In my last post, I mentioned that I love watching people in the airports. However, I didn't mean that I wanted to spend more time in an airport. However, that is what Josh Mills, Emilee and I are getting to do.
Last nights flight from Little Rock to Detroit was delayed due to the weather, at least that's what the lady at the counter told us. No problem, just get me to Detroit so I can meet up with our group. She smiled and said, "I'm sorry, you'll probably miss your flight." I told her, "I have a group of students waiting for us in Detroit, can you get a message to them." "No, I'm sorry" was her reply. Then Margaret said, "I've bumped you up to 1st Class for your troubles." I'm thinking, this isn't so bad after all. My first time in 1st Class. I'll eat well and be able to stretch out. So I walked away a "happy customer." I called as many students as I could, and then used text. Everybody in the group was at least contacted, that is if they had their cell phones.
We get on our flight an hour late. The pilot comes over the PA and says, "We're sorry for the delay. We had a "mechanical error" and then couldn't find anyone to load the luggage on the plane in Detroit." That didn't sound good at all. He obviously didn't know who he was talking to...a guy that is afraid of heights. However, after a little turbulence we made it safely into Detroit missing our flight by a little over 30 minutes.
NWA was very kind to us in Detroit. An attendant was at the gate directing us in what to do. I meet with a lady at the service counter and tell her our situation. She calmly said, "We'll take care of you." I told this nice lady that the lady in Little Rock told us "that you would bump us up to 1st Class." She never looked up, smiled and said, "We can't do that. Who told you we would do that?" I quickly replied, "Margaret." She said, "Then you need to go find Margaret and see if she is going to pay for you to get into 1st Class." She then said, "You will be staying the night at the Hilton and here are vouchers for dinner and breakfast." I quickly said with a smile on my face, "Oh, Ok, thanks." We had a wonderful meal last night at a "Big Boy" restaurant, stayed in a nice room at the Hilton, and had a pretty good breakfast this morning. Our flight today does not leave until 4:00 p.m., so we will just hang out at the hotel until 1:00.
Over the past month, I have emailed the students instructions on what to do if they were to miss their flight. Of course, they are sitting at the Carronvale House in Scotland and Josh, Emilee and I are sitting in a hotel in Detroit. For those reading this, if you were to ever miss your flight, remain calm, talk to a representative of the airlines, and catch the next plane to your destination. There is really nothing else you can do. God is in control.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
On Our Way
Rhonda, Josh, and Ross just let Emilee and I off at the Little Rock Airport. We are kinda glad they didn't stick around and come in, because it was hard enough saying goodbye in the parking lot.
I was "detained" a little through security so they could check my CPEP machine (breathing machine for sleep apnea). Security was really nice and helpful. Thank goodness that there was not very many in line with us. I learned a valuable lesson...pack the macine on top of your carryon.
Josh Mills, one of our students just came in. He'll be flying with us from LR.
I love coming to the airport where you can see all kinds of folks. Just now, we thought we recognized a former Razorback Football player walk by. Emilee wanted me to go ask for his autograph and I wouldn't do it. She did! It was and she got Darren "D-MAC" McFadden's autograph in the LR airport. How lucky she was!
No telling who you'll see. Who knows, someone may come and ask for our autographs.
I was "detained" a little through security so they could check my CPEP machine (breathing machine for sleep apnea). Security was really nice and helpful. Thank goodness that there was not very many in line with us. I learned a valuable lesson...pack the macine on top of your carryon.
Josh Mills, one of our students just came in. He'll be flying with us from LR.
I love coming to the airport where you can see all kinds of folks. Just now, we thought we recognized a former Razorback Football player walk by. Emilee wanted me to go ask for his autograph and I wouldn't do it. She did! It was and she got Darren "D-MAC" McFadden's autograph in the LR airport. How lucky she was!
No telling who you'll see. Who knows, someone may come and ask for our autographs.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Just some thoughts
I've been doing a lot of thinking today about family, home, kids, wife, church, etc. (not necessarily in that order). God has blessed me with each of these in the most wonderful way.
As our trip approaches, I reminisce about the ways God has blessed our family. For almost 20 years, Rhonda and I have been married. Our children, Joshua, Ross, and Emilee have provided us with much enjoyment, pleasure, surprise, frustration, love, and amazement.
