Here I go again… got the suitcase packed, got the computer packed in the brief case, have proper ID for the airport, the plane ticket has my boarding pass already attached, the cell phone is powered up. If I take the back roads I can make it to the airport with enough time to park the car in the long-term lot and still get into the terminal. Maybe once I clear the check points I can grab a bite to eat and, oh yes, a bottle of water, since my ticket clearly states that no refreshments will be served. And while I wait between flights, I should have some time to review various notes.
Good thing I was able to see the kids off to school this morning and to kiss the wife goodbye before leaving for the office and then the airport. I must take her along on one of these trips. She’d love the change of pace.
Well, it’s only one week away from home. My boss has me teaching two classes each morning at the local office, and each afternoon I’ll be meeting with company reps from all over the world. Lunches and dinners will allow some networking time, and then maybe I can retreat to my hotel room for some time on emails, phone calls (must remember what time zone I’ll be in), and grab a few minutes to review my presentations for the next morning.
Not too bad a schedule really, but I truly haven’t been feeling great lately… a little run down. Hope I’m not coming down with the flu that was going round at the office and the ecclesia. These days there are pills for everything and surely the wife packed something for all possibilities. She takes such good care of me.
Yes, God willing, it won’t be a tough week. But I was totally caught off guard by the phone call from the recording brother of one of the ecclesias in the city where I’ll be visiting. He had heard, thanks to the Christadelphian grapevine, that I’d be “in the neighborhood” for some work. He was wondering if I’d mind doing some Bible studies for them… not too much, since it is such short notice. What can a brother say to such a simple request? “No” is seldom an option, it seems. So, I said “yes”. But I was shocked with last night’s email from him, detailing the weekend program. But I’ve already said I could do the studies, and I do have my conference assignment fairly well organized. I feel certain the boss won’t mind my using the business trip for “church” time as well. He’s always cared for family and church values.
Okay, so the plan went from a couple of Bible classes to seven talks over two days, but there will be some breaks for tea, coffee, socializing and oh, yes, a “pot luck” meal or two. Mustn’t forget the add-on Wednesday Bible class — the scheduled brother just didn’t have time to prepare. I really hope I’m not getting sick… I’ve felt a little run down lately. Now if only I can get rides to and from the hotel and the hall. Did I leave a copy of my schedule and contact information for both the job and the ecclesia with the wife? Oh, well, she’ll be busy enough with the kids and the ecclesia. She’ll understand. She really is a “super Mom” and wife… and I need to tell her that more often.
Traffic is light, airport is in sight… all is going well… parking lot is not yet full… airport terminal not extra busy… all going well… cleared the check points and have found my gate… all going well… sure hope I’m not getting sick… have felt a little run down lately… I’ll just skip a meal and drink plenty of fluids…
Flights were smooth and on time, luggage also arrived, weather is good and I caught up on office work. Another airport, another city, another hotel… but more importantly: another ecclesia. Yes, another home away from home. A home where I will be made welcome and will, hopefully, bring some spiritual comfort and renewal to my brothers and sisters.
Sure hope I’m not getting sick… I’ve been feeling a little rundown lately.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One