Back after a few days away. A group of fifteen from our area traveled together to visit Noah's Ark and the Creation Museum in the Kentucky/Ohio area. We had the opportunity to meet old friends - and not long ago off the mission field in Mozambique - Jacob and Jaynie Michael.

I'll make a few comments on upcoming Karen's Korners about some of the things we saw, learned, and experienced.

It was ten years ago this month that nine of us from the Clarion area traveled to Poland on a 10-day mission trip. In following years, we have traveled on shorter mission trips nearly annually.

Jim and I did extensive traveling in our 45 years of married life. Many trips took place in the twenty-plus years following his early retirement.

When we would travel, we had the some philosophy:  'things are going to happen on the trip that we don't like. But we are going to have a good time'. It was always a decision. If we weren't going to enjoy our time away, maybe we should stay home.

I always give the same 'speech' to each travel group in which I am involved. "Let's enjoy the trip regardless!"

As the Welds traveled; as our mission trips have helped in various places, we have experienced:  flight delays; lost luggage; misplaced items, being lost; money disappearing unexpectedly. You name it! But being frustrated. Angry. Upset. It wasn't part of our mindset.

I gave a similar speech before leaving on Thursday morning early "get ready", "we are gong to have a good time".

Maybe that should be our mantra for every day:  regardless of what happens:  "We are going to enjoy the trip!"

What major or small disaster happened in our four days away?

Not one thing! No flat tires. No illnesses. No angry nor frustrated participants.

But we were prepared to enjoy the trip.......no matter what happened!