This is a report for Mission 385 by Grace on Wings.
Departure: Ontario, California
Arrival: New Haven, Conneticut
Date: February 28, 2016
Mission Report
Philippians 2:34
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.
Today’s mission is taking us from the west coast to the east coast. We are transporting Mr. O. from California to Connecticut. Mr. O. is 80 years old and although he was born in the New England area he moved out to California in his teen years.
He is a retired police officer and never had any children. With his health declining and the need for regular dialysis, his family back in Connecticut would like to bring him home to spend what time he may have left with them. His niece Sherry has flown out to oversee his affairs including selling his home and tying up all loose ends in California.
She contacted us just a week prior to this to request our help in bringing her uncle home. She and her family have worked diligently in making this happen. It really was not until late last evening that we were even sure everything would come together for this mission. I reassured Sherry that God is in control and that everything would work according to His will. God is always faithful and His timing is perfect. We must trust and so, we find ourselves here to take Mr. O. back to his family.
As the sun is rising over the mountains and amid the palm trees, we arrive very early at the facility where Mr. O. is being cared for. Since we are flying from the west to the east coast we need to get an early start due to the time difference we will experience during our flight. After our assessment we head to the airport and Hal prays over Mr. O. before we place him aboard Nellie. The flight is both peaceful and beautiful as we fly over so much of God’s creation.
The vastness of the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains and the sheer beauty of each and every cloud that He has placed in the sky for this very day.
None is like the other. As we continue across the United States and the sun begins to set the earth below takes on a very different view now. In the darkness, the glowing lights of the cities below become apparent and are now our only identifying landmarks. In the distance we can see the outline of New York City with its tall skyscrapers that now seem so small in the distance and quickly fade as we continue on our journey.
Mr. O. rests during most of the long flight as we keep in contact with his niece giving her updates during our refuel stops. As the darkness has already approached we arrive at our final destination. It is a short trip to the hospital and his niece is waiting. Upon our arrival Mr. O.’s sister is also waiting to see him as well, she has made the trip with her daughter Sherry despite the late hour.
We transfer our care over to the doctors and staff who are waiting to evaluate and care for him. Sherry introduces me to her mom who has been following our flight and patiently waiting to see her brother. They promise to keep us updated on how he is doing and are very thankful that he is finally near them.
Thank you to Hal and Daniel for sharing this mission with me. Many blessings and may the God of peace of and grace be with you.
