In, Up, and Here

For the fourth year, and fifth time, St. John's has now sent a mission team to Open Door Ministries (ODM). Nineteen of us--some men, some women, some new to this, some for the second, third, or fourth time--find ourselves this morning in the city of La Ceiba, roughly half way to our ultimate ODM destination  of Tocoa.

Traveling to Tocoa is always worth a few comments.

This overnight rest stop in La Ceiba was planned. However, barely getting the entire team through check in and security in time to get onto the plane in St. Louis was not planned. (Rumor has it that the pilot was the one who ordered the gate reopened for the last seven team members.) It was not planned that some team members were required to check in their personal luggage in St. Louis. (But the plan now is for that luggage to be delivered to Tocoa later today.) In addition, many of the large suitcases carrying supplies to be used and donated this week, which we did check in per plan, have not yet been flown from Miami. (They too should be coming today.)

We're all here. Our host from ODM, Penny Compton, was at the airport in San Pedro Sula to welcome us with hugs. Our two van drivers performed their usual semi-miraculous job of getting us safely here, avoiding the usual variety of other transportation modes ranging from large high-speed semis to burro-drawn carts, bicyclers, and walkers. We saw the beautiful Honduran countryside and the often sad sights of places some people have to live in. We enjoyed an excellent dinner last night, and reports from a few early risers this morning indicate that last night was restful. So yes, we're here. Maybe plans are needed but somewhat overrated.

After breakfast we'll resume our journey to Tocoa, arriving in time for Sunday morning worship with the children at the ODM orphanage. Then we'll do some assessment of needs and think about how we can best serve during the coming week... in between spending time with those kids.

At least, that's the plan.