Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Off We Go

I'm sitting in Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, along with Scott, as the two of us are on the way to India to serve with IMI. Leaving Dayton was uneventful, though a little late. We walked through two concourses to immediately board our Detroit flight. After dinner, I took a sleeping pill to rest, and slept quite well until we were just an hour from Amsterdam. I am thankful to be rested.

Some observations from this airport--
I hate Euros (the money, not the people), especially since one is worth $1.25. So, when you see good prices on things here, they really aren't.
The international airport signs here, and just about everywhere, are bright yellow. Why?
My last trip here reminded me that this is a very sin-soaked city, and proud of it. I'm glad I'm in transit. I know that there are probably wonderful people here and things to see, but I just don't have the desire right now.
I may buy a bag of tulip bulbs on the way home, it would be cool in our new garden out front to see some tulips come up in the spring, and to know that they were from Holland!
I got a double espresso here, and probably paid too much. Never mind--it is probably the last good coffee I'll have for a few weeks. The sacrifices we make!!!
Seriously, Scott and I are getting excited about the work we will be doing with IMI. This is Scott's first time out of the country (not counting Mexico), and he knows he'll learn a lot. This is my first visit to India, and I am excited to be a part of training men on the front lines of the advance of the Gospel. It will be me that learns more in this time, I am sure.
I wish Kathy and the kids were with me, but I know that they will do just fine there. Everyone there, look in on them, will you? Thanks! I don't know how often I'll get access like this--but I'll try to post some pictures as we go along, and also to keep you aware of how to pray. Right now, pray for the safe conclusion of the journey and for the chance to see God work in a mighty way as we take up our opportunities there.