Journey Home

Once we all go through customs we walked back to our gate area and claimed a spot. We settled in for a 3 hour wait. Some people played cards, read, slept, and did other things to keep them occupied. I let Flacca out on her leash and we walked around the airport a few times getting love and sharing it with all sorts of people along the way. She was a little overwhelmed but was getting the hang of everything. She and I eventually took a little cat nap an hour before our flight left. She woke up and we gave her some food with a sedative to help her relax and sleep on the flight before we boarded.  Once on board, Flacca started to fall asleep again and she just rested under the seat in front of me. I spoke to the woman next to me, Kay, for awhile. She was also heading home after completing her mission trip in Ecuador. She worked with a medical team in villages north of Quito. This was her third time coming here. On this trip she worked with ophthalmologists to help people find the appropriate glasses. Her passion for this work came through as she was speaking. She then asked me a lot about what we did and, of course, Flacca. She was thrilled with our mission and was so encouraging to me. We talked and talked, until I think she realized that I was about to fall asleep. I slept on and off for the first 3 hours of the trip. I would wake up to check on Flacca and fall back asleep. Flacca and I both needed the rest. I skipped all the meals and drinks until the last one. I got a water for Flacca and me. She and I were both thirsty and ready to get off the plane. The last hour of the flight Flacca (in her carrier) sat on my lap and slept and Kay and I watched the sunrise out the window. Before we deplaned Kay and I talked some more and she said that she would be praying for the rest of our journey home.

We all grouped together before we entered customs. There are new automatic machines that you scan your passport, answer questions, and take a picture before you get in line. My picture was horrible! And when I say horrible I mean it. I showed some of the team members that were around me and we all laughed. I wish I could have taken a picture it was so bad I can't even explain, but I was happy to make everyone laugh. When I got up to the head of the line and handed over my print out I apologized for the picture and the security officer laughed out loud and asked me if that was really me and we both started laughing. He didn't have any other questions for me and said "welcome home ma'am" with a chuckle and sent me on my way. I didn't get stopped by anyone even though I was bringing Flacca. Kendra of course got stopped with the roses, but it was super brief. We all got everything rechecked and then the last hurdle, the last TSA security. Flacca stole the show and hearts of everyone around her. The line I got into the lady was very grumpy but as soon as I pulled Flacca out of her carrier, she melted. The tough officer was baby talking to the very sleepy Flacca. I had to laugh because it made getting through security a million times more pleasant. Then we were out on the other side.

We had about 8 hours before our plane was supposed to take off so we went with Sara to her gate to wait with her. Once we arrived our first stop was the Pet relief area.

It was a really nice, quiet room that she had all to herself but I think we was overwhelmed by all the new smells. She did finally pee though. Right in the middle of the room near the drain. I washed her paws off and luckily there was a spray shower that I could use to clean the floor. She seemed much better after that. We went back to join the team. She was a happy distraction during the waiting time not only for the team but all the people around us. Many kids and adults asked to pet her or take a photo of her. We got to watch people go from being grumpy or tired to happy and bright with one look at her. Jessie took her on a walk for a bit around the gate area and Flacca decided that was a good time to poop. I gave Jessie everything she needed in case that did happen, so it worked out well.

The feast! Thanks Jessie for being awesome!

Taking time to smell the roses...

Her puppy!

We discovered Flacca likes coffee

Flacca's look...

Quigs and Flacca.. so CUTE!!

After an hour it was time to say hasta luego to Sara. It was hard to say good bye even though we have only know her for two weeks. We became a great family while we were in Ecuador. There also seems to be a unique bond you make with the people you go on mission trips with. It is a powerful friendship and safety that you build. We then headed to Quigs' gate. Again, Flacca brought smiles to everyone around her and we were able to talk to many people about our mission trip. Is was exciting to see that Flacca was helping us continue our mission even in an airport!

Happy Pup

A whole new world... Dr. O getting some rest in the sun. 

Keeping a close watch on the team.

Trying to play cards too.

Nap time for me and the pup.

Then it was time for Quigs' flight. It was another hasta luego and sad but happy time. She almost got to spend an extra hour with us but she was able to stay on her same flight. She has yet to visit Madison in the summer so maybe we will see her in a month ;) Just kidding Quigs, but really she has to come visit so we can do a cheese curd tour of Madison. Same with Sara but she has to come in the winter to see he snow and ice skate on the lakes. Then we were off to our gate... along the way we passed through a rain forest.

 Atlanta airport has a lot of cool artwork and mini museums between the gates and terminals! David let us know that he had arrived safely in Cuenca after a 10 hour bus ride, so almost the whole team was where they should be. We were are our gate a couple hours early, so Emily and I devised the best lunch plan. We split a sandwich and then went and got crepes!! Puppy even got some whipped cream!

Flacca fell fast asleep up until we boarded the plane.

Even on the bumpy plane ride she was still...

Then we arrived to Madison. Kristen was waiting for us! There were lots of tears of pure joy and relief from both of us! Flacca was home!

Kristen was so happy! And the entire team was so blessed by Flacca and the joy she brought to us and the people around us!

While Kristen took Flacca outside, the team and I got our bags out to the curb and started dividing the roses up to everyone. Kristen was fantastic and took a few of us home. We were all thankful to be home safely. Kristen took me home and I said goodbye to Flacca. I think the weather here was just about the same as the jungle. I changed out of my dress clothes to summer clothes, borrowed a vase from my classmate and neighbor, and got the roses in water. I made a few bouquets to give to my family and take into work along with keeping one for myself. The left over roses I am taking to friends. The rest of the night I spent unpacking and letting everyone know I returned home safe and sound. It was also a time I could reflect on everything myself. What an amazing trip this has been for the team, our faith, and the relationships we have built. God is so good!