Au Revoir and Bienvenue: Two sides of the same coin

The wheels touched down on the Yaounde airstrip in a driving rain. After gathering laptop cases, mini-suitcases, plastic bags -- and children! -- from the cramped plane, we made our way cautiously through the terminal, fearing that the worst was still to come.

We stood in the passport control line, clutching our documents anxiously and shifting our carry-ons from shoulder to shoulder. After navigating that line successfully, we still had to stand in front of the baggage claim belt and pray that our luggage had arrived with us.

After counting – and recounting! – nine bags with Magruder tags, we turned to each other and sighed with relief.

Home!

Mr. Djibril, Philip, Pastor Simeon, Collins, Frank Sanchez (a friend from Rachel’s school), and Rachel were all on hand to greet us at the airport. Geni, Salomon, Jina (the dog) and Pierre (yes, the goat!) were waiting at the house.

In particular, I was impressed by the signs that Geni (our cook) hung around the house. I’ve posted two pictures here, but there was also another large sign that read, “To the Magruders – you are beautifully and wonderfully made. Enjoy the beauty of life. Enjoy your stay. Welcome.”

What beautiful words to hear upon our return …

It’s taking all weekend to get our legs back under us. We’re still unpacking and trying to make sense of what to do next.

We had a wonderful summer, no doubt about it. There was a tinge of sadness in leaving Dallas, of course. But there was also great excitement about arriving back in the place that God has prepared for us.

Personally, I’m also excited about getting back to this blog. I didn’t realize that I needed a break from regular posting, but apparently I did! But I’m back now, and eager to share the stories of our second missionary term in Cameroon.