Last entry to Congo Campbell's

We've been back in Kansas for a few days and are so happy to be home! We were met at the airport in KC by Judi, Hugh, Paco, and Fanny. What a homecoming! We'd been traveling a long time, and nearly missed our connection in Detroit. Luckily, the flight was delayed due to some mechanical issue; otherwise, we would have FOR SURE missed that flight. Upon arrival in the USA, we had to pass through customs and get our luggage and recheck it, then run around trying to catch our flight to KC. The children were wonderful and have just adapted to all these experiences. Because our flight was delayed and we didn't get into KC until nearly 7:00pm, that meant that Judi and Hugh couldn't come to Paco and Fanny's for dinner, as originally planned. They needed to get back to Girard to take care of Alba (thank you Judi and Hugh!!!). So, the four of us went to Paco and Fanny's and had dinner. Shane and his sweetie, Rachel, were there. We all felt very happy! The next day, we came to the Kopa's, where we're house-sitting the month of July, while they're in Europe. I'm looking at the United States with fresh eyes. We went grocery shopping and were ecstatic at all the options and great prices (e.g.; a box of Cheerios would be $8 in Congo). Strawberries, blueberries, broccoli, baby carrots, soy milk, cherries, 100% whole-wheat bread, to name a few of the items we've missed this past year. We pointed out the first garbage truck we saw, with excitement. We went to Denny's for b'fast and couldn't wait for our pancakes, bacon, and hash browns. I took Stuart to the park yesterday and marveled at how clean the ground was, and all the free equipment for him to play on. I'm remembering one park we found in Cameroon and were charged for letting the children play at a run-down playground. Getting mail for the Kopa's, which included the newsletter from the public library - listing all the FREE events, classes, etc. for everyone. We had a very enriching experience in Congo and are all the smarter because of it. I hope I never forget how lucky we are to have public services like sanitation, libraries, mail, parks, paved roads, etc. The children are adapting, as expected, to life back in the USA. The jet lag is almost over, I hope. Tomorrow, we go to SE KS to spend time with more family, and get to be reunited with ALBA!!! This marks the end of "Congo Campbell's". Thanks to all who've followed us through this adventure. I hope this blog has enlightened readers about life outside of the USA - in a relatively "young" country (independence only since 1960), that is going through many growing pains. Our family is wiser and stronger b/c of the experience, and thrilled to be back home. The End.