Blessings through Pain

On Friday night, around 11:30, we landed in Guangzhou, China. It was HOT and sticky there, and as I trudged along trying to keep up with Ken and Margie, I remember thinking..."Am I really here?" The whole day seemed like a dream. But here I was walking on the earth of the continent of Asia...across the ocean from everything familiar.

I looked around. The airport was very modern, with not a hint that we were anywhere but DFW, except the occasional sign written in foreign characters. And, of course, everyone was Chinese. As I scanned the large terminal, I saw very few other Americans.

The following morning, we were up and running, early. Exploring the town, grocery shopping, transferring money, visiting with Parveen and Dianna (his wife), our morning was eaten up quickly. When we got home from lunch, we all needed a nap. I could barely keep my eyes open, but wanted to check my messages on email. That morning before taking off on our errands, I had sent out several emails informing those at home that I was in China, safe and sound. I needed to know that the family had received the information.

When opening up the gmail account I was faced with the following messages.

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Subject : Urgent written 1:00 am, Dallas time

Kathryn,

If you haven't spoken to your family, it is important that you contact them by phone.

I love you and I am here for you no matter the time.

Lara

Followed by this message:

Subject: Please call written 10:15 pm, Dallas time

Kathy please call mom or me- this is jenny. we have been trying to call, but can't get through. This is important. Please call as soon as you can. this is very important. love you, jenny

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Can you imagine being on the other side of the world and getting these two messages? I was petrified to call! I knew it had to be bad, if my sister ended her note with the word "love". We just don't use that word with each other so freely.

Figuring out how to call over seas was not as easy as one might think...but I managed to reach my mother at 4:00 am Dallas time. I can't even imagine her pain in having to tell me such a horrible thing over the phone.

"Don't worry, Mom, I am coming home. I love you."

Within minutes, Ken and Margie started making new reservations for me to fly back immediately. They would not even think of discussing any other options. Thank you Lord for giving me such wonderful teammates.

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My response to Jenny's email...

I talked to mom. how is jeff handling it? I know it is hard...I love you. I am coming home today...Sun. I will be there to help soon.

Make sure mom remembers (or you) to call Becky, aunt sharon. You may need to call jackie dewoody so mesquite c of c knows. call moms friend oneita. you can find that number on moms phone. she will tell moms school people. i think mom will need all the support she can get. get adam or ben to take care of jeff for now.

i will be home around 5:00 sun evening. lara is picking me up. call her if you need anything until then. know that i love you and will be there to help soon. remind mom that i am coming. i will call when i get back to the US.

love you, kathy

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The next morning I flew out, leaving Guangzhou at 8:20 am, 8:20 pm Saturday night, Dallas Time.

Twenty plus hours later, I was on the ground in Dallas, Tx.

I should be on Ripley's Believe It Or Not for the quickest trip around the world.

The one blessing...the BEST blessing...that has come out of this whole experience, is that Jenny, Jeff, Mom, and I are more forthcoming with the "I love you" phrase. We know, now, how precious life is and how quickly it can slip away from us.

With that blessing in mind, I want to say, I love you to all who are reading these words.

Don't let fear or discomfort keep you from expressing this emotion to anyone in your life...for life is too short...WAY to short... to not let someone know you love them.