July 9th, 2014 |
Shortly after the picture, we were on our way to the Charlotte Douglas Airport. After stops in Chicago and Qatar (more about that later), we landed in Manila on Friday, July 11th around 4:00 pm. The Philippines is 12 hours ahead, so for us, it was 4:00 am. By the time we collected our bags, met our ride, and arrived at our destination of Faith Fellowship Aurora, it was 9 pm. That translates into 46 hours total from the time of the initial picture to reaching our destination.
Lots of bags--Lots of people, Manila airport |
What happened in the 46 hours between July 9th and July 11th?
We flew to Chicago first. It was there that we met Bethany. She saw all eleven of us in our purple shirts and suspected that we must be on a mission trip. She approached us and introduced herself. Bethany was on her way to Madagascar for a month, in preparation for a longer mission commitment beginning in 2015. We loved her! In fact, when we arrived in Qatar, Kim invited her to be our guest at the airport lounge. We had eight hours to wait and she had seven.
What a lovely young woman and what a great place of respite for us. The airport and the lounge are new. In fact, the lounge was not listed as being open yet but we prayed hard that it would be and we were happy to find it so. I can’t decide whether the best part was the shower or the fabulous food…it’s a toss-up! It felt wonderful to have a shower. The food was fantastic.
Marsha, Kim, Janice, and Sonja |
Delicious! |
Now is probably the time I should confess my faux pas…the one that made some of my team members want to remove their purple shirts for fear of being associated with me. I really have my ankles to blame, first and foremost. Here is a picture of the instigators:
I have Cankles! |
So…after a wonderfully satisfying meal in the airport lounge I began to wish I could elevate my feet. I felt I needed to get them above my heart. When Devri said to me, “Just put them up on the wall,” I thought that sounded like a great idea. I truly didn’t understand that she was joking. (Since then, the girls decided that I am kindred spirits to Amelia Bedelia).
I am told that I created a spectacle. Yes, I had a skirt on but I tried to cover with a blanket (apparently unsuccessfully). It wasn’t the peek of my thighs that brought the attendant running, though, it was the sight of my feet. The team had talked me into taking them off the wall but then, I put them up on a chair (facing the glass windows) while still lying on the floor. I had achieved the height (or low) of offense at this point, as the bottoms of my feet were in view for all to see. Not a good idea in Qatar. Especially during the month of Ramadan.
We have talked since then as to whether my team would have stayed in Qatar had I been arrested. I have been assured by our leader, Kim, that we would have stayed together, no matter what. I am SO glad that the consequences were no more than embarrassment. My poor team.
No more pictures of my feet, but here is one that touched my heart: prayers for Bethany.
Kim, Bethany, Amber, Danya, and Devri |
Our encounter wasn’t by chance but by Divine direction. It was so great to hear her story and in some small way, be an encouragement to her.
We took this picture with Bethany before departing for our flights:
Kim, Diann, Tina, Devri, Cindy, Janice, Danya, Bethany, Marsha, Cherie, Amber, Sonja |
As far as Qatar Air, the food was not so great but the planes and the staff were impressive. Beautiful attendants, fashionable uniforms (the nicest I have seen), and very interesting bassinets for babies which hung on the wall. I wish I would have snapped a picture. We had two babies hanging on the wall on our flight from Qatar to Manila. Relieved that neither fell out! I did fine some stock photos:
Don't they look cozy? |
Cindy is comfy, too |
Landing in Qatar |
It's a Biggin! |
We were warmly welcomed with home-made soup, KFC, and gifts.
Delicious Welcome! |