We're in DUBAI! All safe and sound and waiting for our next flight. The first leg, our 16 hour flight, was great. We flew over the top of the world, so it was light the entire time, until we landed in the evening- just after the sun had set here. I guess the other side of the plan had a pretty spectacular view of the sunset, but we missed it. The consensus is that it felt like less than 16 hours- which is always nice. We basically loved flying Emirates! Lots of entertainment options (movies, tv shows, video games, etc), mostly decent airplane food, fairly comfortable seats, etc.
I don't think most of us really know what time or what day it is right now, but that's ok, because it's going to change again after our next flight to Dhaka. The plan was to take a puddle jumper from Dhaka to Khulna, where we will be staying; but instead we're going to have an 8 hour chartered van ride. I think we're all in agreement that this was a good move.
Dubai airport isn't as spectacular as some of us thought it would be, after hearing about Dubai and all of its incredible architecture and sights; but it is nice and has all the amenities that any international airport would offer. We're a little bummed that we got here after dark and weren't able to see any of the buildings or islands that we've heard so much about- but maybe we'll get a look when we pass through here on the way back.
While we waited for board our plane at LAX, Andrea and Jen tried to teach Danielle and Casey the card game, Rook. It was a valiant effort, but Casey and Danielle could probably use some more practice.
As we were deplaning this guy walked past our group and asked if we were from APU. Jen loved that. Guess it is a bit of a small world.
Special thanks to Stan Leach for the tip on Starbucks by gate 1 at Dubai Airport. We found that AS SOON as we cleared airport security, and we're all very thankful for that nugget. Might have been even better if the barista had any idea about the exchange rate. He made his best guess and we all paid somewhere between $5 -$8 USD for tall coffee drinks. After Starbucks we found our gate and opted for a little exploring just to see what we could see and kill some time. Felisha pulled out her camera and played the tourist. Casey soon joined in and we quite the sight, I'm sure.
We still have a few hours before our 2am flight and everyone's napping, reading, and journaling now. We have felt your prayers and are grateful for you, our extended team, and all of your support. You cannot know what it means to embark on this adventure knowing all of you are behind us, praying for us, and encouraging us.
With Love in Christ,
Casey (for Team Bangladesh)
