Uganda 2025 Day 1-2

Today we left headed to Uganda. Chelsea met me at my house and mom drive us to the airport. We stopped for a late lunch on our way. We arrived at the airport around 3:30p for to check in for a flight that was at 7:10p. The line at the ticket/ baggage drop off counter was so long already that it was past the ropes. Tony, JoAnn, Chloe, Ross, and Benjamin were already there and in line. I could not believe how many people were there already. Chelsea and I wanted to try to get seats together, but with how long the line was, the chances were not amazing. We planned to go to the counter together, but that was not a possibility. Ben and Chelsea’s tickets were purchased together, so they had to check in together. Thank backtrack a little, JoAnn had sent some messages to our group telling us we had a super short layover and to request seats near the front. Well, none of us three remembered. I did remember to ask for an aisle seat last minute and they were able T give me the last one. It ended up that Ben and Chelsea were sitting in row 37 and I was in 15. We made it through security easy and found our gate. Everyone left their bags with JoAnn and dispersed for food or other shopping. Chelsea and I stopped for mints and water at the store, played a few rounds of uno and went to Starbucks. We found out that the plane was so full because the flight the night before had been cancelled. 

Thankfully, Chelsea ended up in the same row as Ben, Ethan, and Josh. A few hours into the flight I listed to JoAnn, Ross and Chloe talking about the layover. It is a very short layover and we may need to run to make it. JoAnn was trying to get the 4 in the back in a couple empty seats that were closer, but it did not work out. JoAnn just told the guys to be aggressive to get out because of our short connection. Normally I don’t sleep during flights, but I got about 30 minutes. It was very helpful! 

About an hour before we landed, we were able to move the 4 team members from the back to empty seats up front and have their carry on bags moved too. Once we landed we speed walked to the gate and made it just in time for boarding time. Well, that ended up being delayed for an hour when all was said and done, so we had plenty of time. Chelsea and I ended up getting some food. I bought a chicken wrap and strawberry tart for myself and a baklava for Chelsea to try. The guy was struggling to get my card working.  He finally got it working in the other system. When we got on the plane it took a long time to actually take off. I was able to sleep a little on this flight too!