Redeployment

I sit in a hotel lobby in Queens - New York City. My community? They sit in Florida still waiting to go home... FINALLY! They opened the city today - they leave in the morning. What the?

Well, I was scheduled to fly to NYC on the 2nd, but the hurrication got in the way - and I had to fly out of Pensacola...but they were booked on the 2nd - so I went on the 3rd. I know - sounds trite and cold to leave them. I agree - but they urged me to go. Why? They are in waiting mode, I need to be at these team leader meetings for US CRM leaders. So, I went.

Tomorrow, they return home, unpack and get to supporting others, serving, giving themselves away and making it happen. That's what we do. Sure - we'll check our houses, walk the roof, unpack - and then serve. It'll be a long drive - the expectation anyway... maybe 12 hours. Actually wish I was with them.

My day began at 4 freaking AM. I got to the airport and got the fortune, being an airline changer with having to fly out of Pensacola, of a full security search... as I walk across the carpet ....they had my shoes to make sure I was not walking on bombs... my feet feel wet through my socks. THEY CARPET IS WET! D*** IT! What the? How could you do this? Then they didn't have any real coffee to drink at "oh my it's early!". It got better though.

It's great to be with everyone here in NYC - good work taking place, but I sure miss being with my peeps - my wife, my cool boys. I want to go home - I miss the Big Easy, I miss uptown, I miss CC's, I miss Fair Grinds, I miss shrimp poboys. I miss my bed! I miss my routines of life.

Thank you Lord for weakening that storm as you did ...when NOT ONE prediction thought it would happen. Yes, so much damage around the state, and still so much grace. Thank you for saving my city! Thank you for your grace to us all. I pray safety for my peeps and my dear family as they drive home tomorrow. Thank you for the mercy.