Hear it From Carl - Round 3

Jan. 11 – Friday

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Harambee House –I really loved the familial sense of responsibility which Rudy expressed as the key to working with the neighborhood. The idea that every child is “his” child from the age of 7-30 is such a much broader vision that just getting them through grade school or just getting them out of drugs, etc. Over and over again, this theme of incarnational ministry is being repeated and I think that I’m starting to get a grasp of what it means to give your life for others. Overall, I just got a really positive feeling from our visit there and the sense that there really is hope to a community completely be transformed.

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Islamic Center – One of my fears in going to the Islamic Center is that there would not be a willingness to engage in open dialogue with us around the questions of threat which many westerners / Christians feel about the aggressive nature of the Islam which we have been exposed to. I was right. The progressive / moderate view of Islam which was shared with us felt very much like a well polished presentation which was designed to inform but not engage. When questions about relations between the two faiths were raised, it was not acknowledged as a mutually necessary conversation. I felt as though the presenter was being somewhat disingenuous. He raised the interesting maxim of “which Christianity” and “which Islam” we are talking about. But the problem is that there are readily identifiable leaders in the various branches of Christianity whose viewpoint is generally accepted as “authoritative” for that faith community. When speaking of Islam, it seems that there is a very nebulous quality to who speaks for “Islam” and while some would denounce what others would assert, it is not clear where the authoritative voice lies. It is a copout to say that this Westernized version of Islam should be the only thing we should talk about when there are so many other voices from that faith which command our attention.

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In the worship of the mosque, I found that it seemed to be a highly individualized and dividing experience. There seemed to be very little sense of community amongst those in attendance. While I saw a very few people give one another greetings, there were almost no extended conversations which I saw, and everyone seemed to rush off to do their own thing again. It was dividing in that there was no place in the main worship area for the older men with disabilities. There was no way for the women to engage in the activities except by sound – no visual. The sermon also focused very much on the individual struggle to act in righteousness in fear of judgment. I left this experience vaguely frustrated and which a sense of tiredness – hopelessness.

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Union Rescue Mission – This experience really surprised me. I was expecting something which was more in line with the previous experiences of missions which I have participated in. This facility was bright and clean and orderly. There was a high level of respect and friendliness in the place as well. The progression of possible involvement and a chance to change lives by supported effort was encouraging and seemed very realistic and hopeful. Once again, the tremendous reliance on partnerships was evident – especially in the food preparation area and yet always within the context of their faith perspective. I really appreciated that the worship services were for those who had willingly joined the programs and were committed to being a part of the work at the mission. Those who came for food, clothing, and shelter only were freely welcomed in grace and the name of Christ without being preached to in words. This felt so much more comfortable to me than previous experiences where I was expected to preach to the hungry rather than feed them.

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Jan. 12 – Saturday

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Dream Center / Angeles Temple - I had a lot of misgivings about this ministry experience before we went. Although I was somewhat familiar with the program itself, I was more than a little skeptical about having middle-aged white guys from outside the community attempting to connect with the local community. As it turns out, I needn’t have worried. While there were quite a number of people who were indifferent to our presence, there were indeed some who were so happy to receive us and invite us into their homes and to receive prayer or other assistance that the church could offer. As I visited with several residents of the neighborhood that I was sent to, I was clearly reminded of my own prejudices and assumptions. While the people I talked to had all kinds of “problems”, most of them were just as anxious to get out of the area as I was but unlike me, they really had no where else to go, except to another neighborhood that they could afford which would be just as rough as this one. I was humbled. The repeated emphasis on relationships was encouraging and was demonstrated over and over again as the team I was with hugged their way through the neighborhood. This sort of self-giving love and offering to meet needs is something which I should be doing with my own neighbors. I should be offering love and relationship to those all around me – without it being a program of the church.

