Returned

Well, after a serious delay, I am returned from my trip to the nation's capital. We sat on the runway for 4 hours today in DC because of severe storms in Chicago, which air traffic control said prevented our approach. The crew was kind and, I'm sure, just as frustrated as we were. They showed a movie, Along Came Polly, which was decent and entertaining (hey, it was something to do!) and the captain of the plane even bought us all bagels! A very nice and kind gesture! Then, when we were finally allowed to take off, we were told to fly at a certain speed that I'm assuming was below the normal flying speed, so as to allow storm clouds to clear out. We landed at about 3:15pm, I was home by 4pm, quickly showered, got gas for the car, and went to Canterbury. There, it was a night of a big announcement - the Rev. Jackie Schmitt, Chaplain to NU Canterbury, has been called and has accepted the position of chaplain for Harvard University. Congrats to her - we will miss her though!

Now - for details about the wedding. It was nothing short of glorious, as can only be expected of anything Hinson would put on. Thursday night was a delicious cookout (BBQ chicken) at his place for the wedding party and friends. Lots of brothers came, so it was really wonderful to see all them again. It did me more good than I can here put into words. After the cookout, they had a party cruise scheduled, which was loads of fun! We all stayed up super late talking and continued the party back in our hotel room. Friday, Matt and his Dad took us groomsmen out to lunch at ESPN Zone. Delicious and, again, loads of fun. We picked up our tuxs, argued about shoe sizes with the clerk, and finally went back to the hotel to prepare for the rehearsal and dinner. The rehearsal went smoothly and dinner was fabulous - surf and turf! There was a great slide show of pics and a series of humorous, inspiring, heart-warming, and tear-jerking toasts. The party continued late that night as well and we all slept in on Saturday. For lunch, the groomsmen went out to a great restaurant in Oldtown Alexandria called The Wharf. Mmmmm...baked flounder stuffed with shrimp, crab, and crawfish. Mmmm....shrimp (for Hudd's benefit). Then, the wedding commenced.

It was a lovely ceremony in the Baptist tradition. Sarah's dress was gorgeous and she, of course, looked radiant. Matt was resplendent in his tux and boutonniere. Sarah's father, Dr. Compton, presided over the wedding and choked up a bit when he announced to the world Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Hinson. The reception was excellent and there was even dancing. The bridesmaid with whom I was paired had a torn ligament, so I did my dancing with the lovely Stephanie, a good WFU friend and fellow Wake Works employee (though I am since retired).

So, all in all, it was a great and glorious event. Three down, one to go - Mason and Lucia's in July.

Now, I must go and get to work on my Pastoral Care paper, which I really don't want to write. Grrr....three more days...

-R