Independence and Freedom

I think it is easy for our culture to overlook the luxury of our freedom, being American, living in the US. It is a luxury. I thank God often that I was fortunate to have born here. There are so many wonderful aspects of our lives that we owe thanks to our freedom, and it was not, nor does it continue to be, with out cost.

I'm grateful for our democratic system, allowing us to all have our own voice.

I'm honored by those who have gone into military service, risking life and limb to ensure our safety and freedom.

I'm moved by desire of our government to care for those less fortunate, whether on our own soil or across the sea.

I guess I should just admit it. I am a true-blue patriot at heart. I get a little weepy when I consider the lives of our forefathers. I like to vote, even if the issues on the ballot have little effect on me, just because we should.

I am proud to be an American.

What do you value most about the freedom of living in America?



(I will save you and not put the song on my playlist...if I heard it, I'd probably get choked up)

Penn's flights - final - ARRIVED

Shortly after 8:30 tonight, the newly larger Penn family was greeted by over 80 people as they walked away from the gate at PDX.

So many wonderful friends and family delighting in the gift of these two beautiful girls and their arrival home.

Many of us were overwhelmed with emotions that cannot be put into words.

James 1:12 God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

The absolutely fabulous story continues at Dot-Blogger.

Penn's flights - update 5 - On SCHEDULE!!!

David, Julie, Kim (Julie's mom), Yolanta and Katie are on the ground in Dallas. Everything appears to be a go for the 8:20 pm arrival.

We will be meeting outside of the security for C gates (as far as we can get with out tickets) a little before 8 pm. I hear there has been a banner made to welcome the girls home! You are welcome to bring signs, but if you have a gift, please hold on to it and give it to them at a different time. Remember you camera... I'm sure the family would love to have as many different pictures of the event as possible.

If there are any changes I will update again by 5 pm PST. Otherwise, see you at the airport!

Penn's flights - update 5 - Thursday, 8:20 PM arrival

David was able to reach the reservation line while waiting in line. They will be getting a room in Miami tonight.

The new flights are:

No. 575 from Miami at 2:35 pm to Dallas / Fort Worth arriving at 4:35 pm

No. 1619 from DFW at 6:30 to PDX arriving at 8:20 PM

They should be coming into a C gate, but I will confirm that with an update tomorrow afternoon.

Continue to keep them in your prayers. Quetelène got freaked out about having to wear her seatbelt... she has never used or seen a seatbelt used before. ...so many things we take for granted! Pray for a peaceful night at the hotel.

Pray that God gives Amy peace that surpasses understanding... I doubt she can understand why she can't get her sisters today as she had expected.

By next week, all these troubles will barely be a memory, but right now, the thoughts of getting home feel so heavy.

Penn's flights - update 4

David's words: "We are in Hell... also known as Miami." (imagine in David's classic sarcastic tone)

They are through immigration, walked 2 miles (no tram or shuttles) to the United ticket counters, which were closed because they don't have any more flights today. They are now walking 2 miles back to the American counters to get rebooked or put up for the night. Apparently there are really long lines for American as well.

They will not be arriving at the 10:50 flight tonight. I will update again when we have new flight numbers and times.

Be praying for the travelers... running around the airport is exhausting and stressful.
Be praying for Amy... she broke into tears when she got to say "Bon Jour" to her sisters on the phone... I'm sure she is so anxious to have everyone home and has been waiting a long time for these sisters.

Penn's flights - update 3 - still in Miami, departure TBD

The flight to Denver has departed with out the Penns :-(. The family is still working through immigration. They did not anticipate any delay here and were told not to expect a wait. It may be another hour or more before they can get out of immigration. As it is right now, it does not look like they will be in Portland tonight.

Penn's flights - update 2 - Urgent Prayer

David just called, they are on the ground in Miami. They have an hour before their next flight.

There are about 300 people in line in front of them trying to get through immigration. Pray!

I'll update when they are getting ready to fly again.