Touchdown

Wow, what a long day! 30 hours and counting since we got up yesterday (?) morning. Fairly uneventful trip for two Americans who don't have a clue about international travel. A "play-by-play" on our travels is provided below:
- Steph pretty much crashed the first leg (BR to Memphis) because she took a Dramamine. I snoozed on the leg to Detroit.
- Detroit looked like a winter wonderland with all of the snow (at least that's what I thought until I saw Alaska). 3 hour layover there
- Detroit to Japan on a 747 with lots of Asian folk. We sat near a Filipino gentleman (about my age...young guy!) who answered lots of questions for Steph. This leg was really cool as we headed NW over Cananda and Alaska. Really impressive views, with snow-swept crags interspersed with frozen lakes. Just awesome. Then we crossed the Bering Sea (I presume) which at times looked like a giant jigsaw puzzle due to the cracks in the ice. Expected to see a polar bear any minute. Then on to what I presume was China, Russia, etc., where we saw two frozen volcanos. What was really interesting, and which I have not yet figured out, is that we never left daylight. It was like we were chasing the sun! Of course, we had to close the blinds for a significant portion of the trip so folks could sleep, but I just couldn't help peeking every now and then. Then over Japan with it's towering mountains on the north end that gave way to rolling hills then to rice fields (at least that's what they looked like). Off the coast you could see their fish farms in the sea. Finally....we landed after 13 hours and some change.
- A couple of hours in Japan then back on the plane to Manila. Same seats but our Filipino friend moved to an empty seat giving us the whole row. Overall a pleasant but tiring trip. My body has no idea what time it is.
- Deplane and head to the "visitor" line for passport checks. No major delay there, then on to baggage claim which did take a while. However, our taxi was at the airport for us so it was a fairly quick trip to the hotel.
- First impression of Manila......it's dark (presumably because it's nightime :) ). Actually, there were lots of people out on the streets, lots of billboards (similar to Mexico City) and lots of taxis. We arrived at the hotel and were greated by armed guards, because the Filipino President was at the hotel. I commented on how nice it was to be greated by the President, but apparently we weren't the reason he was there. The hotel is very nice although we have two queen beds, speaking of which it is now time to get in them.

Thanks for all of the prayers. We'll be back in touch in the AM (or PM your time).

T

Hi All,

I'll just add a few notes to Tanner's. When we left home for the airport the first thing we heard on the radio was Casting Crown's "Just How Far the East is from the West" (which is the song Casey signed at Ricky's shower) and God's communication to us that He was fulfilling the promise He had placed in our hearts. It was a great way to begin the trip, giving Him the glory!

Our labor pains for Ricky were a little different from those of Austin and Madison. My rear end is actually sore from sitting for 26 hours and my ankles are huge. I thought we would never get here and didn't get very anxious until we were fifteen minutes from landing in Manila. The people we have encountered so far are very friendly and helpful. I found myself mesmerized by the Fillipino men as I tried to envision what Ricky might look like when he grows up. Speaking of Ricky, just a few more hours and we'll be together.

Austin and Madison, Dad and I thought of you guys often and prayed for you. We love you and already miss you. We'll keep everyone posted via this Blog.

Delighting in Him,
Steph