Day 1 (10/11/24)

We had a terrific time together as a group today, enjoying the hospitality of the Eastern Iowa Airport... We all arrived by 11AM for our flight to Dallas at 1:07pm. However, that flight time was continually pushed back, with ultimate actual departure time of about 3:30 pm. It was somewhat murky as to WHY our flight was delayed, but it had to do with the delayed departure of the plane that was supposed to be ours when it left Dallas to fly to CID. As there was no storm in Dallas today, it was likely a mechanical problem with the plane itself. We are thankful the problem was detected and corrected, we are thankful for all those who have to solve these problems for the airlines under short notice. We are thankful the plane did arrive safely to CID, and we are thankful it also carried us all safely to Dallas. 

As we waited at the gate, we all found things to do, including a lot of just hanging out, 

but also sharing stories,

catching up on news we may have missed in the last hour or so

catching up on actual work

intense  jigsaw puzzling, 

and toasting marshmallows on the fire pit.

However, eventually the plane DID come, and we had an uneventful flight to Dallas. 

There was additional bonding time on the transport from our gate to the hotel -

After dropping our bags in our rooms, we all met in a hospitality room for a quick get to know you game involving UNO cards

followed by dinner, review of the schedule, and a worship service. where we considered the importance of a name - not so much our personal names (although those are important to us) but that we have been given a new name when we were  baptized - we have been marked with the name of the Triune God! What an undeserved honor and privilege!  Because of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, we now bear His name. 

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.(Acts 4:12)  

Not only do we bear His name on our hearts and in our being, but it is also our privilege to SHARE His name with those around us..

Lord, You poured out Your Spirit on Peter and enabled him to give bold testimony to Your name. Pour out your Spirit on us so that in this next week may we faithfully bear your name - to each other, to those we meet in the eyeglass clinic, to those  we meet at the mall or on the street in Panama, and to those who serve faithfully day in and day out in the Lutheran Church of Panama. May our words and actions reflect Your presence among us, both this next week when we are in Panama, and also throughout our everyday lives.