After spending an awesome Sunday morning with Pastors Fernando & Elvia @ NLOI Bronx NY we were able to wash our clothes and refresh and prepare to give it another go, this would be our 3rd try to head for Accra, Ghana. Monday afternoon came and this time our gate was changed to Gate 23. Dad came along to the airport as his flight was scheduled after ours was set to depart. He kept telling us we were going to get on this time for sure. No one said anything either way but we were positive and kept a patient but quiet outlook and would be satsified with whichever way it would go. After all the main passengers had boarded we heard what we were patiently waiting to hear...our names being called out. Yes! We handed our seat request cards to the agent and ran down the corridor to find our seats! Even though we were on, we were also knew not to get too comfortable. We watched for the main hatch door to be shut and sealed...and it was! Praise God, after about 5 days of trying to get to Ghana, we were on our way and anxious to see what God had in store.
Did I mention the theme that our people in Ghana had chosen? The theme that they had selected for the celebration of the 1st year anniversary was "We've Come This Far by Faith!"
Need I say more? (To be Continued)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Try, Try, Try, and Succeed, Part II
We returned to the Delta Counter/JFK, Gate 04 and once again we lined up with the other passengers to re-check the Visas again and to await for the madness to begin! For those of you who've never flown internationally to Ghana, on Delta Airlines, you may not understand why I said we awaited for the madness to begin...you'll have to take my word on that...
The boarding began and we, alongside the other non-revenue passengers played the waiting game. Finally! At the last minute we heard our names called, we were so elated, yes, we were on our way!! Oh, I forgot to mention that at the last minute Delta requested that our carry-on luggage be "checked-in". Most of us had packed all our clothing and toiletries in our carry-ons so that if our main luggage did not arrive with us in Ghana, we'd still be okay. Sounds like a good plan right? I did have enough sense to grab my laptap and one change of "church clothes" from my carry-on to put in my tote bag...just...in...case.
After stowing our personal items on board and buckeling up we were offered beverages and our meal orders were being taken. The main door hatch to the aircraft was still not closed yet, which means, that anything can happen...THEN (it did)..."Would all stand-by passengers please take your belongings and exit the plane, we are sorry but we are experiencing a "weight" issue." The airline opted to accept cargo in the form of freight (which they make money on) and requested we get off. What? We could not believe this was happening, WOW!! At this point we waited in the corridor where we were assured we'd get our carry-ons back, and we did not! Okay. What to do? We called my brother-in-law Pastor Fernando Cabrera who lives in the Bronx and he and his son, Joshua, came to our rescue! They picked us up and we stayed another night in New York. A good thing that came out of it was that we were able to attend New Life Outreach Intl. in Bronx, N.Y. and join in the Sunday morning celebration and worship.
At this point my father decided to head back to Richmond on Monday, this was proving to be too taxing for him and he was already scheduled to return from Ghana on that Wednesday; he would plan another trip, as a "revenue passenger" next time. Our little team was becoming discouraged and losing heart. We all agreed that dad should return. We did go back and forth, trying to decide what to do. Should we cancel and go home or keep pressing on?
Was this God trying to stop our journey? But He could've stopped it way earlier. Was He protecting us from something? Was He protecting my father's health? Yet, we coninued to see the hand of God at work providing us with free lodging and transportation. He was caring for us all along. Monday afternoon came and we were united in the same thought of pressing onward with the journey. (To be continued)
The boarding began and we, alongside the other non-revenue passengers played the waiting game. Finally! At the last minute we heard our names called, we were so elated, yes, we were on our way!! Oh, I forgot to mention that at the last minute Delta requested that our carry-on luggage be "checked-in". Most of us had packed all our clothing and toiletries in our carry-ons so that if our main luggage did not arrive with us in Ghana, we'd still be okay. Sounds like a good plan right? I did have enough sense to grab my laptap and one change of "church clothes" from my carry-on to put in my tote bag...just...in...case.
After stowing our personal items on board and buckeling up we were offered beverages and our meal orders were being taken. The main door hatch to the aircraft was still not closed yet, which means, that anything can happen...THEN (it did)..."Would all stand-by passengers please take your belongings and exit the plane, we are sorry but we are experiencing a "weight" issue." The airline opted to accept cargo in the form of freight (which they make money on) and requested we get off. What? We could not believe this was happening, WOW!! At this point we waited in the corridor where we were assured we'd get our carry-ons back, and we did not! Okay. What to do? We called my brother-in-law Pastor Fernando Cabrera who lives in the Bronx and he and his son, Joshua, came to our rescue! They picked us up and we stayed another night in New York. A good thing that came out of it was that we were able to attend New Life Outreach Intl. in Bronx, N.Y. and join in the Sunday morning celebration and worship.
At this point my father decided to head back to Richmond on Monday, this was proving to be too taxing for him and he was already scheduled to return from Ghana on that Wednesday; he would plan another trip, as a "revenue passenger" next time. Our little team was becoming discouraged and losing heart. We all agreed that dad should return. We did go back and forth, trying to decide what to do. Should we cancel and go home or keep pressing on?
