Sunday, May 29

We gathered at First Wes about noon to re-weigh all the bags (50 lbs. Maximum per bag), to squeeze all ten of us and our bags (2 per person, plus carry-ons) into three vehicles, and then to leave be 12:30 PM for Chicago’s O’Hare Airport for a 6:30 (CDT) flight to London.

The trip to Chicago was pretty uneventful except for a pretty heavy rain shower between Gary and Chicago. We dropped off the bags and most of the ten of us at the departure terminal and then the three drivers went to park the vehicles in long-term parking. When we (the drivers) returned, we found out that, while checking in for the flight, Lori had happened to mentioned to the attendant that we on a mission trip. The attendant spontaneously responded that since we were on a mission trip then the airline would waive the $60 fee for the second bag and that they would cancel the charge for the second fee they had applied to the others in our group who had already checked in. That amounted to a $600 savings for the group’s travel expenses. This was a big surprise since Dr. Kari had called the company several weeks earlier and specifically asked if they gave special consideration for groups on mission trips and was told no.

As we waited for our departure, we learned that our flight would be delayed because of the earlier storms. We also found out that the storm system had passed through Battle Creek and that a tornado had touched down. Most of the members tried calling home (or neighbors) to find out if family members and property were OK. We found out that about 300 buildings were damaged and many trees were uprooted or ripped apart and vehicles were damaged. Trees were down in our neighborhood and all around our church, but our house was not damaged. Nathan had left the house for Colorado just as the storm had begun and made it to Colorado OK.

Everyone was relieved to learn than none of their family members was injured and none of their homes was damaged. So we eventually boarded our flight and headed to London (a 7 and a half our flight).