Anticipation grows as you approach a mission trip. As we stood in front of the church ready to head to the airport, parents said their goodbys as students eagerly waiting to just get on the road. Bags were marked and counted, instructions were given and everyone was once again reminded that regardless of our expectations this was God's trip.  Only He knows the plans He has for us, the path He has laid out.  The vision was odd as the kids piled into three awaiting limos - yes long black stretch limos.  Hmmmm.... so random that this has become the least expensive way to the airport but it was ... so limos it was.  Rather a different looking mission trip I must say.  Leave it to Carlsbad campus to do it right!

We, being the Bostwicks were bringing up the rear in the chase SUV with the extra luggage.  We weren't 7 minutes down the road before the call came from JD Larson.  Suitcase and Backpack left inside the church!  Really?  Well we always say, no trip is complete without at least one U-Turn.  Quick U-Turn - meet up with truck chasing us and we're off again.  Oh which student forgot their luggage?   Well we hate to name names ....

Checkin, boarding, loading, etc - smooth, smooth, smooth.   Seems like a long flight - might be something to do with it all being in daylight, including even now as I write this and look out the window at 10:01pm and it's not yet sunset.  Guess we better get used to it.

So even in the initial hours as we travel to our destination the anticipation hangs in the air.  As everyone is catnapping on the plane, the excitement is still just under the surface and can still be heard in whispered conversations. And even now God's at work.