The Long Trip West

We left home at 8 a.m. this morning to head to the Springfield, IL airport where we were scheduled to leave at 10:27.  After going through security, having my bags double checked :), the flight was overbooked and we did not make it on the flight.  We were given a nice monetary gift to soften the delay.

We finally left Springfield around 2:11 in the afternoon.  We flew through Dallas Fort Worth, instead of Chicago.  We are actually still here.  Our flight from DFW to Salt Lake has been delayed over an hour and so we wait.  We will arrive in Salt Lake after 10:30 p.m.  That's a pretty long flight from the mid-west to Utah.  

Denny and Sandra (Mark's parents) drove us to the airport.  Mark's sister, Laura met us at the airport.  We're so grateful for their support.

We don't mind, we are very excited to be on our way.  We had a special night last night.  Over 37 years ago, Mark's parents said good bye to him as he left for Colombia.  The night before he left, his father gave him a "Father's blessing" to send him on his way.  Last night, his father did the same.  In the blessing he was reminded of the impact he has had on many lives through his service in the church as a Bishop (similar to a minister in many churches), a member of the Stake Presidency (leader over 7 congregations in our church), leader of different men's group and youth groups.  He was blessed that he would be able to love the people and that they would love him back- not only with members of our church but in other capacities also.  He was also blessed that when he first arrives he should listen and understand the culture of the people he will be serving.  

I know Mark will be a great asset in Panama.  He has so much leadership experience.  He loves being with people and getting to know them.  Anyone who knows Mark, knows he likes to tell jokes.  In his preparation he has been learning jokes in Spanish.

I left for my mission about the 37 ago too.  I stayed the night before I left with my friend Cheryl McClellan Duerden.  We will be staying with Cheryl the night before we leave for Panama.  I'm so grateful for a friendship that has lasted long enough to have this connection.

When we first arrive in Provo, we will be staying with a couple who were very influential in Mark's life as a young man.  Lynn and Laurel Ogden have been great friends and we are so happy to share this time with them too. I think making these connections help us realize the influence we have on the lives of others for good. 

Thanks to all who have helped Mark and I prepare for this time in our lives.