Craig and I arrived home from a 10-trip to Asia last night. It was glorious. Spectacular. Wonderful. Stunning. Shall I go on, or do you get the idea? It was quite a trip. The travel over there is an event in and of itself. It takes a flight to Atlanta and then a 13 hour trip to Tokyo and then a hop, skip and jump-if you consider 3.5 more hours in the air to be classified as such-into Beijing. Oh the adventure of it all! Here are some highlights.
Hugs and Hisses
Hugs to my husband who did the bulk of the packing to allow me to make some minor changes in the manuscript on "High Stepping in Heavenly Places" (my study on Ephesians for MOMS) to be made up until 12:30 AM before we left at 7.
Hugs to Roy Terrell for taking us to the airport on his way to work at 6:45 in the morning.
Hugs to the Delta/Northwest reservationist who worked diligently and very graciously on our ticket even though her records defiantly declared neither one of us had a ticket reserved. Double hugs to the kind lady behind the desk who took over and kept at it, convincing us that we would indeed get on that plane. Oh that all employees could be so kind and gracious. Hugs to you, Delta for training your people AND hiring great people to represent you. Keep it up.
Hugs to the precious folks we traveled with-the Hardees, the Morrisons, the Brawners, and their friend Laura. Sorry don't remember her last name but we liked her alot.
Hisses to the unpleasant lady in the security line who humiliated us over our lack of understanding her directions. We have never taken our laptop with us. Was it that hard to politely explain what you needed us to do? Is that much attitude necessary first thing in the morning? Now, don't get me wrong. I am ALL for security measures. I comply with them cheerfully although it has sucked all the fun out of air travel. But must we, the paying customers, be treated so rudely? Seriously people, where are your manners?
Hugs to Delta/Northwest for an on-time takeoff.
Hugs to Delta for a free cookie and a coke on board. Being asked to pay for a $3.00 bag of pretzels seems high to me.
Hugs to everyone we encountered in the Tokyo airport. We met the kindest people there. Every employee was extremely helpful and gracious. The security guard that asked for my passport was in full dress uniform with white gloves and he bowed to me as he asked for my papers. Seriously people, that is some nice manners if you ask me!!
Hugs to everyone and everything about the Beijing airport. It is the most gorgeous complex I have ever seen. By far, it is the biggest building I have ever been in. The staff is gracious and it appears everyone wanted us to have a really great day!
Hugs to the van cab driver who offered great service, handled the luggage for a bunch of folks, negotiated a reasonable price, and followed through on our return trip. I like people you can count on-even if they cannot understand a word you say!
Hugs to our tour guide, Linder. We went to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Tombs of the Ming Dynasty. We made a couple of side trips but that a story for another day.
Hugs to the good health we enjoyed. I usually get bronchitis while I am out of the country and return very ill-barking like a seal. I appreciate that did not happen this trip.
Hugs to Dr. Ashley Escue, a friend and sister in the Lord, who has treated me for the last 2 trips I have made. She begins a treatment before I leave and I have enjoyed good health while traveling. Thanks, sweet friend, for your interests in my good health and your prayers. You are a sweetheart and I may just kiss you on the forehead the next time I see YOU!!
Hisses to whoever packed fish oil (at least that is what we think it is) in their luggage, which broke and leaked all over ours and the Hardee's bags somewhere between Asia and LA. This is some funky stuff that poured over our bags!
Hugs to the kind custom agent who helped us clean up the bags and seal them in plastic before they were xrayed and sent to Memphis.
Hugs to Delta for offering food vouches for a meal when our plane was delayed a couple of hours in LA. This allowed us to have a real American hamburger and french fries. YUM-MO. Welcome home, weary travelers.
Double hugs to STARBUCKS. Craig and I sat in Starbucks and had glorious coffee. Oh yes we did. And HUGS to us for not missing our plane while drinking coffee and EATING a cookie!
Hugs for like-minded friends traveling with us, who share the same love for the LORD that we do. We rejoiced together, laughed together, ate together, exchanged crazy stories, and returned home together with our JOY intact and our commitment even stronger than when we left.
Hugs for all who prayed for a safe trip. All is well. Pictures to follow. God is good. And, by the way, our GOD is BIG. Yes, HE is. Blessings.
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