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January 13 – Sunday

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Mosaic Church – Pasadena: The emphasis on the arts was really apparent now that I have seen this church twice now. From the improv team that opened the service to the elaborate backdrops for the stage setup and the artist painting during the message, this faith community has really found a way to connect with the artistic community of this area. As I listened to the music, I reflected on the lyrics and realized that it was entirely culturally driven rather than theologically. It was highly individualized and only referred to God in very generalized terms that can easily be interpreted according to individual preference. The teaching is another matter. The clear, insightful teaching pulls no punches and deals directly with issues that are relevant to those who desire to follow Christ faithfully. It was interesting to note, however that the congregation was fairly homogenous middle-upper class white folks and there was little diversity to be seen anywhere. Maybe in being inclusive of a particular culture (LA arts) they have become unwittingly uni-cultural in other ways.

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Armenian Evangelical Church – Pasadena: I was expecting to be completely out of my element in a congregation that did not worship in English. However, the format of the church was actually very familiar – it was like a very traditional evangelical / Baptist church. It was amazing to see how the culture of 1950’s fundamentalism had become assimilated within the context of an ethnically defined congregation. It made me wonder what the influences were that helped to form this congregation. During the singing it was really interesting to see the difference between the solemn singing of English hymns that had been translated into Armenian and then the joyful and rhythmic and LOUD singing of those songs which originated from their own culture. It truly reinforced for me that heart language is terribly important in the expression faith. Though this church describes itself as evangelical, I have no idea how they expect to reach out to their community when they are exclusively focused on their ethnic identity.

Asha Shows Off

On Thursday, I took Asha to the Doctor, and as I expected, she wasn't very impressed with any part (except waiting in the reception area and giggling with the other babies). She was frustrated when she had to lie down on the scale, hated having her ears prodded by the Doctor, and as soon as the nurse walked in with the tray of needles, she immediately started crying.

After the pokes, I picked her up and she settled and through the teary eyes, gave me a huge smile! The nurse weighed and measured Asha and she's 16 lb 8oz and is 26.5 inches long. I promised a little video of her, so here it is!

Hear it from Carl - Round 2

Jan 8 - Tuesday

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FAME –Our welcome has not continued on into hospitality and a sharing of life with one another. As the pastors were sharing about the riots of 1992 and told of the heroism of the men going as a human shield for the firefighters, my heart swelled with recognition of the clear evidence of Christ in these actions and that God had been glorified in that. That is the sort of thing which I want to be known by and how a church should act in times of crisis – with compassion and courage in the face of chaos.

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Aunt Rosa Lee’s Mississippi Soul Food - Excellent experience. The wait reminded me that feeding the soul is something that you cannot rush. Trying to rush things along will accomplish nothing except to frustrate.

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Museum of Tolerance – In the presentation by the Holocaust survivor was good but not as gripping as I might have thought. I was very caught up though by his questions near the end of the session. “What if I had been a German Christian boy ? What would I have done in that situation?” I like to think that I know what my answer would be – BUT… I am quite sure that I would have acted in confusion, uncertainty and inconsistency. I was also struck by his observation that the present generations of German youth have in many instances been in conflict with their parents and grandparents over the role which they played in this horrific genocide. I loved the verses that were shared about not visiting the sins of the father upon the son. One other comment which I want to reflect upon a bit more was from the last portion of the speech that he read – “While we cannot forgive, we must transform the past”. My idea of transformation has always included some aspect of forgiveness. Perhaps the transformation that he is speaking of is in itself part of a process of moving toward forgiveness.

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At the Museum exhibit, I found it odd though unsurprising to see no mention of the genocide of Native Americans, the economic genocide of the IMF and the World Bank, the oppression and enslavement of sweatshops which feed the Western consumer economy. This omission suggests an awareness of “tolerance” that is highly colored by a new nationalism which blinds the survivors of one holocaust to those which they are also culpable for either directly or through negligence. Coming from a place of privilege and security, I am unsure of how to respond other to commit myself to standing together with those in my own context who experience injustice.

