Well, I apologize for taking so long in posting another message to my blog, but it has been somewhat of a whirlwind since we safely landed in San Francisco. Pastor Rushing has been completely flexible with allowing us to become acclimated with our new atmosphere here in Martinez. The first couple of weeks didn't really incorporate many hours at church working, except for leading music and one opportunity to preach during the worship services. But this last week we went out and pounded the pavement on a couple days going door-to-door. We had a few good leads from that, so please PRAY that those we have talked to, and even some of those with which we just left brochures, would come visit the church, and find us to be the friendly, serving church that we are.
The flights over here from Seoul ranged from interesting to rather comfortable. The kids were entirely well-behaved for the most part. Michael was especially helpful as he just kind of jumped in when he saw we needed help with something, whether it was carrying something or just doing something with Katherine to get her to settle down. The most interesting part was when we landed in Beijing. Health and safety officials boarded our plane, dressed in full hazmat gear, and conducted temperature tests on all the passengers. Apparently, they were still on high alert for the H1N1 Influenza virus. Anyway, it turned out that a couple about two rows in front of us were registering a high temperature. So, they made everyone sit on the plane for around 45 minutes while they processed this couple. It was an exercise in patience, to put it lightly. Some passengers were quite upset about having to stay seated. One gentleman actually tried to leave, but eventually agreed to go back to his seat.
So, after we were allowed to exit the plane we were able to get through all of the checkpoints, take a quick bathroom trip, get a drink at one of the stores in the airport, and make it to our departing gate just as they were beginning to board passengers. So, we sat down and rested as the line dwindled, and were among the last few passengers to board. This flight, while it wasn't as well equipped as the one from Seoul to Beijing was nice enough. Fortunately, the in-flight videos were shows that the kids enjoyed, and that helped keep them occupied for the most part. They, and Dulcy and I drifted off to sleep a few times, watched videos or played games while we were awake, and generally had a rather relaxing flight. Praise the Lord!
As we exited the baggage claim area in San Francisco, we were met by Pastor Rushing, most of the deacons and their wives, and a couple other member families of Bethany Baptist. They were all waving American flags, and saying, "Welcome home, Healey family!" It was quite the greeting, to be sure, and something none of us were expecting. We loaded our luggage into Pastor's truck, and we were driven home by the head deacon, Lavoy Byars, and his wife, Mildred. When we arrived at our new home, everyone from the airport was waiting for us. They showed us around our new home, and I was amazed. The church family had donated enough furniture so that we needed nothing...indeed, there was even some furniture in the garage that they couldn't fit inside the house. And on top of that, our refrigerator, freezer, and pantry were all chocked full of groceries. We just made our first trip to the grocery store (to actually buy some groceries) two nights ago, if that helps you comprehend just how much they had bought us (and there's still much left of what they originally supplied). But there were still more surprises to come. After we had seen most of the house, Pastor Rushing led Dulcy and I upstairs to where our bedroom was to be, where we found Dulcy's mom and dad hiding in wait to surprise us! Well, the tears began to flow, of course, and I was so happy to see Dulcy so happy.
The next day, Pastor took Dulcy and I to the DMV to get our driver's licenses. I barely passed the written test, and Dulcy wasn't as lucky as I. But she has sinced passed the test...and to be fair, we were still jet lagging, and Dulcy more than I. So, then Pastor dropped us off at home, and we practically jumped right back into our car, and we went to set-up our bank account. We didn't have all the information we needed to set up the account, and Dulcy wanted to go shopping with her mom and Katherine, so I dropped them off at...you guessed it...Wal-Mart, and I went back to the house to get the rest of the information I needed to set up my account at the bank. After setting up the account, as I was exiting the parking lot, another driver backed into the side of our car, leaving a significant dent in the front passenger-side door (WELCOME BACK!). The driver admitted fault, and was apologetic. We exchanged information, and she immediately reported the incident to her insurance company that afternoon. We are still waiting to get the car fixed, as we haven't been given the full go ahead by the insurance company. But it has been inspected and the damage appraised. So, please PRAY that the insurance company gives us the go ahead soon.
Well, I think this is long enough as it is, so I will close this, and write its sequel either tonight or tomorrow. Thank you all so much for all of your prayers throughout this transition. We are incredibly grateful for them all.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey
Mark 10:45
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