Why We Shouldn't Be Missionaries #127

Don't worry.  We'll backtrack and tell you the other 126 ways we are inadequately prepared and unequipped for this calling.  But today, we thought we would share a funny story.  It is a story of how we almost, quite literally didn't become missionaries!

September 25, 4:05 AM: The day Asher turned 4 weeks old, we were headed to Georgia for a week-long Interview and Orientation (I&O) with our soon-to-be sending agency, Mission to the World.  The bags were packed, in the van and all we needed to do was get up, get the boys in the car, and head to the airport for our 6:00 AM flight.  Explosive diaper!  Emergency diaper change and new clothing. There went 10 minutes.

4:35 AM: We arrived at our usual park-and-ride facility.  We love them.  We use them every time we leave Phoenix.  They are affordable. Our van is always there when we return. They are quick to drop off and quick to pick up.  Not that day, however.  We kissed 20 minutes goodbye, sitting on a bench waiting for a bus.

5:05 AM: Whew!  We made it to the terminal only to walk in to see the longest line EVER at the ticket counter!  Okay, we'll curb check.  No big deal.  Somehow, the two skycaps continued to serve people arriving after us.  Although confused, we maintained our tempers.  We are, after all, leaving to share the love of Christ with people.  Finally, we get called upon only to be told they won't curb check children's car seats. (But we only have two??)   15 MINUTES GONE!

5:25 AM: Get in ridiculously long line. The cut-off for checked bags had come and gone. Panick ensues.  We'll nicely explain the situation to the ticketing agent.  No need.  I think he just knew by the look on our faces, while holding two sleeping children in our arms, dragging luggage and car seats behind us.  We've never seen an agent move quicker than this guy.  He slapped those stickers on everything including our overweight bag, threw our car seats in the right area, and called the gate agent on his walkie-talkie whilst running through the airport.  He escorted us up to security and shoved our little family in front of the entire line.  We sweat through security with boys, strollers, milk, shoes to then run to board the plane where they were WAITING FOR US!  Embarrassing.

6:00 AM: We sat down, both in tears.  What just happened?  We left the house at 4:15 a.m. for a 6:00 a.m. flight.  Thank you David H. for being so gracious towards us.  Thank you Lord for getting us to I&O.  We tried to avoid this calling but I guess You really want us to do it!