PLANES, TRAINS, AND CHICAGO

The city of Chicago has given us some grief in the way of travel this summer. First, Erin had to be held over night in Chicago on her trip to Zambia (while I anxiously awaited her arrival). First it was a weight issue with the plane, then maintenance, finally they blamed it on weather, I think.
That was not the only issue we had with the Chicago airport. On our way home there were two flights back to Memphis. Part of our group on each one. The first flight was canceled. Luckily we were not on that flight, even though we tried to switch to it because it was earlier. The flight we were on was delayed several hours.
The newest and probably the worst travel experience with Chicago involved missing our train. Yes we missed our train to Chicago. As many people know Erin and I planned a trip to Chicago for our anniversary. We were going just for the day to mainly catch a Cubs game. The train is overnight, so it was going to be an overnight trip to Chicago, spend the day, overnight trip back. It didn't happen, though. Our itinerary said 10:40. The train left at 9:55. A bus that was taking passengers to a point that I was told to arrive 15 minutes early for left the station at 9:15.
We tried to catch the train at the next stop, but that didn't work out. So we missed the train ride, and the game. Quite disappointing. I guess it will make a good story to laugh about later. Much later.

IT'S A BIG WORLD

I am sitting here working on some stuff for VBS. I just looked up to stretch and I see my new globe. I have examined it a number of times since acquiring it last week. Although the globe is the size of a basketball it reminds me how big the world is. I go to Memphis, TN and it is just a speck on the globe. There is so much more out there to see, to experience. My time in Africa reminded me that there are places unlike I have ever come close to seeing. I want to experience more of that. I don't want to be locked into a dot.

LEAVING FOR ZAMBIA

Hey friends and family, I am leaving for Zambia this minute (assuming the plane takes off in time). I am looking forward to this opportunity to serve in a place that is outside my comfort zone. I appreciate prayers as I am traveling and while I am there. The travel is going to be gruesome, as I have never traveled overseas before. I hope to update anyone who is interested in the happenings of the trip on the Zambia Mission Blog. I am hoping my Cubs will still be in first place after my 27 day absence from watching them.
Also, Erin and I will be apart for 10 days. That is the longest we have been apart since we have been married. That will be difficult. Prayers for that are welcomed.
I am excited about my chance to experience another culture and broaden my horizons. I want it to be more than that though. I want to help these people and be a servant first.