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Jan. 9 - Wednesday

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Faithful Central Bible Church / LA Forum – This presentation reminded me again that God is working even in those theologies that I am uncomfortable with. The story of their acquisition of the Forum was very inspiring especially in its reminder to think about how big my God is. In the personal story which the pastor shared with us there were glimpses of how the church had encouraged her to use her gifts and to embody the good news through sharing her life and skills with others in need. The amount of expertise and partnerships which this church has utilized is a clear reminder that so much can be accomplished when work hand in hand with others and their gifts. I often wonder about how open I am to partnering in ministry with others and how protective I am about perhaps loss of control or potential negative impacts on “my” ministry. This presentation inspired me to be more open to allowing others to contribute their skills and gifts.

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All Saints Episcopal – This was excellent to hear the heartbeat of the rectors and their view of their ministry. It really provided a better contextual understanding of their worship and approach. I was surprised by the sparse use of imagery in this church. I had expected more elaborate iconography, etc. When we asked about the current struggles over the issue of gay clergy, etc. I appreciated a statement he made about the necessity and the positive nature of airing their disagreements publicly within the structure of the church assemblies rather than in back rooms.

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Metropolitan Community Church – I was very saddened and left this church with a heavy heart. I was also frustrated by the inconsistent logic, ethics, and theology which Pastor Thomas used to present their church as a viable alternative. I was reminded again that God loves everyone and I deeply feel the responsibility which the church has in its inability to love to homosexuals. Rather than hearing the truth in the context of loving relationship, they now receive permission to live as they wish without the costly discipleship and surrender to the transforming will of Christ. My heart aches. On a lighter note, I am so happy that the conversation went well without becoming a heated debate.

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Jan. 10 – Thursday

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Hsi Lai Bhuddist Temple – This was an empty experience. I felt a sense of hopelessness and meaninglessness in this place. The utter futility and endless pursuit of enlightenment in hope of release from reality was quite depressing. But it is very easy to understand though why Bhuddism is so attractive to many people. Everything is about how you perceive things and how you want to interpret it for your own life. The precepts are surprisingly similar to Christianity with the obvious absence of the relational aspects of knowing God. I really enjoyed the meditation class and I was a bit surprised by that. I thought that I would feel more uncomfortable participating in this but found that it really was only a tool for focusing myself clearly. Unlike the Bhuddist notion of emptying, I found that it was a great way for me to contemplate the presence of God and to listen for his voice. This experience of meditation has encouraged me to be more contemplative in my prayer life.

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Mama’s Hot Tamales Café / McArthur Park – It is amazing to see the radical difference which a determined group of individuals can make in a neighborhood. While the park was not all that clean, it certainly did not feel like the dangerous place that it once had been. Once again, the emphasis on partnerships and expertise from the various levels of government, social networks, and community leaders was clearly the key. I loved the business incubator model which this café is using to give the boost that people need to be able to help themselves, which brings stability, and which ultimately transforms the community. I loved how the café was able to integrate the wide variety of Hispanic cultures into a unified model of community development. This was inspiring.

A Day with Friends

Today started off as any usual Tuesday. I got up and got the kids up and ready, while Carl got a few more winks with Asha (they both love to sleep in). I dropped the kids off to school, and then went to go meet my friend Laura for coffee. We had a very lovely chat. After my coffee date, which was really a tea date, I went home to get Asha ready for pictures. I was heading to Sears with her for her six month portraits. Even though she was feeling drowsy and a bit stuffed up, she still had it in her to smile for the camera. It was only noon once we were finished, so off I headed to Target. I have to admit, I really have missed that place. I could go every week, and find something there that I "need" that is such a "deal". It was 12:40 and I needed to go and pick up the kids. I felt a bit foolish picking them up in the van, when we live a block and a half away from the preschool. But I didn't have enough time to drive home, unload Asha, pack her into the stroller and make it before 1:00.

