Annie's Escort mission to Kenya, 14th May 2008

Escorting Anderson Kipkouri from Kenya

As time was short it was decided that I would do a "round trip". That is to fly out on Saturday morning 14th May with BA64 which arrives in Nairobi at 2100 hrs, and return, with Anderson Kipkouri, on flight BA65 departing at 2320hrs the same evening. A very tight schedule indeed and because of this I had suggested that we should meet in Departures which, at Nairobi airport, is housed in a separate building from Arrivals.

Unfortunately misunderstandings sometime happen and whilst I was waiting, with growing impatience and frustration, for my charge to be handed over to me, he and accompanying family members and hospital escort were waiting for me in Arrivals. They were extremely well organised, with my name in three inch letters splashed across a large board but - although, from the corner of my eye I could see a whole row of people holding such boards when I dashed out of Immigration - I never gave them a proper look in my rush to get to the departure building!

Anderson was tearful at having to part from his family for a trip to the great unknown and a very daunting operation. We were so time-conscious by then that social niceties had to be shortened. More was the pity as Anderson did not speak English, although he understood it, and I had hoped to be able to spend a bit of time talking to him with the help of the lady from the hospital whilst we got introduced.

Eventually we were in front of the check-in desk and I heaved a sigh of relief at the idea that everything was going to be fine and I would be able to spend a bit of time with Anderson before we boarded. We had, after all, all the necessary documents, and formalities are seldom a problem once the reason for the trip is explained. Little did I know!!

The check-in attendant suddenly looked at me and calmly announced that there was a slight problem: Anderson's visa was for one month as from May 17th but this was only the 14th! I was speechless. How could this have happened? I then recalled that his surgery was scheduled for the 17th and realised that was where confusion must have happened. I explained all this to the attendant and his supervisor who had been hastily summoned.

The surgery could not be delayed - if the "slot" were lost it would take weeks to schedule another one. The problem was, of course, no so much here in Kenya, but what would the reaction be with Immigration in London? The check-in staff was extremely helpful. They phoned Immigration at Heathrow to explain the situation and requested advice. We waited and waited. By this time I was not looking at my watch any more but searching frantically for my bottle of "Bach Rescue Remedy" for calming nerves. Anderson was, during all this time, a very quiet boy who looked rather tired and unfit.

Finally we received the go-ahead to board. The flight staff was aware of the reason for our late arrival and were very understanding! Anderson slept during the whole journey. He was not interested in food, only eating dry rolls, but he enjoyed apple juice.

To my great relief the immigration officer at Heathrow was pleasant and after a lengthy appraisal of the situation, she let Anderson in without any more ado. We were met on arrival by Margot and the host family and Mel Anderson had not brightened up and although interested in the landing and everything around him, he looked unwell and still tearful and only smiled when Mel greeted him in Swahili.

It was sad to learn that Anderson was to have a second round of surgery and therefore his return would be delayed. The departure date was finally fixed for Saturday 7th June in the morning.

Anderson was waiting for me at Terminal 4 with his host family. He had a large suitcase full of goodies and his pride and joy was a football which he was clutching in a cabin bag. His second pride and joy was a mobile telephone and he listened endlessly to the tunes which had been recorded on it. He looked extremely healthy and was clearly happy to return to his family. He had been missing home a lot.

The flight was quite full and we were lucky to be upgraded, Anderson was next to a window and enjoyed watching all the outside action before departure. As it was a day flight, with bright sunshine and few clouds he was also able to see all the different landscapes, towns and villages from above.

His father, mother, brother, uncles and a few young cousins were waiting for him on arrival and he was very happy to see them. After making sure he was fine and healthy they went on their way and we were driven to The Mater Hospital.

We met Mrs Susan Gachathi from The Mater Hospital the next morning and his family joined us to receive Susan's instructions. It was explained that it was imperative that for the foreseeable future he should have a monthly penicillin injection. Anderson was not keen on injections but fortunately one of his brothers worked as a pharmacist and promised to make sure that the instructions would be followed. Then it was time to say goodbye.

I had a wonderful afternoon with Susan and her daughter, visiting The Giraffe Centre And The Crocodile Farm and too soon it was time to get ready to go to the airport.

The return flight was uneventful! (how I like that word!!!)

« BACK