Long Trips

[blueskyline]

A few years ago I was blessed to take a vacation with my church . One of our members was able to secure an affordable package for 28 of our members including my Mother and Father who is the Pastor .The flight there left on an early Sunday morning . We flew from Lambert Airport to Atlanta International with a 2 hour wait for late arrival then another 2 hour wait for electrical malfunctions . We were all pleased to board when the repairs were done . The flight took off about 4 pm heading west . Of course we were in economy class and I begin to notice . There's only so many ways you can turn and shift in those seats until your entire body  hurts . You pick which areas you want to make uncomfortable next while giving other areas a break .We arrived at the West Coast , turned north and for the first time in all my years I looked out the window and saw the Pacific Ocean . It was a magnificent site for a first time viewer . The plane then turn left and we were now flying over it . Nothing but water and more uncomfortable shifting for at least 4 more hours . But I was excited about the destination we were going .  To a place I had never been before . We finally touched down at Honolulu Airport at Sundown .Our shuttle arrived at the Beachcomber hotel in Waikiki at night fall. Don Ho was on sick leave at the time  he passed on some time later . The Beachcomber was the Hotel he performed at  . I wanted to step in the ocean for the first time ever that night but I could not . It was dark and I could hear the waves but could not see them . I decided to wait till morning . Sunrise was beautiful ! The sights . The sounds and surroundings , the taste of salt from the ocean unlike anything I had ever known . I looked at the time on my watch and it hit me how far we were away from home . How far we had come . I was still sore but it was the trip of a lifetime and I was Blessed and Glad that I did not miss it .....