Sunday, June 21, 2009

Eventful Departure.....

Hello Family and Friends,

Well we made it, but not without event. Our first hurdle was with the bus. We arrived at the church and found no transportation. By the grace of God, we found volunteers to carpool us down. We had 48+ pieces of luggage to fit in the cars. We woke some out of a sleep, but they were eager and willing to take us to the airport and we really felt bless to have so many willing. Thanks Shannon, Don, Tom, Janice, and DeAnne. Once we got to the airport, we thought it would be clear sailing. No such luck! Nicole accidentally gave us her expired passport which is what we had at the airport. While her parents searched her room at home, we feverishly created a contingency plan. The rest of the team moved through security while the Kelly stayed with Nicole to try and reschedule her flight. The good news is that Nicole's Dad did find her passport, but it was at 2:00 p.m. and our flight left at 1:30. Nicole is scheduled to fly out today on the same set of flights and will catch up with the team in Quito. Other then our plane being delayed about 2 hours in Atlanta, the team made it to Quito. Paul and Susan (our missionary leaders) met us at the airport and we were excited to see familiar faces. Our youngest team member, Joey, was not feeling well due to the altitude and travel, but is starting to feel better this morning. We are greatful to be here and looking forward to our trip. Our day today will be fun. We are heading to church and then to the middle for the world. Please continue to pray for us and for Nicole's safe travel. We love you all!
PS: Shannon give a kiss to Quintin, Kaden and Keisha
PSS: Hi Mom and Dad, thanks for taking the Edge home!
Love, Kelly and Mike

11 comments:

  1. Hi jennifer, We're glad you have made it there safely. We miss you already. Stay safe and healthy. Love you. Mom & Dad

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  2. Hi mom and Diana! I read the blog yesterday and today and I am glad everything is going good. Me and Jena miss you guys and I am excited for you guys to come home and tell me all your stories. Take lots of pictures and be safe. Im praying for you and I know God has good things planned for you to accomplish. See you in 2 weeks! Love and miss you! Jena says woof! :) -Leisa

    Hey now its Ethan. That just took Leisa 2 hours to type because we are on my iPhone, but I sit and suffer so you two can hear from her. I am keeping her safe, even though she is too scared to stay alone at night, and thats when I call Lisa to have her spend the night. Dont worry, I dont actually watch her at night, but all the other times I got her covered, and of course God is always watching. Keep up thw good work and I will continue to eat all your food. :) -Ethan

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  3. Hi Michael, Kelly and Team,

    Glad to hear that everyone arrived safely. You should all be very proud that the work you will be doing will have such a strong influence in the lives of these children.

    We will be praying for you and your mission and look forward to following your progress.

    Love, Mom and Dad
    PS: We liked the Edge so much that we might want to borrow it again sometime!

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  4. BF, J, and Steph,

    So happy you made it safely, but not happy Baby Bear is not feeling good :( Hope he's getting better. Lots of smooches to him. Haven't seen kitties yet - surprised, aren't you??!! Manana. Can't wait to read your daily updates. I will share them with mom - she'll love to read them. Please be safe and know you are in my prayers. I love you guys. XOXO

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  5. Hi Leslie et al
    Glad things are going well and all (except for 1 :) made is down safe and sound, hopefully the last of your group has caught up or will soon.
    Best, Ed Kinsey (sirndipiti@gmail.com)

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  6. Hi Teresa and Joey,

    I am so glad you made it safely. I hope you are feeling better Joey. Looking forward to reading the daily blogs as usual. Stay safe and I love you both.

    XXOO
    Dianne

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  7. I hope all of the Great Oaks family is doing well....Nicole I hope your travels don't bring any more mishaps. I'm already enjoying reading the blog. You guys are really doing an amazing thing.
    Best wishes,
    Kristy

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  8. Teresa, Joey, Donna, Diane, and Nicole,
    Glad to hear most of you made is safe and sound. Joey I hope you are feeling better and Nicole I hope you have now arrived safely. I can't wait to hear about it. God is with you, enjoy your time and bring back wonderful memories to share with us all. God Bless!

    Karen

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  9. Goodmorning Tonia, Sounds like an exciting beginning. I'm making a journal of all the questions we have. Thank you Jennifer for the blog updates, it helps us back home feel a part of the Mission Trip. Tonia, on our way to church yesterday the Honda just quit on Centennial Road, the wrecker man was impressed with the 285,000 miles. Not what Dad wanted on Fathers Day..We pray for safety as you visit the Dump today and may God continue to bless you and those around your team. Love MOM

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  10. Hi Bethy,
    It is supposed to be 90 on Wednesday...summer is here. I pray all is well for everyone of you special souls working in Ecuador! We in Michigan send you all hugs & kisses.
    Love you missy, MOM

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  11. hi all,
    especially mom and john!
    hope all is well!
    miss you big!
    love - anita

    ps - stay away from those big bugs!

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