Arrival Observations

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.   

 1 Corinthians 10:31

     A safe arrival on Guam!  The long flight ended as I emerged from the airport where Marci and Stephanie were waiting for me in the curiously humid warm-with-an-undertone-of-chill evening.    Marci reminded me it is 'winter' --  it was in the 80's I think, but the cool trade winds were blowing!   
     After a bite to eat, Marci graciously shuttled to the Collin's home.  A beautiful room and a super family -- Lisa (the head librarian at P.I.U.), and her three wonderful children Zack, Ely and Miriam,  two dogs,  one puppy, and a cat!  Joe, Lisa's husband is stationed in Texas at the moment.  Lisa loves to do crafts in her spare time, is not too fond of cooking (hmmmm)--- a perfect place.  I've got the sauce for supper going on the stove right now!  What a blessing!

       On the way here I had wonderful encounters and was pleased to have, and observe, many special moments:

• My seatmates from SF to LA -  a couple from Lancaster County,  PA returning from Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Kona where they worked for the Kingdom for 3 weeks!   Check out the link:  http://www.uofnkona.edu/   We had wonderful discussions -- he a former Mennonite,  especially  had much to share!   They were heading off  from SF for some R and R in Mexico before returning to the snow!
• The flight crews, exhausted, and busy, smiling with good will and encouragement nonetheless  -- did I mention the warm white-chocolate chip cookie I was gifted with when I turned down the dairy laden ice-cream sandwich!
• The Franciscan priest heading to Guam for a meeting,  traveling from his teaching post at a boys middle/ high school in Hawaii.   As he chatted,  his clear commitment to, and love of, his work was infectious!   He reflected  joy in the kingdom with each sentence!  A native Hawaiian, who has also lived in the US (Boston no less!)  openly gifted me with his multi-cultural perspective on changes in the Pacific over the past few decades.
• Looking across the aisle on the  Guam leg of the trip, I caught a magical moment as an older gentleman  immediately became part of  a family -- a very  little boy traveling with his mother.  Seeing "Mom's" distress juggling things,  this man quickly jumped in- to entertain, show genuine interest in his little seatmate, and just "be".
• This contrasted sharply with the man directly behind him,  who scowled openly (he tried unsuccessfully to move his seat)  at his seatmate, a woman with a somewhat cranky toddler  in her lap!   For the 7 hour flight she patiently and lovingly held her little one who was able to settle between take-off and landing.     And yes,  the man  kept his scowl going. He was very good at it.     How precious to see that mom and little girl,  eventually drifting  into  peaceful cuddling slumber.

 I wondered which of the two men. would I be?

     This morning I woke to the welcoming and engaging faces of Lisa and the children and a great e-mail exchange from our Yap contact letting me know that we are on the same page regarding the upcoming conference. Whew! 
      I made a short trip to campus and was again warmed with the hugs and hellos from students and colleagues.  I remembered my send off  last year, sitting in the Chapel as the community sang to me.... "Is your home in the wide Micronesia...."
      Yes, praise God,  for these next few months, it is!