Smiling

With my dear parents shortly before I left Portland and started my grand adventure. :)

You've probably heard that quote: "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him about your plans."

In a way I don't like this quote because I believe it portrays God as Someone who would intentionally "mess" up my plans just for the pleasure of doing so. Instead, I prefer to see Him as someone who is smiling because His divine plans are so much better than mine and He wants to give me His best, not the inferior, puny options that I often choose.

According to "my" plans, I would now have arrived back in Uganda - 11 p.m. local time Monday night and Monday noon Pacific time. But, according to God's plans, I am presently hanging out in the cozy family room of an old friend in Denver. Outside it is beautiful with freshly fallen snow and blue skies and brilliant sunshine. (Note: I told people I really didn't care if I saw snow during my furlough. I am sure this made God laugh. He is making sure I take in this winter beauty.)

According to "my" plans, all should have gone smoothly with my Portland-to-Denver-to-Chicago-to-London-to-Uganda connections. But, according to God's plans, yesterday He sent lots of snow and wind to Chicago, which meant virtually no planes were allowed to land there, including my original morning one and the rescheduled evening one.

According to "my" plans, I had no intention of spending more than a few hours in Denver and was just getting comfortable in my airplane seat with my breakfast in hand...when they told us to deboard because we weren't taking off at that time. Later, it was confirmed that numerous flights to Chicago were cancelled.

I spent all day in the Denver airport and considering the alternatives, I was happy to be there. It was warm and dry inside. Everyone was helpful and was doing their best to get me on the next flight. There were bathrooms, restaurants, plenty of seats, and free Wi-Fi (hallelujah!) My needs were being taken care of and I had peace through it all.

Via Facebook, I contacted two different friends - both from childhood - who live in the Denver area. One was willing to set me up in a guestroom in the home of a former missionary to Africa and the other wanted to pick me up from the airport and host me in her home for as long as needed. I had two great offers, but did choose to stay with my old childhood friend, whom I had not seen in a number of years. She was also excited about the reunion! Too cool!

According to "my" plans, I didn't need to pack in my carry-on any extra clothes, toiletries, etc., because I have almost never been delayed in my travels back and forth to Uganda. (I am sure God was not only smiling, but actually laughing this time at my naive arrogance.)

Always be prepared is not only a good Scouts motto, it's an excellent traveler's one, too. My friend graciously stopped at Wal-Mart last night so I could pick up the needed essentials. I have learned my lesson: at least pack a toothbrush and extra underwear. ;)

A beautiful Denver morning.

The "plan" (I am starting to use the term very loosely now) is to be at the Denver airport tomorrow morning to see if I can go standby on an early flight to Chicago. If that fails, I have a scheduled flight in the afternoon, which arrives 10 minutes after the departure of a flight to London, which may then mean an overnight in Chicago. I may not arrive back in Uganda until Wednesday or Thursday, only God knows at this time.

Honestly, I am not really worried about what will happen after this as I know my Heavenly Father and Divine Designer has it all under control.

God is smiling, and I am, too. :)

P.S. Sorry, not so many photos in this post. I was too distracted yesterday to take hardly any. Hopefully, there will be more later in my trek. :)