We were almost home! We could see the city lights of Charlotte and we could tell the plane was slowing down so we could land in Charlotte.

There was a silence in the plane, most likely from the exhaustion of 46+ hours straight of travel time Fri morning in Nebbi, Uganda. The captain came on the intercom with EXTREME clairty as he explained that a thunderstorm had established itself over Charlotte and we were going to have to circle around for approx 20 minutes before we could land. There was a loud groan but we were slated to land a few minutes early so all hope was not lost!

We flew around for awhile – to me what seemed like forever as I knew I still needed to get my luggage, drive home, etc. – and then the captian spoke again.

“The thunderstorm does not seem to be moving away. They have closed all runways at Charlotte-Douglass and we are going to have to divert to Greenville-Spartanburg. We will then fly back to Charlotte once we are given clearance from air-traffic control.”

THe groan this time was overwhelming . . . and I think I may have expressed my own frustration verbally. :0

“Really God? REALLY??????” (I do understand the theology of my attributing the non-landing to God is not sound theology . . .but in the moment it’s all I had). My back ached, frankly – my body ached, I was soooooo cold after being in Africa for a week w/ little to no power, no hot water, etc. and I was DONE! But the biggest thing is my heart ached. I knew that some of the folks on the trip would have family waiting on them at the foot of the steps in baggage claim. I knew that I would not. Andrew had something w/ a friend he had been at all day . . . Layne and Scott had driven to Wilkesboro earlier for a soccer game and it would have been silly for them to drive to Charlotte b/c I drove my car to the airport. That would have been a total waste of gas and time.

BUT – that logic didn’t stop the ache in my heart . . . I had missed them!!! You see, last year they were in Uganda with me . . . .loving the people, building the relationships, etc. and I don’t think I realized how much I truly missed their ministry and presence until I found out we were NOT going to land for who knew how long!

After my initial “pout” for a few minutes I looked at Kathy and said, “Well, I’d rather be safe.” She concurred and we sat in silence.

Then, one final announcement from the Captain came over the speaker. “Well folks, just as we started to Greenville-Spartanburg Air Traffic Control let us know there is one runway open and they are going to let us go first.”

Applause filled the airplane.

In life, if we are not careful, we will lose sight of the runway that is open. We allow other “storms” to shut down parts of our journey that are critical and truly do matter! We focus on things that are of this world – our ego, comfort, and ease – and often times those things cause some pretty dark clouds to cover up the pathways that are available to us from God.

Following Jesus is not supposed to be easy . . . certainly his journey was not – especially once he “Set his face to Jerusalem.” He had to focus keenly and let go of his fear.

Last night the pilot did an amazing job landing amidst the lightning and rain . . . and once we landed some of the Uganda Team bounded down the steps to be embraced by their family as they welcomed them home!

That’s the other part of our journey . . . . in just a FEW MINUTES 😉 I need to be @ West ready to roll in grey carts and reunited with my extended family – my family in Christ.
I realized this week how important that is as well . . . . because as I walked down those steps I knew that even though my family would not be there b/c of other circumstances, all those other folks from WC would be more than happy to extend a hug and some love! It was not too difficult to have a “happy face” as I entered the luggage area to start the last leg of my jouney home. Lots of love abounded in that baggage area last night because there were many there either embracing Uganda and 140+ orphans in their prayers/love/support of their family or with my fellow team members who became family this week.

But a surprise was waiting . . . I saw Layne, then Andrew, then got caught in the biggest hug as I saw Scott and a few friends who were gracious to drive Scott/A/L to the airport last night so they could “see me home.” Now I’m not comparing Scott/A/L to Jesus but I will say . . .

Just as they stood at the foot of those steps waiting with open arms to offer love, comfort, and to take me home . . . . we’ve each got someone who led us on an amazing runway – one to Jerusalem – to show us the ultimate path for our journey home. I hope you will make it a priority through the rest of Lent (weeks prior to Easter) to clear the clouds from your own personal runways . . and start on your safe journey . . . . home.

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