Entebbe

It was surreal to land at the Entebbe Airport.  I have read and studied the events that unfolded at this airport when terrorists hijacked an Air France flight originating from Tel Aviv with 248 passengers on board and came to Entebbe.  In Uganda all passengers were released except for Israelies and Jews.  The hostages were held in the transit hall which is now the old terminal (because of renovations at the airport we actually had to go through the old transit hall).  After negotiation fell apart and many hostages were released, 83 Jews remained captive.  The Israeli special forces conducted a covert rescue operation that was amazing - read the details here.  This airport was also featured in the closing scenes of The Last King of Scotland. 

At the airport our group expanded to two dozen people.  I have no idea how we got all of our luggage and bodies in the short bus.  I sat in a jump seat at the front of the bus facing the huge windshield.  This was good placement for me to avoid car sickness.  There was no seatbelts and nothing between me and oncoming traffic but glass.  I watched in anxiety the three-lane style driving being done in only two narrow lanes.  Not fun.  I was very happy when the one hour drive was over.  Home sweet Colline Hotel.

Comments

[Gras]

Thanks for the great updates and also the historical information. Have a great trip!

[Keith Schwanz]

Mike, I hope you have a great time in Mukono. Eighteen members of our family were there in 2005 to build two Habitat for Humanity houses, one in memory of my Mom and the second in memory of my sister-in-law. My niece's husband was the national director of Habitat at the time. My niece and her two children were "extras" in the hostage scene for the filming of "Last King of Scotland." Please say hello to Julene (NTS grad) for me.

[aaron]

I love these updates. They help me pray for you guys and imagine what it's like over there. May God grant you all His grace to see His kingdom there.

[Mike]

Hey Guys thanks for the comments and prayer. Julene is doing well, she is an amazing young woman. Peace to you all.

[JE]

Mike,

I had similar feelings when I landed at the Entebbe Airport. I am thrilled you are in Africa having this challenge put in front of you. We flew from Kenya to Uganda with some Dutch Kayakers looking for a thrill. I think the last thing they said about their trip was they had to look out for the alligators!

[Mike]

Hey Jess,

I am more concerned about the mosquitoes than the alligators.

Mike