First Impressions

It's Saturday... well, actually Thursday, but here in the land of dust and heat, it is our Saturday.  I landed on Tuesday, September 27th, in Jeddah, a sea port city on the Red Sea.  As you step off the plane you're hit with a wet heat, a real surprise, as one thinks of a 'desert' as dry.  We are blessed to be near the sea.

My flight over was filled with little 'moments'.  Arriving at Ohara, in the middle of transferring, the handle of my carryon broke.   Now burdened with a filled to bursting carryon and purse, I dodging others scurrying to their destinations, I whipped into Starbucks for a HOT coffee and apple.  A babies screaming broke out as I plopped into my seat on the VERY full plan to Frankfurt.  I exchanged a resigned glance with a passing steward, both knowing what was ahead.  But fortunately baby quieted, and I was moved to another seat.  Across the empty seat between us, I spied the most OUTRAGEOUS pair of boots.  Green alligator,fading to brown, worn by a young guy with a buzz cut, jeans and an Abercrombie T-Shirt.   By the end of the flight I discovered through a 'thick' accent, that this young Polish man was a Catholic priest, who lived in Texas, and was heading to visit his folks in Poland.  It takes all kinds.  

Not being my 'favorite' airport, I was happy to leave Frankfurt and be on my way to Jeddah.  It was not until we were getting  ready to land did I begin to consider customs, the precious cargo in my carryon and the Libby's can of pumpkin in my box.  Disembarking I noticed only one other woman without black garb.  We were bussed to the main terminal and herded to the immigration line.  We were the only flight.  Surrounded by business men, I watched the other lady wander searchingly for the correct line to be in.  We ended up next to each other and lo and behold, it was Deidra.  She and I had been communicating regarding the visa for the last month.  Conquering  immigration, we grabbed our luggage and headed for customs.  I had run out of tape to re-tape my boxes if they were opened, but my worry was all for not.  They were run through an ex-ray machine, put on our trolly and off we went.  Omar met us, and drove us to our flat.  Not only were Deidra and I 'traveling buddies', but also room mates.  His eye is truly on the sparrow.  "And it is my desire to lavish my love on you... simply because you are my chill and I am your Father."  I am truly 'lavished'!