When I picked the kids up, Joel came home empty handed because he finished his work at school, but Kezia had some papers and a very pretty white flower. It wasn't real, but looked very nice and so I asked her where she got it. She said, "Manuel gave it to me". I asked her if he was a boy in her class and she replied, yes. Kezia told me that Manuel had brought a flower from home for her and wanted to give it to her because he was her best friend. Well, I thought that was just the sweetest thing and I told Kezia she was a pretty blessed girl to have a good friend like Manuel. And for the rest of the ride home, she went on and on about how nice it is to give things to your friends and that she was thinking of all the things she could give away to her friends, "my jeans, and my headband, and my red shoes, and my puzzle, and maybe a card, or some stickers.....".
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Well, we got home and I gave the kids a snack. Then I decided that since they both had naps yesterday, it wasn't necessary for them to sleep today. So outside they went. Kezia wasn't that happy about going outside. You can't take your blankets or Miss Teddy outside and there are no dress up clothes out in the yard. What's a poor girl to do? Joel on the other hand was thrilled to play outside. There's tons of sticks, rocks, bugs, mud, sand, water to play with; and that's just in front of our door....there's WAY more out back!!! Joel, Kezia, and Joel's friend here in the court were out playing and I was enjoying some time with Asha when I heard a blood curdling scream. I listened and immediately recognized it as Joel's. Now usually when Joel is screaming it's because he's been wronged or he's royally ticked off, but this scream was an injury scream. Oh no, what have those boys gotten into now.

I quickly ran out and just about ran into Joel who was running home. I was shocked to see that he was completely covered in sand, wet from head to toe and his face was dripping with blood. Panic set it because I didn't know if he had smashed his nose or cut open his face, or maybe knocked some teeth out.

I brought him inside and tried to console him as well as calm myself. I got a cloth and started to wipe at his face to figure out the source of all the blood. I was relieved to see he had all his teeth, and then found that the majority of the blood was from his lip. He settled down enough to say that he and his friend were outside playing with the little kiddie pool out back. The boys had put rocks and grass in there a few days before and it had collected rain water as well. Joel was peering in trying to "fish" when his friend pushed him from behind and sent Joel flying head first into the rock pond.

Carl came home at that time, since he was on his break from class, and confirmed that Joel did not need stitches on his lip. Whew! Once I got him cleaned up, I headed over to speak to his friends' mom. I wasn't looking forward to it because I knew she would be embarrassed, but I knew that I needed to talk to her about it. She was very understanding and apologized over and over. I was glad that the exchange went well and walked back home to put a movie on for the kids. About 15 minutes later, Joel's friend, his mom and his dad came over to apologize to Joel. I was very proud of Joel that he came over to the door and told his friend that he was okay now and that he forgave him. I was glad that he was so quick to forgive.

Later on in the evening, the family came over with peace offerings in the form of hot chocolate mix, pictures for Joel, and some potato wedges. It was very gracious of them. I don't think I have ever had someone make that much of an effort to bring an apology to ensure complete peace in the relationship. Sure, Joel got a bit banged up, but kids horse around and get hurt. I, and Joel, both knew that his friend did not mean for him to get hurt. And when all was said and done, Joel just looks like he has some weird rash on his nose and mouth.
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Today started off to be a typical Tuesday but as Joel and Kezia learned from their friend encounters, turned out to be quite a unique day.

Hear it from Carl

From Jan. 5-19 Carl took a Cross Cultural Encounters course. The first part of the course was down in Los Angeles and the second part was here in Fresno. He had long days touring different churches, organizations, and listening to different speakers. I wanted him to blog about his experiences, but since he is up to his ears in course work, gave me permission to post some of his journals. The original journal was 27 pages, but he compacted the work into 10 pages of highlights. Every few days, I'll post another installment. Enjoy!
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January 5 - Saturday

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The conversations in our van on the way into L.A. were quite interesting because of how quickly people were willing to reveal themselves and their backgrounds and some of the challenges which they faced in their personal lives. It is good to remember that we have something unifying within our identities – the presence of the Spirit and a common Lord that brings us into community with one another.

