Our home church provided us an entire weekend to share about our mission. It was a good time for us to reflect on our past 10 months and our future VMM project, church programs, and how we can be intentional in our witness to our Christian faith.
We finished packing Monday afternoon to wait for the airport shuttle. We returned with many school and Sunday school supplies, thanks to the generosity of family and friends. Concerned about the additional cost and airline allowance of 8 suit cases, we hurriedly purchased the biggest suitcase available. After many adjustments, we had 2 carry-ons and 4 large suitcases. The monster came in at 49.5 pounds. We left for the airport to spend the night in the motel across the street.
Our day started Tuesday at 3:00 am. Security checked every item in our two carry-ons. Our tube of tooth paste and ivory soap bars made us suspicious characters.
As the plane left the gateway in Milwaukee, the pilot announced the plane would not steer. The runway was to the left but the plane would only turn right. It took 40 minutes to return to the gate. We deplaned and waited. After multiple announcements that contradicted the previous announcements, we were all completely confused with no idea of our fate. Two hours later we left Milwaukee for Houston. Of course we missed our connecting flight. Our US phone could not make international calls. With a 7 hour delay and friends waiting for us in San Salvador, we begged to use the Internet at the Continental President’s Club. We emailed our friends, but they were already at the airport. Later in the afternoon they called us confirming pick up at 8:30 pm. More protection and mercy for two exhausted travelers!
After waiting 7 hours we boarded and left for San Salvador. We landed at 7:30, the last plane that evening and low number of passengers; we got through immigration and customs quickly. With 6 suitcases, customs did not want to start something that could take hours. We were the last passengers at the airport when our friends arrived. They had decided we would sleep at their house in San Salvador and leave for Batres in the morning. A great decision for us since we had no energy left and just wanted to sleep.
Another early day, we got up at 5:30 and hit the road at 6. In Batres at 9:00 am. The house is still here along with all its contents. A week long wind and rain storm made it a filthy mess of dirt and leaves. After two hours of serious cleaning, it smells and looks fresh. Now we unpack and get organized.
Some can goods left for dinner and cold beer. It will do for us until we shop in the morning. We also brought with us worship CD's and familiar and loved singers. Right now Josh Groban is comforting us with beautiful gentle music. Another gift for our whole beings.
In other words, we arrived safely. We are well and once again adapting to a different environment. More updates when the action begins this coming week.
David y Nancy
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