When I arrived at DFW last Wednesday afternoon in preparation for my Dallas to Denver (and then on to Laramie) flight, I expected long lines, a hike to my gate, and a typical wait in the airport where I catch up on personal phone calls, emails, and maybe grab an over-priced snack. However, God had a different plan for me on Wednesday. I was pleasantly surprised as I walked in, walked right up to the counter, checked my bags with no delay, and went right through a line-free security. As if that wasn't wonderful enough, I was surprised to see my gate waiting immediately for me on the other side of security...how convenient! What drew my attention away from that pleasant surprise however, was something I had never seen before. At Gate A30, just one to the right of my own, were approximately 200 men and women in Army uniforms, and a very Patriotic decorated gate. Never in my life had I seen something like this, and it literally brought tears to my eyes (the first of a few times in this one airport visit). Using my best observation skills, I deducted that these brave men and women would be leaving Dallas, and not returning for a while. Because, for every uniformed soldier, there was a spouse or significant other and several cute children clinging tightly to their brave mother/father/husband/wife/fiance, etc. Literally, significant others were hanging on to the arms of their loved ones and for the next 30 minutes while I sat there, never let go. I was so touched by this scene, a true blessing from God put right in front of my eyes. The first thought that crossed my mind was to walk up to someone and thank them for what they were about to go do. Not wanting to disrupt the beautiful and touching life moments going on however, I instead sunk down in a corner chair and started praying. I prayed for each one of the soldiers, for their safety and good health wherever their courage was taking them. I prayed for their families that God would keep them comforted and safe at home while their loved ones were away. And I prayed that when the time came, each one would be brought back to Gate A31 for a tearful, but much more joyful reunion. What happened next amazed me even more, as I wasn't expecting it at all. The brave men and women in uniform began giving those final goodbye kisses and proceeding on to the plane, as their names were announced by a uniformed officer on the airline speaker. As they made their way towards the plane, they were greeted by generous USO volunteers who wanted to shake their hands, thank them, and send them off with snacks, magazines, and other simple items that would soon be considered commodities. I had no idea that this was what USO volunteers did. I mean, I had seen the USO lounges in the airport, but until this moment had never really gotten it. This is what I want to do! Put in front of my eyes by our Heavenly Father himself, I saw a volunteer opportunity that I am so looking forward to embracing someday soon. This experience at Gate A30 brought tears to my eyes, and goosebumps to my arms, over and over again. When the men and women had all boarded the plane and the doors had been closed and the Patriotic mass began to dissipate, I realized that I am so blessed. I realized that although I fought back tears when I left three weeks ago, I was headed off (by choice) to comfortable sorority houses where I would be showered with gifts and luxuries, and be able to talk to my loved ones whenever I wanted by phone, email, text, Skype...whatever! It was a huge reality reminder that God is good and my life is so full of blessings. All this...when I expected long security lines and over-priced snacks. Love & miss you all o:-)
