At the airport!

You know...it's amazing how you can have everything you think you need gathered, and then still spend a veritable lifetime getting it all into the suitcase! I know this to be true, because it happened to me yesterday, and to at least 2 other team members (who will remain nameless ;o) who thought they had things gathered and yet still spent ALL night "packing". What is up with that?

So the skit practice went well yesterday. From what I saw and the comments from the onlookers, I think with a couple of more practices overseas, it'll be spot-on...and by that I mean (and truly hope) powerful and (for some) life-altering. My prayer is that there will be people gazing upon this work and see themselves in it, and see Christ in it, and consequently the twain shall meet. I thank you all for the prayers in helping bring this skit to us, and helping us to bring it to life. Jen Hammond is the lead, playing the newly created woman, and does a lovely job. All the "sinners" (LOL) rock too! I am one of them (aren't we all?!?). Marshan MADE me be suicide! Can you believe it!?!? It's all good and the practices have been quite the workout as well; especially for Jen. It is quite a physical piece. Delos is going to rock as Jesus when he can finally get his chubby little fingers working in the right directions when he "creates" birds. Watching that is entertainment onto itself! I love that guy!

Unfortunately, we ran out of time for the other skit, the Sin Chair, to practice, but that is a much lighter, shorter piece and the 4 actors pretty much nailed it in the few minutes we have had to practice, so I am sure we can pull it together easily while there.

It was quite something seeing ALL the luggage in one place at one time, and then trying to jam more and more blankets, baby clothes, etc. into every nook and cranny. Jon was literally Herculean in his efforts tossing every single piece of luggage onto his shoulders to be weighed. Actually he looked much like Atlas holding up the sky. You might be able to get a peek at that...the Stockton Record was there taking photos and interviewing people. They clicked away during the skit practice and the weighing, so you might be able to take a peek at some of those photos if they made it in. The reporter is doing a piece on area churches and their mission trips. How wonderfully timely!!!

Miracle of all miracles, I got a great night's sleep last night. That was a blessing. That is with the boys, my husband and 2 dogs (both labs, one 1/2 Border Collie: the other 1/2 Great Dane!) in bed with me! I love starting off on the right foot!

This morning was flawless. The boys (another huge blessing) were up with us with no prompting at all...at 5:30am. Wow! Off to Grandmom's for a ride to the church for the big send-off. All went smoothly. Yes, I lost it when saying goodbye to the boys. Soooo hard to part with those snuggle-ish-eous little things. I know that all will be well, but there is always that gnawing little thought.

Uh-oh...boarding! Gotta go fast!

The drive to the airport: flawless, short, 1.5 hours!

Checking in: not so flawless, Jill's name spelled wrong on ticket and itinerary, Jenny's Filipino passport crashed all the computers (or so they said), and a couple of bags got a teeny bit mixed up. But nothing a little patience and good attitudes didn't conquer.

Security: What a space cadet I am!!!! I packed CJ's pocket knife! I had to go all the way out again and mail it home! Hey...5 bucks to mail a $35.00 knife. Not bad.

Restroom: I asked Delos to tuck my water into the back of my backpack. I went to use the restroom. When I was ready to leave the stall, I slung the backpack over my shoulder and guess what?!? My water bottle took a dive right into the bowl. GROSS!!!!

Great news: I have been stopped by 2 people already because of the "Servant Life" t-shirt we are all wearing. Great chance to talk about our purpose.

Okey dokey. Gots ta go!

Love you all! Please pray for a safe, uneventful journey!
Ro