After saying goodbye to my precious friends and family of three months, Seth and I set out on our near forty hour journey to the United States. Getting fussed at by the customs official in Ghana was the first problem we encountered on our trip. On the kind of visa that I have, you're only allowed to stay in Ghana for sixty days at a time. I'd been in the country for ninety two at that point. Whoops! I was going to go to Togo half-way through my trip, to renew my visa and visit GMI Togo, but that didn't work out. So I entered the airport praying it would go unnoticed, but unfortunately the officer realized my mistake. After discussing the issue for a few minutes, he told it me would be a fee of 50 Ghana cedis (About $26). I only had 20 cedis left from my trip, so he began to contemplate whether or not to let me go. After speaking a few words to him in Twi, he decided to take the 20 cedis and let me go. Praise the Lord! After that, it was smooth sailing! Or should I say flying? We said goodbye to Ghana and boarded our first plane. It was painful to say goodbye, and I'm so thankful my best friend was there to share all the mixed emotions and struggles that came with leaving. I spent most of the first flight drifting in and out of sleep, and enjoying some actual rest after three months of craziness. Once we arrived in London, we got settled in for our eight hour layover. It was 27* outside and we were both exhausted, so we decided to skip the quick visit to the UK.
After an uneventful, but long, layover, we found our way to the next gate. The eight hour flight to Chicago was very long, but also smooth. We flew over Greenland, so that was really cool! After we landed, we re-entered the US without any problems. We went through security and settled in at our gate, patiently waiting for the final flight. Seth spent some time talking to his family, while I caught up on some much needed sleep.
After a very long journey, we were welcomed in Knoxville by family, friends, ice, and snow. It was so wonderful to see them after being gone for three months. After lots of hugs and a little bit of catching up, we successfully collected all our bags, and headed out to the van. After being in 90-100* weather for three months, I bravely ventured out into the 30* frigid air. It was quite the cold shock! Once all the bags were put in, we all loaded up and started the final leg home.
About halfway home, we hit a patch of ice in the road, and lost control of the van. We slid into the median, and then slammed into an abandoned truck. After being in Ghana for three months, I wasn't in the habit of wearing my seat belt, so I was trying to hold on as best I could. I was sitting in the seat right where we took the impact from the truck, so I was thrown off the seat, into the side of the van. Everyone else just had minor bumps and bruises, but the longer I sat there, there more my shoulder began to hurt. At first I thought it was just bruised, but I quickly realized I could barely move it at all. So, instead of going home, we headed to the ER so they could do some x-rays. The doctor discovered I have a minor ligament tear in my shoulder. I have to keep it in a sling for a week, and then see a specialist on Friday. It should be non-surgical, but it will probably require some physical therapy.
It wasn't exactly the welcome home I was expecting, but I'm so glad we are all safe, and it wasn't worse! Its been an adjustment being back and learning how to do everything with my left hand, but God is good! Please be praying my shoulder heals quickly without any problems.
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