. A word for the traveller like me, reset your watch as soon as you arrive at your destination and don't count on things being like they have always been before. HA The five boxes I am carrying arrived safely in London. Because I missed the flight they security system wanted me take the boxes OUT of the airport. The next flight to Entebbe was two days later! I was able to rebook my flight, re-que the bags and with the help of some very friendly BA staff find a reasonable hotel. The hotel was a bed in a box. Weirdest thing ever. Just room for a bed. No window, no sheets, but it did have a private bathroom. It cost me $30 to take the taxi there and $35 to spend the night! But what is the word for missions...flexibility. And despite the good advice of Dave Ramsay, I would say always carry a VISA, for emergencies. By the time I rebooked my flight it was almost midnight and I was considered a "risk" . I had to be escorted by a member of security at all times. I must look threatening. But the people at the desk were so very nice. I told them that if they ever got to Phoenix, I would take them to dinner for Mexican Food. To my surprise I found that they both HAD been to Arizona. So I gave them a business card from the church and told them to call me if they came back.

Wednesday in London I walked around all day. I saw the sights and spent 3 hours in the National Art Museum.

It is now Thursday and I had to leave my hotel at 11:00 and my flight is at eight. I came very early to insure that my boxes were on their way as well. All seems to be in order and I have explored the terminal and found that I could shop at Prada, Gucci, and Coach. On the other hand I think I will have an Americano at Starbucks. I am enjoying watching the people. What a diverse group. It is wonderful! My phone doesn't seem to want to call anyone, just as well since it is so expensive. But texting is only 35 cents. You can text me at 602-326-5025. I have a 22 hour layover on the way back that includes an overnight. I am considering staying at a hostel here, the chairs here are quite uncomfortable for sleep. And my pillow did not make it through security Tuesday night. Keep praying that the trip will still be a blessing and encouragement to Abby despite all of the problems. Take care everyone. Gina Orr Wednesday afternoon 5:30PM in London