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The session with Jeff, the conference pastor of the Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference was really good. His presentation of a “Theology of L.A.” was focused and insightful. Amazingly, the theological and practical points which he outlined really are not all that different than what I would have expected from any Anabaptist church worth its salt. What was different was the intentionality with which this conference and the individual church have seemed to embrace and commit themselves in action to these points. As with the Early Church it feels very much like we are coming back to the realization that the future of the church and where the greatest need lies is within the troubled urban landscapes of our own cities. The world has come to our doors and lives in our neighborhood. What remains to be seen is whether we are willing to dismantle the fences between our communities which create barriers to relationship and entering into community with one another.

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Jan 6. - Sunday

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First African Methodist Episcopal (FAME)– I loved the passion and energy with which this congregation worships. It was an experience that I would gladly live out on a regular basis. The music, though enthusiastic certainly had a creedal quality to it in that it was directly reinforcing the nature, character, and action of God in the believer’s life. The contrast between the joy expressed in the service and even in the liturgy with the actual content of the liturgy about the wrath of God and the failings of humanity was interesting. Another aspect of the worship which caught my attention was the tendency for the music to be presented in a call-response format. My hunch is that this is due to the historical way in which songs were taught and a general lack of literacy within the African-American population historically.

The sermon at FAME was definitely focused on the theme of empowerment, successful living, and being lifted out of a disadvantaged position. It was troubling to me that the only scripture cited for the message was never exegeted nor exposited upon, but only used as the touchstone for the social self-help lesson that followed. It was good material – just not really biblical. During the communion service, the order of participation struck me – first the trustees and leaders of the church participated and then the congregation came forward beginning with those at the rear of the sanctuary. I don’t know whether this was intentional but I thought it was great to see the “last” be served “first”. My heart was uplifted by worship at FAME and I found myself repeatedly wiping tears from my cheeks. The warm hospitality made me truly feel that I, a white outsider, really could belong there.

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All Saints Episcopal / Hollywood– the utter silence with which the service began could not have been a greater contrast from the service at FAME. I had known that All Saints was affirming of gays and lesbians and was not really bothered by it – I thought. I was surprised though by my internal reaction when I realized that several of the couples sitting around us were gay. Instead of entering the worship as I had at FAME I was instead working through judgmental thoughts cropping up within me. Maybe the issue is that my contact with those in the gay community has mostly been with those who have very little interest in the church. At any rate, I did not feel that I could participate in communion with this going on within me – not because gays were taking communion but because something within me was out of line.

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Norton Simon Art Museum – While the paintings and sculptures were beautiful and their history and context were very interesting, I kept feeling drawn to go outside and stand in the rain amidst the fallen leaves and marvel at the beauty there. While I enjoyed the art I don’t think I was impressed. Maybe it is because the replication of beauty in whatever form – nature scenes, human movement and expression, abstract / impression / realism is still a replication of something infinitely more beautiful and also “real”.

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The Indian statues and artifacts in the lower level were uncomfortable for me. While they may be stone or metal – they still represent a spiritual reality and perspective which I found oppressive and troubling for my spirit. In particular, the statue of the goddess of death provoked a desire within me to destroy it. (of course I wouldn’t) But the fear and destruction and misery which that image represented were offensive to my spirit which desires for all to know shalom and reconciliation and hope.

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Mosaic Youth Church at Mayan Nightclub – Loud. It was interesting that God was not mentioned at all for the first twenty minutes. I also was a bit puzzled by the lack of a welcome or introduction to the evening. In some ways it felt like I was back at a slightly edgier version of FAME – the songs talked about personal betterment - much like the morning’s message had. However, when Erwin spoke , the directness of his message and the clear presentation of the gospel were inspiring. I wanted to give the guy an honorary Mennonite badge or something. The setting of the nightclub really was not noticeable other than the massive Mayan idols carved on the walls… but once the service began, I really felt like I was just in an informal church setting.

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Jan. 7 - Monday

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LA County Morgue / Crematorium – I was moved by the respect and care with which Craig approached his work in cremating these bodies. This man’s approach is as much a ministry as the chaplain’s. In my own experience with my faith community cremation has always been seen as a lesser option to burial. Seeing the bone ashes left behind though helped me to realize that cremation does not destroy the body but merely hastens the process of returning to the dust from which we came. When the drawer of envelopes containing the remains of babies was opened, something moved within me. Seeing all these lives that not only had ended too early, but that had also been left unclaimed, unloved seemed tragic to me. This crematorium experience has reinforced for me the banality of death – while tragic, while emotional, while difficult to accept in many circumstances – we all die. Old people die, babies die.

