Pastor A

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet on Saturday morning (15 hours ahead of Tucson) with one of our TBT supported families for breakfast. We were able to discuss different ways that TBT can help his ministry. After breakfast, around 8:45 a.m., I walked to a “Christian Bookstore” around 1.5 miles from the hotel. This was the actual sign on the building. They had a large variety of Bibles and dozens of books that you would recognize that have been translated into Chinese. While at the bookstore I secured a wonderful gift for the children of TBT. Or at least I think it is cool… we shall see!

After returning to the hotel, I checked out from my room and took my last taxi ride to the airport. The driver dropped me off at Terminal 3 and I walked to the United counter. It took less than two minutes to check-in. I took the subway train to the “E” terminal and then cleared security without any problems. I had around 1 1/2 hours to kill so I went to Pizza Hut for lunch. This was my first American food in a week and it was quite delicious. I then boarded the plane and we set on the runway for forty minutes before takeoff. The flight was uneventful and we landed a few minutes early (10 hours and 18 minute flight) at the SFO airport. I cleared immigration without incident, retrieved my two bags from the carousel, and then proceeded to clear customs. For the very first time in all of my travel, customs stopped me to inspect my bags. It turned out to be a minor inconvenience.

I then boarded the plane for TUS and texted Jonathan to let him know I was on my way home. He texted back, “Tucson or Phoenix” and then I called Shelli and she said she was headed to Phoenix as soon as visitation was over. A simple text – it sure averted a disaster. So I am home and it feels great to be back in Tucson.

So… today (Saturday) will have 37 hours in it instead of 24 hours. One can definitely accomplish much in a longer day! The trip to China was great, as always. It is amazing to see other families serving the Lord in China and to see so many Chinese Christian families. Now that I’m back I will try once again to upload a few photos from my trip.