Parcel Troubles!

I want to praise God for answered prayer, and say to you - Never never give up! I am hoping to get Rev.  Dr. Jeremiah Wright to autograph his book and send it back to me in England. And hopefully he will give some interesting comments about how Barack Obama came to Christ.  It is amazing that a man of his background with a  mother who was an atheist and both father and step father strongly influenced by Islam should become a Christian  with what appears to be a  genuine faith. So I would love to have some first hand insights from Pastor Wright.

Well, I no joy at the church itself except the receptionist's advice to mail the book to him. So I got busy when i got back to my hotel preparing a parcel for him. By the time it was just about ready it was too late to go to the Post Office, so I thought I would post from the Airport. I am at the Airport now and, guess what, there is no Post Office at the Airport! But that is only half the story! The small half!

Just to add to the excitement of the day, I woke up early so that I could go to have a early breakfast before going to the Airport. Well I noticed what looked like a bill had been put under my door. I knew I had already paid! So it was a quick e-mail to my travel agent ... the situation got sorted but it was not the best start to the day!

After breakfast it was off to the nearest Blue Line Underground Station and then the train to the Airport. I had to purchase a ticket because my 3-day ticket was over, but I had the change now for the $2.25 ticket. Then it was down the steps to the platform.

I saw the side of the platform that had trains to O'Hare Airport, and when the train pulled in I got on. The trains in Chicago all have announcements between the stations. I quickly realised that my train was not going all the way to the Airport, but terminating at Jefferson, an intermadiate station. Well not a problem, I thought, I will get out at a nice looking station and wait for the next train. The train moved out of its tunnel and into the open air. This looks nice,  I thought, I will get out here. The trains don't stop for long, as soon as the doors open the announcer says "Doors closing". So I got out quickly with my case and carry-on.

No sooner had i got on the platform than the train doors closed and the train departed. It was nice to be out in the oen air, although it was a little nippy with a cold wind. I looked to see if there might be a seat, perhaps out of the wind. Then I noticed. Where was my white bag with the parcel for Dr. Wright? Oh no! I knew immediately - it was still on the seat on the train that was terminating at Jefferson. What was I to do? Well I was early, so I didn't need to rush to the Airport, so I should go to Jefferson and try to get my bag with the parcel back. God can do a miracle! I'll pray, I like to receive miracles and God loves to do them! But I tell you, I was not very full of faith... or should I say the hope that it woukd be found and I would get it back.

What a stupid thing! Leaving the bag on the train! But one thing I have learned if you should leave anything anywhereis go back and try to find it right away. If you go back right away there is a chance. Someone may pick it up and hand it in. And if I pray God can work it out. So I prayed and waited for the next train. It was a long time coming. The platform announcer said it was delayed.  I was not able to look around at the interesting buildings or enjoy the bright early morning sunshine, I was praying and I was worried. How stupid! That book was not a cheap bargain. And then there's all the money I spent on the 2 special envelopes. And then there's the actual money I put in to pay for Rev. Wright's postage. And surely at this time, the train will "tiurn around" quickly and be heading into town full of commuters. There didn't seem much hope.

Eventually a train to the Airport pulled up to the platform. Incidentally this station was not at ground level but was up high, near the roofs of regular houses, and the platform was wooden. Well, train was not only delayed in coming, it got delayed en route as well! There were quite a few stations before we reached Jefferson. And what the other passengers must have thought seeing me get off with my case and carry-on ... that stupid passenger surely he know this is not the Airport! I went up to the concourse and found a station offficial. He didn't look like the kind of man who could help me. Like ii-n England there are very few staff and I was ure he would say "I'm sorry, nothing's been handed in the train is on its way back to the city, there's nothing we can do".

But he was quite sympathetic and understanding, and he knew exactly the train number that i had been travelling on. He told me to back to the platform in the lift and he would see me there. Imet him there, he said the train hadn't left yet. In came a train he walked up the plaform. I followed him, glancing into the train as it drew into the platform, but he wasn't corncerned. That train was soon full of people and left. We were up by the front end of the platform. I though "Well, I have the time, I feel so stupid but they might still find it,. This man is being so helful, the least I can do iis just 'hang in there' and wait to see if anything is found. A lady train driver came up.Another train came in and she got on it. Then out of the driver's window someone held my bag. An older man came of the train with it. I thanked him and the station official who had helped me all along. That man left and I was left chatting with the older man.Praise God it had been found.

Now there is no Post Office at the Airport! Not to worry, I'll find one in Hawaii. And it gives me a chance to read more of Dr Wright's book befor I send it to him to sign. God is good! Never give up!