Was this God trying to stop our journey? But He could've stopped it way earlier. Was He protecting us from something? Was He protecting my father's health? Yet, we coninued to see the hand of God at work providing us with free lodging and transportation. He was caring for us all along. Monday afternoon came and we were united in the same thought of pressing onward with the journey. (To be continued)
Friday, September 25, 2009
Try, Try, Try, and Succeed!
It has been over a year since we were last in Ghana. For the last several months we have been preparing for a return journey. Our journey began with several "hiccups"! This is part one of our story...
A friend of ours, also an employee of the Richmond airport, met us, bright and early, to assist us with our luggage (12 pieces)and to ensure all would go smoothly from our first departure city (the first leg of our trip). My husband, Angelo, was handeling the check-in procedures, and one by one we were each called up to the check-in desk. Our small but mighty team consisted of my father, my husband, Pastor Leon of the daughter church in Huntsville, AL, Suleima, and my 13 year old daughter Marisol. (My eldest daughter, Annie, wanted to come, but with starting at a new school this year, she felt it best not to miss too much school).
Upon checking in Marisol realized her luggage, the one which contained all of her school books, was not among the baggage at the airport. Acting quickly, we were able to reach Jason, who had driven us to the airport. He was able to head back to our house, however, the house was locked up tight! We phoned our other daughter Annie, who thankfully, picked up the phone on the first ring and let Jason in the house to retrieve the left behind suitcase. Whew!
Meanwhile the rest of us, minus Angelo and Marisol, headed for the security check point. Later, Angelo and Marisol met us at the gate within plenty of time. One major difference between our status and the other passengers (which I have not mentioned yet)is that our group was flying "stand-by". We were blessed with "buddy passes" for which we paid a hefty tax per ticket; even so, the tax was significantly lower than the usual full fare for an international round-trip flight with Delta Airlines. As "stand-by" passangers you are listed as non-revenue and are placed on a special seat-request list, which also means that all paying passengers board first and if there is room, then according to your rank on the list, you are called on the loud speaker to board.
Not long after the paying passengers boarded we were then called and were given seats on the plane headed for the JFK airport in NYC. We were on our way! About an hour later we arrived at JFK and waited for our ride to Brooklyn NY - Teen Challenge. Why? Because our next leg of the trip to Accra, Ghana was not until the evening so we had the better of a day to kill and it would be a good opportunity for some rest and a meal before our next flight.
Little did we know we'd be resting and enjoying our meals for the next several days in New York City before ever reaching Ghana! We headed back to the airport later that day straight for Gate 04 which was departing for Accra, Ghana at 5:25pm with luggage previously checked in from Richmond. After filing in the chaotic line at gate 04 to have our Visas approved and stamped, the nerveracking wait began. First all paying passengers, zone by zone, boarded. We took note that we were not the only "stand-by" passengers left in the waiting area to board. Our names were coming up on the list and the tension in the waiting area was growing as many others were hoping to get on board the flight and were very expressive about it. SLOWLY, one by one about three or four people were called to board the flight and then, they stopped taking passengers, the door to the passageway to board the plane was shut. That was it...no more passangers. We couldn't believe it. Several other would-be passengers began to raise their voices in disapointment and disbelief and we also stared at eachother in disbelief. What do we do now? When was the next flight? We went over to the next available Delta desk and re-listed ourselves for the next flight which would not be until Saturday morning but that would be ok, we would still be there in time for church on Sunday, right? (To be continued)
A friend of ours, also an employee of the Richmond airport, met us, bright and early, to assist us with our luggage (12 pieces)and to ensure all would go smoothly from our first departure city (the first leg of our trip). My husband, Angelo, was handeling the check-in procedures, and one by one we were each called up to the check-in desk. Our small but mighty team consisted of my father, my husband, Pastor Leon of the daughter church in Huntsville, AL, Suleima, and my 13 year old daughter Marisol. (My eldest daughter, Annie, wanted to come, but with starting at a new school this year, she felt it best not to miss too much school).
Upon checking in Marisol realized her luggage, the one which contained all of her school books, was not among the baggage at the airport. Acting quickly, we were able to reach Jason, who had driven us to the airport. He was able to head back to our house, however, the house was locked up tight! We phoned our other daughter Annie, who thankfully, picked up the phone on the first ring and let Jason in the house to retrieve the left behind suitcase. Whew!
Meanwhile the rest of us, minus Angelo and Marisol, headed for the security check point. Later, Angelo and Marisol met us at the gate within plenty of time. One major difference between our status and the other passengers (which I have not mentioned yet)is that our group was flying "stand-by". We were blessed with "buddy passes" for which we paid a hefty tax per ticket; even so, the tax was significantly lower than the usual full fare for an international round-trip flight with Delta Airlines. As "stand-by" passangers you are listed as non-revenue and are placed on a special seat-request list, which also means that all paying passengers board first and if there is room, then according to your rank on the list, you are called on the loud speaker to board.
