We Didn't Hit the Ground Running...

What day is it? That’s sort of the thoughts that are running through my mind at the moment. It is Thursday and for each night thus far we've been riding on a plane. Did you know that they don't have showers on planes? All the people around me know it:)

Our arrival in Bangui started out stressful. We hit one bout of turbulence that everyone on the team confessed: "It really scared me." And then several hours later we hit a second even greater pocket that left our team running for the bathrooms and grabbing the “comfort” bags "on the back of the seat pocket in front of you."

Well, needless to say, everyone was very much looking forward to just finally getting their feet on the ground. As time approached for the plane to land, we started the descent, it was dark out, so we couldn’t really see anything out the window, but at what seemed like the absolute last minute, our plane did a major pull up and shoved us back in our seats as the thrust of the engines took us strongly skyward. “Now what?” Was the summation of my thoughts, as I felt the plane begin to circle back around, when the voice of the captain came over the intercom: “We’ve encountered some dense fog and will not be able to land at this time.” Thoughts ran through my mind about a recent plane crash in Africa where the pilot tried to land in a really dense fog and everyone on board was killed. Needless to say, prayers were being sent heavenward as the plane continued in its circling pattern.

Over the next 1 ½ to 2 hours the plane circled, would make a dive toward the ground trying to make out the runway and then at the last minute pull out hard. “How much gas does this thing hold?” I wondered as the cycle continued to repeat itself over and over. By this time people on board were talking in loud voices, some inciting panic amongst those on board, causing flight attendants to physically get in the space of these people just to keep the plane from going bonkers. Finally, the plane landed, cheers and applause reverberated throughout the entire plane as a sigh of relief from all was easy to detect. And all that before 10:00 in the morning.

The remainder of the morning was spent waiting to clear our luggage through customs -- twenty-two trunks each packed with vital stuff, of which only eighteen actually survived the journey. Which really wouldn’t be that big of a deal, except that there is only one plane a week into Bangui, which means the earliest people would be able to secure their belongings would be next week at this time, which by the way, we’ll be 4-6 hours back into the bush and most likely unable to make it back to Bangui to pick them up when they arrive. Talk about a rough landing…

The trunks that were lost: one belongs to the Koehler’s, which held all of their camping gear, video equipment, and other necessities. One trunk belonging to the Carters, which likewise held their camping gear, along with half the clothes they were planning on wearing, and finally the Slaters, who lost two of their trunks which most notably contained the PA equipment we were going to be using to show the “Jesus” film once we arrive in the back country. A clear reminder to me that the battle we face is “not against flesh and blood.” There was marked discouragement on the faces of those who will now be trying to camp in a bug infested climate with no tents, not lights, no sleeping pads, along with the general disappointment of the team regarding some of the outreach that we had been planning. Pray for encouragement for the team as we attempt to process all of this day’s happenings on basically little or no sleep since Monday evening.

The rest of our day today will be spent trying to get a jump on the jet lag, registering at the American Embassy, seeing the capital city of Bangui, (which I snuck a couple of pictures for you as you are not allowed to take pictures in the city), closed out with a special treat, a dip in the Ambassador’s pool.

I’m reminded of the Scripture in Psalm 30, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” “Lord, may tomorrow be a day filled with joy for each of us here.”

I’d like to share more, but I hear the splash of pool water calling me!
Thanks again for reading and journeying with us,

RAD
P.S.: Dearest Debbie, Happy Anniversary tomorrow. Thanks for allowing me the privilege of walking the road of life and ministry with you all these years. I love you.