Flight Home (September 20, 2005)

    We arrived at the airport in Manila about four hours early for our flight.  It’s a good thing.  We had to stand in so many lines!  I think I got some radiation poisoning from all the x-rays taken before we could finally board the plane.  (Well, I didn’t actually go through the x-rays, but I stood close by - so that should count for some kind of potential hazardous exposure - without some kind of lead suit, right?)  While we were sitting in the terminal, I started reading through Brad’s mission journal (or at least part of it - - - - yes, with his permission).  He has pictures, writings from former companions, members, investigators, friends, etc.  It is awesome.  He’ll cherish that forever - as he will these past two years - no doubt about that.  I have to admit that I was ready to get home after a day in Manila.  As we prepared for our flight, Maralea leaned her head on my shoulder and said: “I need a vacation.”  This hasn’t been a relaxing week by any means.  But, it has been rewarding.  The only thing that would have made this trip better would have been to add Kelli, David and Jordan to our numbers.  They would have absolutely loved it.  Of course, that would have made it a bit more challenging - trying to keep all those teenagers happy - but what an unforgettable experience!  We took enough pictures and videotape for them to feel like they were right there with us.

    As I read through my daily reports, it is apparent that many of them have a familiar ring.  One thing that is so strikingly similar is the genuine love felt between Brad and these people.  Brad has grown to love the Philippines and the people here.  That kind of love cannot be manufactured.  It has made a big difference in the lives of many people.  He is coming home a new man with a new heart.  I can see that.  I am grateful to the Lord, and His people in the Philippines for that.

    We departed Manila at 5:00 p.m., on September 20, 2005 and arrived in Las Vegas at 6:15 p.m. on the same day.  So, either the flight home will lasted only an hour and 15 minutes (which - unfortunately was not the case) or we are making up for having lost September 11, 2005 by getting two September 20, 2005's.  (Answer: the latter.)  The flight was LONG.  We stopped in Vancouver, B.C., for about 90 minutes - during which time we could finally make use of our cell phones again.  Brad busily typed on the computer while Maralea found a place to sleep.  (The long flight was exhausting.)