Me and my brother left Edmonton Alberta on what feels like yesterday, but in reality was two full days ago. The trip was long and grueling but mostly uneventful.
Very little went wrong, during the check-in I lost my baggage claim tags. We caught it fairly early and at the next gate the airline lady had them for me, but half way to Europe I noticed that my tags had the exact same number as Josh’s. Anyway on the last leg of the last flight they were handing out customs forms and that’s when I realized that I did not know the address of where I was staying and I did not have anybody’s phone number to call should I run into any difficulties. I was sweating, I had heard all kinds of stories about bags not showing up and customs official’s being jerks. When we finally landed in Malaga, Spain, my brother and I waited at the baggage claim labeled with our flight number until all the bags had been claimed, and at that point there was some frustration. We left to find something, not really sure what. As we walked away from the baggage claim, I noticed a special customs controlled baggage claim and our luggage was just making loops on that belt. So I walked in wondering if the officials wondering if they would question our presence, they didn’t. I grabbed some bags and my computer and started walking out wondering if they were going to question my extended stay in or the new looking computer I was importing, they didn’t. We walked out of the airport wondering if there really was going to be someone to pick us up, and there was. I guess the moral is either:
- Good planning makes good execution
- Who by worrying can add a day to life or a hair on your head
-or-
I really don’t know which it is.
So now after a little sleep, some orientation, and the server up and running I should be able to sleep well tonight. Also as an update (I was interrupted by a hot and sunny afternoon trip downtown with my brother while writing this):
Spain is a skateboard paradise, I didn’t bring mine with because I didn’t have room in my bags, but I bought one this afternoon. There is just an ocean on marble top walkways, ledges, benches and stairs and the best part is that no one skates on them. Security doesn’t kick you out.
I guess in conclusion I would like to thank all of you for your prayers, interest and support. I had a talk with Bob the director this morning and I am very excited with the opportunity I am going to have to serve while I am here.
7 responses so far ↓
1 Ramona // Apr 26, 2006 at 16:12 EDT
Hey James,
Great to hear that your “suffering for Jesus” is taking off on the right foot!
Has your brother decieded to stay there and look for work? Sounds like a fantastic place to be.
Our weather here has been pretty warm the last couple of days. Sounds like Janelle has been in the pool a few times too.
Well, take good care and don’t skid your knees!!
Love from LaCrete
Ramona (for all of us)
2 Vanessa Vannoy // Apr 26, 2006 at 16:14 EDT
Hi Jamie! It is great to hear you made it to Spain and things are going well thus far. I’ll keep you in my prayers!
I’m at 21% of my support now! It is coming in slowly but surely. God bless!
Love, Vanessa
3 George Fehr // Apr 26, 2006 at 20:42 EDT
Thanks for keeping us posted!Say Hi to the trucker (JOSH)
4 Katie Hefft // Apr 27, 2006 at 16:32 EDT
I vote for the second moral: Who by worrying can add a day to life or a hair on your head. God is good, and takes extra-special care of us percievers.
Because we hate to plan.
Did you know I missed my plane back to AZ from KC by a whole day back in January? I was just out to lunch about what day I was flying…And I didn’t have to pay a red cent for it. That’s a certain sign of grace.
Love, Katie
5 Ann Knelsen // May 3, 2006 at 17:50 EDT
Hi Jamie
Thanks for keeping us up to date.I praise God that you arrived safely with your computer,and your other luggage.Trusting God that He’ll use you in a mighty way. God bless and keep,Rayand Ann.
6 Joyce // May 3, 2006 at 20:29 EDT
Thanks for posting the pictures - nice to see the sleepy head on the plane, and the nice palm trees. The climate will be wonderful - trust that your work and friends that you make will also be wonderful. Will miss you here but thankful youre doing what the Lord has called you to. Love ya
7 Brian // May 6, 2006 at 19:20 EDT
Jamie!
Glad you made it safe and sound. There will be always and forever a bump somewhere in the travels but you got there needless to say. Hope to talk to you on Skype sometime soon. I added you the other day. Have a great time over there and talk to you soon.