Departure Day…church to London’s Heathrow Arprt.
Posted by vroomer in Uganda Outreach
July 24th, 4:30 p.m. - ROCKY PEAK CHURCH BACK PARKING LOT - I was one of the earliest team members to arrive. As everyone rolled up, got themselves and their gear ready for loading into the tow trailer, anticipation, nervousness and good spirits increased.
Team pictures were taken, bags were loaded onto the trailer and good byes were delivered to loved ones. Susanna V. took me to the church parking lot and saw me off. Sandi Seel, my prayer warrior from church joined some of the other friends and/or family and bid me goodbye at LAX. Both ladies have been such a blessing to me in different ways. Both supported me and encouraged me throughout my emotional and/or spiritual struggles of staying a part of this mission trip. I am so thankful for them.
3p.m. HEATHROW AIRPORT - Still on the plane but close to landing. LAX departure went without any incident. In fact, we were blessed with special considerations from British Airways. Extra luggage was permitted and minor overages were overlooked. Already, we’re being looked after by you know who! The flight itself was very good. Watched a couple of movies and slept a bit. Thank you sleep aids! Now…the 6 hour lay over. Yee haw…
A LITTLE LATER - There have been several opportunities from LAX to Heathrow to talk about who we are and what we’re doing. My boldness in sharing the facts and nature of our trip increases. As for the opportunities to explain ourselves…I can’t imagine the identical “Uganda: Rocky Peak Men - Africa 2007″ shirts we’re all wearing have anything to do with this. ;0)
My back and left leg are really concerning me. I’ve got some genuine stiffness and pain from my low back down to my lower left thigh. Not sure how this happened; likely it occurred at Water World, just not sure how. Whatever the case, I’m feeling pretty cranky. Every time I get pain in this area it creates some depression in me. I think it’s a sense memory kind of thing. So many years of back pain prior to surgeries and the resultant, sustained depression from it. Praying for deliverance from this annoyance. In the meantime, going to try and not make a big deal of it.
HEATHROW, STILL LATER - Some of us paired up or, as trios went snooping around. Some ate, some bought books, snacks…etc. Kind of feels like elementary school. “Go with your hall buddy”. The rebel within and my disdain for authority is going to get a good working on this trip. So, we’re all back and hanging out. Everyone is in very good spirits. Some are journaling, some game playing or just talking. Most of the guys bought very nice leather bound journals. I opted to leave mine at home. I already have a variety of journals and I didn’t want to bring one that might get lost and in so doing lose past entries. So…I bought a composition book from Rite Aid. It seemed to jump right out at me. On the cover…a baby tiger. “I’m an African adventure composition book”, it yelled. Being a good listener, I decided to make it mine.
Let’s just say the discovery of said book was met with a certain derision…playful derision.
So what do I do? Lash out…become defensive…? Nope. This photo cat is now named “Rocky” and as our new mascot (dubbed by me) she’ll be making LOTS of appearances on our trip. She might even develop her own voice. Who knows she could even wake guys up in the middle of the night. That’ll teach ‘em. Heh, heh, heh…
STILL AT HEATHROW…LATER - Just got up and walked away. Started feeling insecure about my part in the spiritual aspect of this trip. My old demons have decided to come at me again. Looking at guys journaling, reading their Bibles, meditating, I started comparing myself to them. I know resentment is right around the corner and I’m not going to let that take hold. I’ve got nothing to prove. Just be myself and trust God.
1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standin firm in the faith…”
NEIL’S DEVOTIONAL - before leaving Heathrow, Neil gave his devotional. See if you find the content” convenient”:
1. We’re forgiven
2. We’re equipped with all we need.
3. We have a “blank check” from God who calls Himself “I Am”.
Read Isaiah 6, Jeremiah 1 and Exodus 4
These answer the, “Who am I to serve?” question.
“Too young? Too “”unclean”"?, not up to the challenge…God says other.