May 19, 2022. Charlotte to Denver

We took off from Charlotte airport at 1:40pm. Jon dropped us off at the airport with our luggage, one carry-on and one personal item each. We go to check in and begin at a self-check-in console. We start entering our information and without delay our names and flight information come up on the screen. Then a series of questions. One said something about printing tags for our carry-on luggage. Not a bad idea, I thought, so I tap it and it prints the tags. Before we know what is going on, the helpful lady standing there puts the tags on our luggage and said, “Take your bags over there to the baggage belt.” I say, “To check them?” and she says, “Yes.” So we roll them over and put them on the scales and soon they disappear through the hole in the wall. Still not sure what happened, but having two fewer bags makes our boarding much easier. I think there was something on that screen that the airline will select some passengers to check in their carry-ons if overhead space will likely be limited. I would rather think it is a courtesy to senior citizens, but we really don’t know that. 

An unusual sight when we taxi towards takeoff, a plane that just landed is on the taxiway with a fire engine on each side spraying water over the plane as it slowly continued between the fire trucks. Is it a fire? But there is no smoke. Are they disinfecting the plane from Covid? That does not seem to be an effective way to do it. Then an announcement comes on the intercom and says, “If you are on the left side of the plane (which we were), you will see the airplane going between two fire trucks. That pilot is retiring and this is his last flight. They are escorting him to show their respect.” 

Before long, we are off. Next stop, Denver. The flight is fine, a little turbulence, but nothing serious. We collect our bags and catch the bus to Budget car rental. I check in and am given a tag that says D-11, “The keys are in the car. Have a happy trip.” So we walk out to the parking area and find D-11, but the space is empty. So back into the office, and without too much delay, we are sent to E-13. “It’s a Toyota Tacoma pickup, and it’s a very nice vehicle.” “Does it drive nice?” I ask. “Oh, yes, you will like it” “Will my wife like it?” “Oh, yes, she will like it.” We go out and find the vehicle. 

Just a few days ago I remembered that a friend, Chaiya Hadtasunsern, a Hmong pastor that I worked with in Hickory North Carolina during my time at Virginia Mennonite Missions, pastors the Hmong Mennonite Church near Denver. I wonder if we can look him up. So I find him on Facebook and send him a message. “We remember you, my family will never forget you. Yes please, we are waiting to see you. We live about 20 minutes from the Airport,” he answered. So we leave the airport and follow GPS to their house, where we are warmly welcomed and enjoy a brief visit. 

Then we continue on to Evergreen, Colorado, where Ralph and Judi Nafziger live and graciously offered us hospitality for the night. What a good visit it was, catching up, sharing ideas on many things, and just enjoying being together.