2023 Trip to Liberia - Day 0
Note: This is the first of several posts from Team MRDJ’s trip to Liberia in February, 2023
(“Team MRDJ” members are Mike, Robin, Don and Jeff)
We started in in the dark on a chilly Minnesota winter morning. We had our personal luggage, four large boxes filled with donated soccer uniforms & clothes, five donated laptops, and gifts of pens, pencils, and candy for the 300 students and 30 staff at Light of the World Academy. We filled the back of Mike's pickup, The four boxes, wrapped in green shrink were just within the size limit of 62 inches for the combined width, length, and depth measurements. They had all been checked (in the bathroom scale) but now seemed heavier than the 50-pound limit. We each had 2 checked items and 2 carry-on items. Who thought this was a good idea?
We got the boxes and bags checked at United Airlines and arrived at the gate more than 2 hours before departure.
Mike & Jeff with some of the luggage at Minneapolis St. Paul Airport (MSP)
Mike mentioned he had a pain in his side that woke him up and it was getting worse. We called the EMT's to check him out. Mike reluctantly stayed behind as we boarded the plane for Chicago, the first flight of 3 to reach out destination: Chicago - Brussels - Monrovia.. About an hour after landing in Chicago we received a message from Mike: "internal hernia pinching off a bowel. Going into surgery now. Safe travels." After months of anticipation and planning...poof...there is a new plan. How disappointing for Mike and the rest of us. And how fortunate that he did not board the plane! It gave us pause to think Mike is the youngest and most fit one in our group. What's in store for us?
After a 6+ hour layover in Chicago, was the 7+ hour flight to Brussels, and then after a 2+ hour stop in Brussels, we finished with a 9+ hour flight to Monrovia, including a 2 hour stop to drop off and pick up passengers in Sierra Leone. The travel time: over 24 hours! Along the way we learned that Mike’s surgery was timely and successful, and a full recovery is expected.
The runways and airfield in Monrovia were constructed by the U.S. as a backup for German U boat (submarine) hunting during World War 2. When we arrived at the airport, the energy level as amazing. Many of our fellow passengers were “coming home” to their homeland - and their families and friends were excited to see them. It was one big celebration! In Liberia. One gets around town by hiring a driver. Our driver, Sam, had pre-arranged for help with our 4 boxes, 4 checked bags and 6 carry-on bags. Outside the terminal, we found Sam and also Burteh who took the 4 large boxes which he will eventually deliver to their final destination. It was a relief to finally land, find ALL our luggage and connect with our local contacts.
Jeff, Robin, and Don & luggage at Roberts Airport in Monrovia, Liberia
We drove through dusty road construction for over an hour before arriving at our hotel and learned that they have a very active bar with a LOUD disco. Should we dance the night away?
Look for an update within a couple of days. There are 3 of us, so look forward to different perspectives.