We arrived at the airport around 4:15AM. and had to wait for the gate to be opened.  Then we stood in line at the desk for what seemed to be over an hour before anyone showed up to help us. Finally, this very nice lady came along and helped us get checked in.  We then proceeded to the gate and the plane was delayed due to regulations about pilots not flying for at least 8 hours after their last plane trip.  Apparently, the weather the night before caused major backups and the pilots did not get to land until late Sunday thus causing them to be late for our flight.  This caused a chain reaction and we missed our next flight in Houston scheduled to leave at 9:40AM.  The airlines was very gracious and quick to give us lunch and supper vouchers but the drawback was a delay of about 9 hours before we could get on the next flight at 7:10PM. The time arrived and they were overbooked!  It was time to get out the big guns of prayer and fortunately we were able to get on the plane.  Every seat was taken and, you guessed it, I got the window seat!  I felt like a sardine in a packed can.  It didn’t matter as I was so glad to be on our way.  Oh, I didn’t tell you that our luggage was unloaded from the plane in Mobile as it had too much weight on it.  We were very unsure when we would see it again.  Our real concern was the perishable food items we had packed in the luggage for our meals.

The real regret was that one of our dear brothers, Willie Johnson, who was somewhat drafted into flying out of Gulfport to accomodate a ticket change also had problems with connections.   Knowing that he would most likely miss his connection in Houston as well, he choose to return home.  I totally respect his decision but feel deeply saddened knowing how much we will miss him on this trip!  Who will I give a live chicken in a pot to this year?  Thank you Willie for all your help and sacrifice.  I have depended upon you heavily in the past on each mission trip and will certainly feel the loss this year, but then I trust we will be able to do it again as soon as possible.  Again, thanks so much!

Supper time —Pizza Party!!! 

We finally arrived at the airport about 9:15PM. Guatemala time and arrived and into bed about midnight.  It was a long day but we also had our blessings during the day meeting some very interesting people traveling the world.