PARIS- DAY 12 (TUESDAY)- THE RETURN!

It was as if the Lord smiled and patted us on the back and said, "Good job, guys!" That was the feeling that came over us when we took our new boarding passes from the gate agent in Paris. Nathan and I were bumped up to First Class for our return trip home. We were now "livin' large" as Nathan would say!

We arrived early at our gate and I went up to ask the agent if there was any chance of an upgrade. After what seemed like several minutes (I knew the longer it took- the better chance we had) and listening to the discussions of several agents, then she smiled, handed me our new boarding cards and said with a very heavy French accent, "I sink you will have a nice flight now!"

There we were, the front row, the front seats in the very front of the plane. I tried to explain to Nathan just exactly how enormous of a 'coup d’état' had just taken place. Normally they first would allow the Platinum Elite, then the Gold Elite followed by the Silver Elite passengers to fill that section of the plane first. Then come the peasants. These were $4,500 (EACH) seats but they were now ours! It is true that you do arrive at the same time the peasants, however getting there is a whole different world! So we suffered through an enormous amount of pampering and pining! It was the first time I have ever wanted the plane to not be an hour ahead of schedule like we were! It would be also fun for you to know that on our second flight from Detroit to Grand Rapids- Nathan flew business class as well- that's another story sometime! I will say, Northwest took wonderful care of God's servants and lost a ton of money on us in the process! God is so good!

Well, it was an incredible mission. As it is with every mission's encounter, we will really never know the results of all our energies, efforts, finances and sacrifices made until we reach the other side. But one thing is for certain, a dear friend and supporter of our ministry said it best when this afternoon he said to me - "We are so excited; because we are partners with you in ministry (finances, prayer, etc.), of all those who were saved (nearly 90 decisions), touched by God, healed, delivered and just blessed, it will be credited to our account also!" How right he is! Thank you to all of you who are our Personal Prayer Partners- supporting and praying for our ministry; we are ever so grateful for your partnership. If you are currently not a Prayer Partner and would like to become one, let us know and we will add your name to our list. You will be able to stay in touch with our ministry and family events on a regular basis.

Several have asked to see more photos and so I am working on a follow up version of a trip scrap book of sorts for you to see on line if you'd like. I will email you the details when I complete it.



This final picture is of a dear friend named Florian. He came out to see us off at the Charles De Gaulle airport. Brenda and I have known Florian for over 15 years now. He is a precious soul who has endured much in the grip of the ungodly city of Paris. He has known hardship and despair; as well as the hand of God and His love in his life. Would you even now please whisper a prayer for Florian, even today he is in need of a touch from the almighty God.

We have left behind many dear friends- several new and many more old. Your prayers made a significant difference. I still covet them as we settle back into our world here. After having done so well throughout the entire mission, the last day there I could feel a cold coming on. Now, home trying to shake off jet lag- I am struggling with a real doozie! Go figure.

Nathan's Quote for the Day: (On the ride home from the airport) Lauren, stop asking so many questions, I'm not in my right state of mind!

Prayer for the Day: We don't need to ask you for anything Father, but we do need to thank you for so much!

Word for the Day: Blessings!

Parting thoughts: Stay tuned to Aboundinghope.blogspot.com for the Photo Collection and more testimonies as they come in from France. We appreciate you!