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Wow!  I cannot believe it is over.  We experienced so much on this trip.
The trip home was still eventful as we found out our flight from Sao Paulo was delayed over 2 hours.  That meant we missed out connection to Richmond.  We were rescheduled on a later flight arriving in Richmond around 2:11pm verses the original schedule of 9:05am.  We were treated to a meal in the airport by Delta.  Yummm!  Airport food!
We were on a 767-400 this time which had more leg room for us.  I know Ed was thankful.  Most of us were able to get some shut eye during the flight.  I think that was because we were all worn out form all the work and adventure in Brazil.  Just trying to keep up with Roberto is a chore.  He is like the EverReady Bunny!
We made it through customs with no incident.  Well almost.  I broke out a chocolate bar I had purchased in Brazil.  An agent with the airport saw me handing out pieces to the team.  When I was the next in line she informed me that I could not enter the country and needed to head back to Peru.  I must have given her a confused look as I was trying to come up with a pointed reply.  I told her, "That's great, I haven't been to Peru!"  She told me she was just kidding.  She saw me having too much fun giving out the chocolate and not giving any to her, so she had to give me some grief.  I offered hre some chocolate and she refused until I asked her if she was afraid of me.  She took a piece then and continued to monitor my progress through the immigration process.  When another agent pulled a family of 5 out of line ahead of me, my agent friend moved me ahead on another line.  When she saw that I was falling behind our group, she saw one of the other team members who had been processed and tracked her down to make her wait for me.  We are so blessed when we walk in the way of Christ!
We had time in Atlanta to gather together in the food court for relaxation in interaction.  We were able to fill up on American fast food as many were not pleased with the food on the flight from Brazil.  I was able to copy of team members' photo cards onto my netbook.  Now I have the chore of compiling the photos into some presentations.
The flight to Richmond was uneventful and we were greeted by loved ones when we arrived.  All our luggage made it through.  I even made it with extra luggage as the Delta agent in Sao Paulo tagged someone else's luggage under my name.  He went to Denver but his luggage ended up in Richmond.  It really confused the baggage agent in Richmond.  My two bags were there on the carousel so I was happy and thankful.
Speaking of thankful, we were all thankful for God's wonderful protection on the whole mission team.  Except for minor cuts and some occasional intestinal discomfort, we had no health issues.  We all arrived home safe and healthy.  Praise God!
Well the first food I had back in Richmond was Hieth's Ice Cream.  Yes, I had to get my fix.  It was so wonderful to get a warm shower with plenty of water pressure.  It was nice to be back in my bed and not watch the lights flicker from power fluctuations.  I was nice to sleep in late!
But I really do miss the team, Roberto, Rachael and the kids.  It was an awesome experience.  I will continue to place my thoughts here and bring you up to speed on the day to day events of out trip.
God Bless you all.