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USC Medical Center - The incredible heart which Chaplain Manley exhibited in the short time we spent with him was truly inspiring. He affirmed, encouraged, and supported each person I saw him come into contact with. It was also meaningful to hear him attribute his longevity to the support he receives from his spouse. I loved what the social worker Charmaine said about her work not being work but her calling. That echoed deep within me. Even when we face overwhelming and endless tasks – the calling of being in that moment as the light of Christ gives shape and meaning and joy to it.

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First Evangelical Free Church – I found the beautiful murals in the midst of a challenging neighborhood to be inspiring and uplifting. I wish that I was part of a more expressive – visually or any other way – culture rather than the reserved conservatism which I grew up in. Those images were like a gauntlet that has been thrown down in the face of overwhelming odds to say here we stand – though we cannot prevent the destruction of our families, our security, our lives, we can bear witness to our belief in hope and a future. I greatly admire Pastor Moore. To spend one’s life in a community with a heart to bring the gospel and transformation to people’s lives at such personal cost is a testament to the depth of his faith in his calling. I often question whether I am willing to follow such a path myself. The costs, especially the costs to my family – my wife, my children – really give me pause though I have this nagging sense that this path is one which I may likely be called to walk as well.

6 Months Already!

Our little Asha is 6 months today...Half a year...26 weeks...183 days...4404 hours (by the time this post is completed)

This month our little Asha has had many neat experiences and can do so many things!

*She went on her SECOND plane ride to Canada and was a very good traveler.
*She can make it across the room by either rolling or skooching
*Asha still says Dadadadadada....
*When Asha gets angry or frustrated, she blows raspberries
*She loves to bounce on your lap as if you are a human jolly jumper
*Asha is strong enough to stand
*She has become quite grabby, so look out those with hair, necklaces, shirts, drinks in hand
*Asha is very interested in food, yours, not her plain cereal
*She can wiggle out of her Bumbo chair
*We have noticed that Asha has started to make strange
*Asha will mimic you; a few days ago when Carl wagged his head No to her, she wagged No back!
*She loves to suck on her toys, her favourite is her fish teether and her giraffe with ribbon hair
*Asha is slowly learning how to fall asleep on her own and sleep through the night
*We left her for the evening for the second time, with Rhonda from homegroup
*She is definitely heavier and longer than last month, but you'll have to wait until I take her to the doctor at the end of the week to find out her exact measurements!

*And no teeth yet...

p.s. I'll post a little video of Asha, plus her measurements at the end of the week....

Calgary Bound and Back - The Finale

I was feeling pretty optimistic about our trip home. We made it through customs with very little effort; they didn't even want to see our visas. We arrived by the gates with plenty of time to get lunch at Harvey's and to sit a bit before we boarded our plane. The kids even had a chance to pose next to a huge stuffed RCMP Moose.

The first segment of the flight went by pretty quickly. I took some pictures of the kids to capture their plane ride experience, we had a few more snacks (mostly to lighten the load of Kezia's carry-on; goodness we certainly weren't that hungry), and the kids slept a bit. At the end of the flight, Kezia peeked behind her seat and started to chat with the lady. She asked the lady where she was going, and she replied, Fresno. And Kezia smiled and said, "We're going there too!" I then joined into the conversation and found out the lady was flying from Calgary to Fresno and had to run to make her connection in Denver. I envied her, she was going to be in Fresno by 9 p.m. Hmm...maybe I could fly standby....oh nuts.....our van is in Sacramento. I didn't ask her what she paid for her ticket, but I told myself she probably paid at least $100 more. That thought made me feel better.
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We got to Denver and I checked the departures screen. I saw there were departures to Winnipeg, I wished I was going there. And then I saw the departure to Fresno, and I wished I was going there too. There was an earlier flight to Sacramento, but it was leaving in 30 minutes. Oh I wished I was on that plane, but then the kids wouldn't have enough time to eat. Sigh. I told myself that we would make our way to Domino's for supper and that we would get on the plane to Sacramento at 8:50, just like we planned. After supper, we found a place to spread out and play and to kill some time. A flight attendant was sitting close by and after watching us for a while asked me if I was by myself with all three kids. And I said yes. She said that my kids were so well behaved and it was amazing to see one parent handle three kids. She said that she's seen two parents who can't even handle one. That made me feel better about not being home already, and feeling pretty blessed at having such great kids.

