They were expecting only our house group leaders to meet them, so the rest of us hid behind a (hardly sufficient) pillar and awaited a signal from our leaders. It was so funny - as soon as their flight number displayed 'Baggage in Hall' we ran into position. Having chosen a rather tall and narrow object to hide behind we formed a long line - it looked like we were all being very British about queueing to order coffee or something from the pillar, and seemed to offer much amusement to other people waiting for loved ones. We stood giggling there for about 15 minutes, and almost got into a fight with a member of staff driving a buggy through who complained about the way we were all standing... But there was no time to argue because our leaders had run forward to greet our friends and that was the cue for the rest of us to jump out and run to them as well. They looked bewildered and very, very happy as we all hugged them until they could hardly breathe!
Once we'd all had a chance to exchange greetings and let them get their breath back, some of the lads hauled their luggage off to one of the cars whilst we all made our way to one of the cafes for tea and a catch-up. They have had an awesome experience, and it was great to hear some of that and what God has been showing them and where He is leading them to next. It was also just brilliant to see them again - within minutes it felt like they'd been away for hardly any time at all.
Our leader joked that we better not let the church leadership team we were having a welcome party up at the airport instead of serious Bible study that night. But you know what, God revels in our joy too, and being there for each other is part of what being in Christian fellowship is all about. I have no doubt that He was laughing as much as we were while we hid behind that pillar and I have no doubt that His heart welled with joy as much as ours did when we saw them coming through the gate.
And what can I say - road trips on a school night rock!
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