FBC Nica 2012

The Nica team is currently bouncing along the atmosphere on Delta Flight 369 (I think). Maybe the DOT should patch these potholes as the sky lane to Nicaragua is bumpier than a dinosaur's back. About five minutes ago I wished that I had not shared Varsity chili dogs with some of my brothers in the new international terminal at the ATL. It's not quite night, but they're already barking.

There are several mission teams on this flight. Conversations have been started by various individuals from each of the groups. Most of the initial questions are the same:

"Is this your first trip to Nicaragua?"

"Where are you going?"

"What kind of mission trip is it?"

And then, based on the answers, the discussions will take off in different directions. For the seasoned short-term missionary making a return trip to Nica, there is a common refrain concerning serving our Lord in Central America - it is a calling, and a joy.

There are precious, special people on this jet. Each group has its own original t-shirt. That's probably good cause we all sort of favor one another as southerners who serve the Lord seem to do. Team leaders are easy to spot as each ambles up and down the aisle, checking on the flock. Customs forms have already been distributed since we sat on the runaway as the Turner Field ground crew came over and swept the runway, or something like that. The hefes are helping all correctly complete these forms which are a necessity for successful entry into the land of volcanoes, tropical forests, coastlines on two oceans and beautiful children.

We will land just before 10 PM Cornelia, Ga time, board a bus, and ride two to three hours into the mountains. It's a tiring day, but the adrenalin prevents fatigue. That will come much later, hopefully holding off until there is a pillow to catch our heads/

For now, we hop along in the claustrophobic missile, aimed at Central America, alone with thoughts of what lies ahead. The prayers of family and friends are with us. Maybe that's why this rugged ride bothers me none.