Not long after the paying passengers boarded we were then called and were given seats on the plane headed for the JFK airport in NYC. We were on our way! About an hour later we arrived at JFK and waited for our ride to Brooklyn NY - Teen Challenge. Why? Because our next leg of the trip to Accra, Ghana was not until the evening so we had the better of a day to kill and it would be a good opportunity for some rest and a meal before our next flight.
Little did we know we'd be resting and enjoying our meals for the next several days in New York City before ever reaching Ghana! We headed back to the airport later that day straight for Gate 04 which was departing for Accra, Ghana at 5:25pm with luggage previously checked in from Richmond. After filing in the chaotic line at gate 04 to have our Visas approved and stamped, the nerveracking wait began. First all paying passengers, zone by zone, boarded. We took note that we were not the only "stand-by" passengers left in the waiting area to board. Our names were coming up on the list and the tension in the waiting area was growing as many others were hoping to get on board the flight and were very expressive about it. SLOWLY, one by one about three or four people were called to board the flight and then, they stopped taking passengers, the door to the passageway to board the plane was shut. That was it...no more passangers. We couldn't believe it. Several other would-be passengers began to raise their voices in disapointment and disbelief and we also stared at eachother in disbelief. What do we do now? When was the next flight? We went over to the next available Delta desk and re-listed ourselves for the next flight which would not be until Saturday morning but that would be ok, we would still be there in time for church on Sunday, right? (To be continued)
Monday, June 1, 2009
June 2009 Update! by Feliza Cabrera
It's almost been one year since we moved back to the U.S. from Ghana, West Africa...our time in Ghana was short-lived but very, very full!
We are so grateful for the rare opportunity to serve God and others in Ghana, West Africa. Yes, we have been busy doing the Lord's work here in Richmond, VA as part of the Pastoral Team at New Life Outreach Intl but it has not kept us from praying for keeping up with the work which many of you helped us to begin about two years ago. We dearly miss our Ghanaian Pastors and all of our Ghanaian brothers and sisters in Christ as well as the many other beautiful friends we made while living there.
I have to admit that I have gone to the Lord with my "worries" and my "hopes" in regards to the ongoing work that remains and continues without us in person. I don't want people to forget the baby churches that are there. How much they need our support!
We have kept communications up fairly well with our lead pastors in the 12 churches on a frequent basis. It's always a joy to hear from them and receive the updates on the congregations and outreaches that are taking place. The mother church continues to go forward and remains steady in numbers. A promising sign. God is faithful. I have learned to trust God with this as well. It is HIS project and what He has started, I know He WILL finish!
Plans are in the making for a return trip at the end of September 2009, Lord-willing. We are very excited about this as we have also been asked to lead in a special Spiritual Emphasis Week at the school where our daughters attended while there. This will be an exciting reunion both busy and power-packed as we have so much to accomplish in such a short stay; roughly 10 days.
We will be able to be a part of two Sunday services at our mother congregation of New Life Global Outreach and in between those Sundays meet with all of the pastors and leaders for a time of renewal and teaching.
I will be posting another blog with some areas where you can be a blessing to your brothers and sisters in Ghana, West Africa. I will also make mention of it on our website as well. God bless you and thank you for those who always ask of the work in Ghana - More updates coming soon! We love you all...
We are so grateful for the rare opportunity to serve God and others in Ghana, West Africa. Yes, we have been busy doing the Lord's work here in Richmond, VA as part of the Pastoral Team at New Life Outreach Intl but it has not kept us from praying for keeping up with the work which many of you helped us to begin about two years ago. We dearly miss our Ghanaian Pastors and all of our Ghanaian brothers and sisters in Christ as well as the many other beautiful friends we made while living there.
I have to admit that I have gone to the Lord with my "worries" and my "hopes" in regards to the ongoing work that remains and continues without us in person. I don't want people to forget the baby churches that are there. How much they need our support!
We have kept communications up fairly well with our lead pastors in the 12 churches on a frequent basis. It's always a joy to hear from them and receive the updates on the congregations and outreaches that are taking place. The mother church continues to go forward and remains steady in numbers. A promising sign. God is faithful. I have learned to trust God with this as well. It is HIS project and what He has started, I know He WILL finish!
Plans are in the making for a return trip at the end of September 2009, Lord-willing. We are very excited about this as we have also been asked to lead in a special Spiritual Emphasis Week at the school where our daughters attended while there. This will be an exciting reunion both busy and power-packed as we have so much to accomplish in such a short stay; roughly 10 days.
We will be able to be a part of two Sunday services at our mother congregation of New Life Global Outreach and in between those Sundays meet with all of the pastors and leaders for a time of renewal and teaching.
I will be posting another blog with some areas where you can be a blessing to your brothers and sisters in Ghana, West Africa. I will also make mention of it on our website as well. God bless you and thank you for those who always ask of the work in Ghana - More updates coming soon! We love you all...
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