Well, at 8:30 we were suppose to board the plane, but there was a bit of a delay. I sat there waiting to line up, Asha was fussing because she was so tired, and Joel and Kezia were running around and giggling. Better here in the terminal than on the plane, I told myself. We didn't board until 9:10 and by this time, all kids were tired, but thankfully quiet. A flight attendant came by and asked us what we wanted to drink even before the plane was off the runway. I told Joel and Kezia that once we got into the air, she would bring us our drinks, and then we would all go to sleep. And so we waited.....

And we waited......

And we waited.....

Finally, I asked the lady next to me what time it was. It was 10:00 and we hadn't even taxied down the runway. An announcement came on saying we were in line to get de-iced and that it would be another 15-20 minutes before we could take off. Poor Joel and Kezia just wanted their drinks so they could go to sleep. And at this time, Asha started to holler because she was delirious with exhaustion. I was a bit tired at this point too.

Finally at 10:15 we were in the air, and by 10:23 we had our drinks, and by 10:31 both of the older children were sleeping. Asha was still hollering.....

10:42, Silence from all Heppner Children.

We arrived at the Sacramento Airport about 11:40 local time and I quickly called the hotel shuttle to come and pick us up. It would take about 30 minutes. So we got our luggage and proceeded to the entrance to wait for our ride. That's when Joel started to cry and say he had to throw up. Oh no. So I raced with the carts to the bathroom only to find that it was closed for cleaning. I spotted a garbage can and told Joel to puke in there. Well, he was a bit surprised at the alternative plan and decided that he could hold his puke down. We stood there for a while to make sure, and then made our way slowly to some seats. Kezia and I enjoyed some raisins (not like we were hungry, but hey, it's something to do), while Joel chatted with a Grandma from Stockton who just flew in from Texas.

Our shuttle finally came to get us at 12:30 a.m. (1:30 a.m. Calgary time). I loaded up the kids with a little help from some nice Delta flight attendants who were coming with us. They complimented me on my bravery and skill to travel with three children. One of them mentioned that Asha's outfit was terribly cute. And not a second later, all bright eyed and bushy tailed, Kezia points out to them that she has very pretty nice shoes. That's my girl :)

We got to our hotel and I quickly loaded up all the luggage into our van, except our overnight bag. I got the kids to our room and Joel and Kezia were sleeping even before they hit the pillow. Asha on the other hand, wanted to chat for a bit longer. I was so tired, I thought I would throw up, but finally at 1:50 a.m. she fell asleep.

I woke up at 8:00 a.m. and got myself ready. I got the kids up and considering they were totally sleep deprived, they weren't cranky. We had a hot breakfast at the hotel (yummy) and left for Fresno by 9:00. I was so thrilled to be on the road and had to control my lead foot. But thankfully the flow of traffic required me to travel a bit faster than the speed limit....the spirit of the law as opposed to the letter of the law, as Grandpa would say it!

We pulled up to the seminary at 11:58 and we all jumped out of the van. Kezia insisted on pulling her carry-on bag to our apartment. We were reunited with Carl and it was so good to be home. Joel jumped on his Dad and immediately started chatting about the plane ride, and doing exercises, playing video games, snow, his uncles......Kezia kissed Carl and headed straight for the dress up box and Asha just looked and looked before she gave Carl a small smile. Man, it was so good to be home. I kissed Carl and fell straight into my own bed. Our adventure was a success!