Blog Entry January 20, 2013 (by Blair)

The 3 headlines in the news this morning are the British nationals who are missing in the Algerian Hostage Crisis, who is playing for Chelsea and West Ham in the football match, and the weather across the U.K.

 

So, our flight to Lusaka, Zambia had been first delayed for 3 hrs and then cancelled altogether due to poor weather conditions. The snow and ice has prevented over 400 international and Europe-bound flights from departing. De-icing efforts seem to be less efficient than we experienced in Pearson, Toronto. Our team had to make some quick decisions, and thanks to Les and Andrew we are all safe and accounted for (our bags, to be determined!). We made the best decisions we could, with the information we had. Menno Travel has been fine to deal with, and we are on another BA flight later today (Sunday Jan 20) to Lusaka. The weather forecast calls for 2-6 cm of snow.

 

During this whole event, it was neat to meet some other 'Hands and Feet' of Jesus. An excellent couple from North Carolina, Lisa and Mark, also heading to Zambia for a project, were helpful with some savvy travel tips. And a young guy in the airport, who just brought us blankets and sandwich wraps. Rebecca asked him if he came from heaven? He said his parents were missionaries, and we looked like we needed the blankets. And a British Airways employee, Alan, who we chatted with. He thought going to Zambia was admirable.

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever

Our hope, Our strong Deliverer

You are the Everlasting God

You do not faint, and you don't grow weary.

You are the defender of the weak

And you comfort those in need

You lift us up on wings, like the eagles!

 

We have managed to contact Rich Weiandt to let him know about our delays, as he was arranging our pick-up in Lusaka. He was aware of our flight cancellation.

 

Blair