Christmas in July

Wednesday is prayer day for Global Recordings Network and all the staff come together to spend time in prayer. Today the focus was on the different Global Recordings Centers. We were able to learn more about the different areas and see how we could better pray for those serving to get the Gospel out the different heart languages. We did a travel around the world that Elise and Darren put together.

That evening we were treated to Aussie style fish and chips, with calamari rings. Best fish and chips, hands down! And yes, the fish was that big!

But the best treat that we had was when there was a knock at the door. The airline delivered our luggage and we were ready to go! Warmer clothes, toiletries, and our own pillows! Thank you for praying for us, things are going rather smoothly.

Third Times a Charm

I preface this by saying that God is always on the throne. And it is wonderful to watch how He causes us to trust Him. Thank you for praying along with us.

We traveled to Phoenix Sunday morning to board our 4:40 pm flight to LAX. Because we had two airplane carriers we had to check in at the terminal. We boarded our plane on time and began to taxi to the runway, when suddenly the plane stopped. There was a mechanical problem: the primary electrical generator went out. The backup still worked, but they did not want to take any chances. We disembarked from the plane so the issue could be corrected. 

Four hours later we boarded the flight a second time and waited as the plane refueled. Marc and I looked out the window and saw an ominous sky; a storm was brewing. Phoenix closed the airport grounding all flights. We disembarked for a second time. It was getting close to when we needed to be at LAX for our connecting flight to Sydney.

When we arrived at LAX it took some time to find our gate, only to find that the flight to Sydney had left a half hour ago. The agent was able to get us on a flight to Brisbane at 12 midnight, and a connecting flight to Sydney the following day. We made it to Sydney on Tuesday morning, but our luggage did not follow; they did not know what flight to put it on as the Brisbane flight was the last minute. We contacted the baggage area and they will be able to bring it to the Global Recordings office.

Flying into Brisbane

Sydney

Sydney

During this flight, Diane had an opportunity to talk with a gal, A, that just lost both her parents. She needed to be in LA on Monday. Diane sensed that there was something that was going on. When A told her what happened, she gave her a hug, prayed with her, and encouraged her that things would work out. It is all about divine appointments.

Pre Travel Day

We spent today finalizing the packing of the suitcases and making sure that we were not over our limit. Our local UPS store allowed us to bring the luggage in and weigh it for free. 42 pounds each!

So we will be able to add a few items that were extra things. We were allowed 2 bags each, but did not want to handle that many bags.

We each have two carry on bags: computers and an additional bag.

We have a dear friend's son staying at the house. He lives about 40 miles away and works in Gallup, so he will be able to save some money on gas. He is also going to Grand Canyon University and takes online classes. The truck will be safely stored in Phoenix with dear friends. We purchased some adapters for our electronics as the plugs are a tad different.

We will be leaving Gallup tomorrow morning for Phoenix. Somethings to pray for:
1. Safe travels as there has been a lot of rain in this area.
2. For a safe flight to LAX and transfer to Sydney.

We will be updating our trip through the blog. You can sign up for email updates at the bottom. Thank you for your prayers!

Old Friends

We were able to meet up last night with a guy that we had not seen seven years. Rob and his wife Joy came to a cross cultural training at a small college in Saskatchewan, Canada. We met up about an hour south of where we live in Gallup. Marc was not sure if we would see anyone we knew, but thought that might be possible. The church that Rob pastors in Ontario has a sister church in the Chinle area that is pastored by a gentleman we know, Daniel. We also got to talk to a couple that we met when we went to the Hopi second Mesa. We found out that a dear saint had gone home to be with the Lord two years ago, and that her daughter wants to continue what her mother started. God is good, all the time.

Marc, Rob, and Diane

We stayed for dinner that night, and got to fellowship with some dear brethren. Diane asked if they needed any help, and they put her to work cutting up watermelon.

Diane in the kitchen.

It was good to to catch up with Rob and hear about the work that God has been doing there.