Yes - we are back in Kartoum!
Monday 18th we sent off in good spirits for Gedaref - the town closest to
the Ethiopian border. The countryside was different and the closer we got
to Ethiopia the greener it became - so much easier on the eye than the
desert. The herds of goats, cattle and camels were bigger and healthier.
However dead animals are just left rotting on the roadside - hence lots of
vultures hovering overhead. The temperature is somewhat cooler so that
helps!(not the smell of rotting flesh though!) We stayed in a basic hotel
- towels and t/p not provided in this standard of hotel!
Next morning set off early for the border and enjoyed the comparatively
good road and pleasant scenery. Stamped out of the Sudanese side no
problem. Got to the Ethiopian side and told couldn't buy visa at border -
had to go back to Kartoum. (We had been told by the Ethiopian embassy in
London that visas could be bought at the border). Our hearts just sank.
Despite several phonecalls we always got the same answer - go back to
Kartoum. So....we went back to Kartoum! Very frustrated and disappointed
as it delays again our arrival into Kenya. We are staying at the same
hotel and the staff recognised us when we returned - they have been very
helpful and friendly - they think Mollie is beautiful!
(Kim our travelling companion had his visa so he went on into Ethiopia on
his own).
Today we got the visas no problem so we will leave early tomorrow and hope
to reach the border late afternoon!
The good thing is that it has given us some time to rest and to give
Mollie a bit of a clean - there is sand and dust everywhere! and to get
some laundry done! We also learned that God is teaching us patience and to
trust Him more.
By the way just north of the infamous Dongola we crossed 6000mls and
yesterday on the way back to Kartoum we crossed 7000mls! Mollie is coping
really well and has given us no problem to date.
Again, thank you all for news from home - it's good to hear from you.
Keep praying
Love
S&H
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