I was feeling very numb in the weeks leading up to this day, but that changed as soon as I saw my friends and the train about to leave.
There were many tears and even a few ugly cries as we parted, watching our families wave goodbye. My 4 boys' big sad eyes overwhelmed me with emotion. I was lucky to have the train ride with my daughter Angela to spend that little bit more time with her on. She was doing a piano exam in Brisbane the next day, so travelled up to Brisbane airport with me t meet my parents there.
The most moving moment for me was looking back up at my parents and Angela as I went down the escalator, and to see my mum holding back the tears. And my dad so proud yet hard to watch his youngest daughter leave the country without him to be there and protect.
Angela was just beaming with happiness for me... She will only realise one day how hard it was for her mother to leave all her children behind. I am carrying their hearts with me.
They know this has been a life long dream of mine that is finally becoming a reality.
We were so excited boarding that it was clear that we were the loudest and happiest on the plane! Especially because there was over 600 channels including 140 movies to choose from which I love!
My favourite moment was when I got to open up all the letters, cards, notes and drawings from my children, mum and special friends. They truly touched my heart.
Then,not long after take off, dinner was served. We only then found out that our amazing friend Hirajan, who works for Emirates organised for all our meals to be first class!!! Other passengers around us were very jealous Im sure. Thanks Hiranjan! You are so kind, thoughtful and generous. We didn't realise that first class food also meant yummy expensive chocolates and a bottle of Moet Champagne to share!
So our bellies were very content...but not so much our legs for the lack of room or space to sleep for the 15 hour journey. And I hate how you have to walk through business class first on your way to Economy...just to see what we are missing out on!
We arrived in Dubai at 6:10 in the morning. It was midnight in Brisbane. The airport is HUGE. Much bigger than anything we have back home! After our plane landed we had to go on a bus and travel
15 minutes to the entrance of the airport! Thats how long the airport is!
Ok so our first introduction to Dubai was this....
And after our intial shock and laughter we discovered a wheel chair toilet which was "normal" We were so happy about that!
I am now on the flight from Entebbie airport as I write this. (I will post this a day later) There we will meet the Watoto team who will be there to greet us.
Then something amazing just happened...One of the flight attendant who was so beautiful to us, heard we were visiting Watoto and said she had been there before to give toys and things to the children. They often haave left over stuff from each flight and they save it up for different places in need. So during the flight she brings out six bags full of wet ones, baby bottles, baby food and lots more. These items are things they give children during the flight, and she asked us to give it to Watoto!!
This is Terri... beautiful on the inside and out....
Finally we arrived....
Here are the first sight of Kampala as we were driving to our guest house....
