Flying High

Wednesday was a very long day! But maybe that's because it was actually two days...or was it three? It's hard to know any more. Our day really began on Tuesday evening when our entire team spent about 2 hours getting all our paperwork in order, packing our bags with clothes and supplies, and getting one last time for extended prayer.

Brignt and early, on Monday morning we assembled at church to load up into 5 vehicles and drive down to O'hare to catch our flight. As we said our last goodbyes, I was amazed at the strength of parents who, through tears, allowed their precious children to fly half way around the world, to a place they've never seen, to help people they've never met. I'm not sure I'm ready to do that with my kids. Maybe someday I'll have that difficult privelge.

We made it to Chicago with plenty of time to spare. After all the work we put into paperwork, our time getting through check-in and security was so simple, we barely needed any of it. But better over prepared than in trouble! For me, one of the best parts of the day was watching and listening to the students as our massive 747 pulled up to the gate and crews began to prepare it for our flight. For many, this was their first trip out of the country. For two, this was their first plane ride...ever! As we sat down in our seats, we discovered that every seat had a TV screen built into the back of the headrest in front of us. There were remote controls built into the armrests that allowed us to watch movies, TV shows, listen to music, play video games, or, as we found out by accident...call the flight attendant to our seats. Those poor Korean ladies were kind enough to come and answer about four accidental calls...before we even pushed back from the gate.

Another fun part of the trip was flying a foreign airline. If any of you get a chance to fly Korean Airlines...take it! They were amazing. From the touch screen TVs in the seats, to the incredibly profeccional, patient, and courteous service, to the perfect landings, they were outstanding. One thing that became a discussion in our group was the Korean food option for one of our meals. When the flight attendant asked me if I wanted "bipbimbap", I had to ask her to repeat herself about three times. My hearing isn't great, but I didn't think I was hearing English! Finally she just said, "Do you want Korean or beef?" Being somewhat adventerous with food, I threw in my vote for "Korean". The food was actually called bipbimbap. It was a bowl of raw fish (as least Brett swears it was raw fish), bean sprouts, seaweed, and some veggies. The directions they gave us said to mix the steamed rice we were given into the bowl, squeeze some hot pepper paste from a tube into it, add some sesame oil, and mix away. It was actually quite good...depending on who you asked! I loved it. But I even enjoyed the "seaweed soup" that went with it. I think I was alone on that one.

Our flight took us directly north over (almost) Oostburg, the UP of Michigan, Canada, the arctic circle north of Alaska, Russia, China, and then South Korea. (We would have flown through North Korea, but we ended up doglegging over the Yellow Sea to avoid it. Probably wise these days!)

Incheon airport was an adventure as well. After figuring out a somewhat confusing transfer system, some of us enjoyed Korean noodles. Others found KFC and Burger King. There was a place in the airport run by something like a tourism board. They were letting non-Koreans make Korean fans and head bands. Some kids will be coming home with them.

Our flight to Bangkok took us over the Yellow Sea, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Customs and baggage went without a hitch...praise the Lord! We met up with Dave, Sarah, and Niim who took us to our rooms at Baan Fa Luang. The rooms are great! You can check them out at www.baanfaluang.com.

Please join us in praising God for a long but amazing day. Travel couldn't have gone better and we're ready to begin our ministry bright and early Friday morning!

Blessings,

Ben