The Journey There.... (Part one of the AA Goes to Guam series)

The day after the new year rang in, my journey began. Flying with a buddy pass, I was sure to wear acceptable attire and look professional, even though sweatpants and an extra thick hoodie would have been nice for the adventure ahead. Here's the breakdown:

• Made the flight out of Indy to Huston
• Missed two flights out of Huston
• Begged to try to fly to LA
• Made the flight to LA
• Spent 7pm-9am in the LAX airport~I've never felt more alone. The Lord impressed upon my heart that I would meet a man with whom I would share the gospel. Normally I would not gab it up with strange men, especially in the LA airport, but it ended up being quite a blessing. 
• It was about 1am and ALL the flights had left. Earlier I took comfort in huddling in large crowds of people waiting on their flights. But then. They were gone. In the entire airport, I only saw one other person who wasn't on construction. So, I sat down a few seats away from him. Eventually the security man asked us to move to another open room. For the rest of the night we attempted to grab some z's...but alas, the shrill and atrociously loud announcements shattered all chances. "ATTENTION! PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE PERSONAL ARTICLES UNATTENDED. NEVER TAKE BAGS FROM A STRANGER. THANK YOU."
• Thank you, Mr. Announcer. Thank you. But I was able to share the gospel with the marine from New Jersey with a very foul mouth, but kind disposition. It was a blessing not to feel alone and terrified the entire night. I knew he wouldn't harm me or steal my luggage. Thank you, Jesus.
• That morning we grabbed coffee and I prayed, prayed, prayed that I would make the flight to Hawaii.
• The tension that builds when you fly stand by is like no other. It's such a high to make the flight and such a low to miss it. It's like life. When there is a risk, there is a reward. 
• At this point I was a very rough sight to behold, and so I washed my hair in the sink of the restroom, saying to the passersby, "Don't judge me!" ; ) But she understood, she had spent the night talking to the construction workers...she felt my pain.
• She said, "If I don't make this flight, I'm going to get a drink and cry my eyes out. You're welcome to come with." I told her that I wouldn't join her in drinking, but I would join her in crying. Haha!
• I was SO freezing the entire night, that I decided to bight the bullet and buy a $549,000,000 blanket (Okay, so it was really $18, but still!). Underneath it I awaited to know my plight...and I MADE THE FLIGHT TO HAWAII!!! I was thrilled.
• All of the hustle and hassle of making sure the airline people know you're there and waiting on your flight...all of the hoping that someone doesn't show for their flight so that you can have your seat....it makes you much more appreciative of flying. And it also makes you feel like a second class citizen, if you let it. I wondered if this is what minorities used to feel like before equalities were distributed.
• Once in Hawaii (which is breathtaking to fly over, by the way), it looked as if I wouldn't make the flight. But I wasn't too upset because I have wonderful friends who are missionaries over there.
• But thankfully, I made it on the plane, and to Guam. : ) I was greeted by smiling faces and a lovely lei and island necklace. 

 

Pretty, aren't they?

I read and thought a lot during my trip. Being alone is not common in this culture. We're constantly running from it. We text, twitter, facebook, phone, blog, skype...all so we don't feel ALONE. But sometimes, God wants us to just be...and be before Him. He is enough. He is in the lonely LAX airport, because He is with me. Sometimes, I am alone. And you know, that's okay. Not everyone needs to know my every thought or every movement. 

Thus, my adventure began...check back soon for a post about my first week on the gorgeous island of Guam.

To God be the glory, Audrey Ann