This begins my sixth month of this project. At this point I have noticed numerous changes in my thinking, and they are all certainly positive. I am enjoying the challenge and the benefits of this experience.

Recently, my husband, a frequent flyer had a terrifying experience during the landing process. He noticed that the pilot had been doing circle 8’s over the ocean near the airport for more than 20 minutes. Originally he thought the airport was busy and the pilot was in a holding pattern. Then when more time passed his suspicions (he had a private pilot’s license in his mid 30’s) were validated when the pilot announced that the plane’s flaps were not working and so he would need to divert to LAX due to the longer runways. Flaps are the initial brakes on an aircraft. Just before landing the flaps are needed as the plane’s air brakes. The pilot went on to say that in 5 minutes they would land at LAX and there would be emergency crews there waiting along with firetrucks. The plane did a fly by-as it could not land-and he counted six firetrucks lined along the runway. The pilot gave the passengers time to text their love ones. Bobby texted me with enough information and closed with I Love You. I went down on my knees in prayer with tears in my eyes and prayed for what seemed longer than 5 minutes. Meanwhile the pilot alerted the passengers to follow the directions of the flight attendant for landing. The attendant instructed the passengers to get in the crouch position. The plane would be landing at about 285 mph as opposed to the typical 150 mph. The pilot used up every bit of the longest runway and the firetrucks had sprayed foam on the last third of the runway. The landing was hard and incredibly loud as the pilot had applied reverse thrusters to the engine and braked as hard as possible. Bobby could feel the impact and his seat belt cutting into him. This all ended well. The pilot had to be highly experienced and talented at his job. Just as soon as Bobby could he texted me that all went as well as possible and everyone was fine. I was filled with thanksgiving and intense relief when I saw his text come through to me. I don’t know how many thank you’s to God I said. I am extremely grateful for this experienced pilot that landed this compromised plane with such calmness and strength.

When we could finally talk about this experience in person, I asked Bobby about his thoughts and actions during this process. He thought about his family and said prayers. He mentioned there was a nearby woman crying and he tried to calm her by saying it would be okay. I am grateful for his strength, his faith, and his kindness under this kind of pressure.

Last week we flew to Vancouver for a few days. I had a window seat and just before landing I kept watch on the flap. I pressed my shutter to capture this airplane part doing its work. I cannot say that we take flying for granted as we say a prayer before take off, but we certainly have a renewed respect for this means of travel.

"Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” ~1 Peter 5:7

Peace.