Joshua graduated with honors on May 10th from Searcy High School. He has already been accepted to Harding University where, at this moment, he is interested in being a Vetenarian. He will enter HU with 27 hours, just 3 hours short of being a sophomore. Josh currently works at Caldwell Country Store where he works as a salesman up front and loads feed for folks.
Ross is now a Senior at Searcy High School. After four heart surgeries (over 25 hours of surgery), he is finally able to play football. Ross had to miss last season, however, has participated in spring practice without any health problems. He is mowing yards again this summer and Lord willing, will begin working for the Grounds Crew at Harding starting May 27.
Emilee will be in the 8th grade this next school year. She is going to Scotland with me. Emilee loves to sing and plays the drums in the junior high band. She recently had a solo in the Choir concert during one of the songs from "Sister Act." If you would like to watch it, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DL6lx110lY
Rhonda is enjoying retirement from teaching in the public schools for 28 years. She now teaches adjunct for HU. In fact, she is a wonderful teacher whom the graduate students really love. She makes a huge impact on many of their lives. She will be spending time with the boys this summer and enjoying staying at home.
I just think about being blessed. God is so good! I will miss Rhonda, Josh, and Ross very much this summer. But thanks to the internet and Skype, we will be able to see and hear each other. May the Lord bless and keep my family as we are away from each other. May His hand of safety cover us and give us peace.
As our trip approaches, I reminisce about the ways God has blessed our family. For almost 20 years, Rhonda and I have been married. Our children, Joshua, Ross, and Emilee have provided us with much enjoyment, pleasure, surprise, frustration, love, and amazement.
Joshua graduated with honors on May 10th from Searcy High School. He has already been accepted to Harding University where, at this moment, he is interested in being a Vetenarian. He will enter HU with 27 hours, just 3 hours short of being a sophomore. Josh currently works at Caldwell Country Store where he works as a salesman up front and loads feed for folks.
Ross is now a Senior at Searcy High School. After four heart surgeries (over 25 hours of surgery), he is finally able to play football. Ross had to miss last season, however, has participated in spring practice without any health problems. He is mowing yards again this summer and Lord willing, will begin working for the Grounds Crew at Harding starting May 27.
Emilee will be in the 8th grade this next school year. She is going to Scotland with me. Emilee loves to sing and plays the drums in the junior high band. She recently had a solo in the Choir concert during one of the songs from "Sister Act." If you would like to watch it, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DL6lx110lY
Rhonda is enjoying retirement from teaching in the public schools for 28 years. She now teaches adjunct for HU. In fact, she is a wonderful teacher whom the graduate students really love. She makes a huge impact on many of their lives. She will be spending time with the boys this summer and enjoying staying at home.
I just think about being blessed. God is so good! I will miss Rhonda, Josh, and Ross very much this summer. But thanks to the internet and Skype, we will be able to see and hear each other. May the Lord bless and keep my family as we are away from each other. May His hand of safety cover us and give us peace.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Preparing
It's the last week before we leave and I've not packed yet. That kinda scares me! Emilee said she wasn't packing until the night before. Well, I've got news for her.
I've received messages from some of the students and they seem excited about the trip. I pray that all turns our great for us. Much preparation has gone into this program and the finishing touches are coming together.
Many thanks to Jacqueline Dillion, Lorriane Mcfarlane, Alastair Ferrie, John Fairgrieve, John Renwick, and Adam Barr for their continued support and assistance. This program would not have happened without their help.
Our group asks for your continued prayer and support. We have a wonderful opportunity to work with Scottish students and teachers. The schools, teachers, head teachers, and students have opened their arms to us and we look forward with anxious anticipation.
I've received messages from some of the students and they seem excited about the trip. I pray that all turns our great for us. Much preparation has gone into this program and the finishing touches are coming together.
Many thanks to Jacqueline Dillion, Lorriane Mcfarlane, Alastair Ferrie, John Fairgrieve, John Renwick, and Adam Barr for their continued support and assistance. This program would not have happened without their help.
Our group asks for your continued prayer and support. We have a wonderful opportunity to work with Scottish students and teachers. The schools, teachers, head teachers, and students have opened their arms to us and we look forward with anxious anticipation.
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