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Writer's pictureChristy

Welcome to Cleveland!

Who doesn't need a good laugh?

We lost the M in the parking lot. Still funny.

If you've ever seen the movie Love Actually, Hugh Grant's British Prime Minister character waxes on poetically about the arrival gate at Heathrow Airport. To him, there's no better place to find joy in life. Moms and dads are reunited with their traveling kids. Friends are eager to see each other after a long absence. Spouses forget everything around them once they're locked in a longing embrace.


I think that's a very pure and loving way of approaching life. Often, I get caught up in my head, which on a good day is a chaotic spin cycle of intense anxiety. On a bad day, well, maybe that's another post...


Where are my royalty checks, SNL?

A few years ago, SNL actress Rachel Dratch brought to life a character we all know. That one friend who is a perpetual Debbie Downer. Watching her bring the room down gave me some serious introspection. I have been that friend, a lot. We are blessed with a finite amount of time on this earth. Why not laugh a little more? When I'm long gone, I'd rather people remember my sharp wit than my ability to remind them about the cruel ironies of life.


I've always been that one friend to crack a joke in a tense situation. Yes, even at funerals. I consider myself to be that friend standing beside you in your worst time, reminding you that at least your skirt isn't tucked into your underwear. Laughter is powerful and one of the greatest driving forces of my life.


Recently, my friend Kajeana (one half of the dynamic duo known as the Sunflower Mommas), along with our pastors Reid and Justin, led a group of high school students on a mission trip to Kenya. This incredible experience was life-changing not only for the beautiful souls they met in Kenya but for the group themselves. This is the type of trip that has a way of reminding you of how incredibly small our everyday problems are and that despite racial, economic, and language barriers, God sees every person as important and priceless, and so should we.


My friend Kara, also of the "let's find more joy in life" club had asked around to see if anyone from the church was organizing the warmest welcome home for these amazing kids. Her inquiry was met with the sound of crickets chirping. Either no one thought of that, or everyone was too wrapped up in their own lives to congratulate and further encourage the next generation of our church's leaders.


Kara came to me a little disappointed, so instead of my typical Debbie Downer response, I just said, "Why don't we do it?"


And then I had a brilliant idea for a welcome sign. I was recently reading an article on harmless pranks. Someone's grandpa had painted on his roof adjacent to the local airport "Welcome to Cleveland!" The only problem? Grandpa lived in Milwaukee. Classic! See the real-life inspiration here.


Our Kenyan team left Africa on Saturday, as it would take over 24 hours for them to catch flight after flight to get home to Louisville. I knew they'd be sleep deprived. I knew they'd be irritable, dirty, and ready for showers and their beds. What better time to have a giggle?

The cat didn't get it. Still funny.

With the help of Kara's eldest daughter, Nalani, we headed to Michael's after church in search of poster board and letters. Moments later, our welcome sign came to life. I bellowed with laughter, convinced this was the best sign ever created by the hands of women.


When we arrived at the airport, we found many of the parents annoyed and anxious. Our team's last flight from Atlanta to Louisville was delayed. I took that moment to share my theory that Atlanta is like Hotel California. You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave. *insert amazing guitar riff here*

Paul and Melanie (the other half of the Sunflower Mommas) sat with us and laughed. And then I debuted the sign, sadly, now missing the M in welcome. Their reactions reassured me we were on the right path.


Once the plane landed an hour later, we strategically positioned ourselves among the anxious parents and other well-wishers. Kara graciously opted to hold the sign, while I took photos of the first impressions. I won't post any of the reactions of the folks here, out of respect for privacy, but let's just say that scrolling through those photos last night was like a study in psychology. I captured disbelief, annoyance, but mostly absolute hilarity. After the momentary panic subsided, people appreciated our joke and our efforts to bring a little joy to their hectic day.


My favorite, hands down, was one of the pilots. I'm sure flying a giant tin can filled with cranky travelers ranks highly on the stress-o-meter, but this guy knows you can't take life too seriously.

Yes, a captain can have a sense of humor, too.

While most people ignored the crowds and focused their gaze straight ahead, he saw our sign, laughed, and got a serious expression on his face. He looked sheepishly at the floor and said, "Oh man, I knew I took a wrong turn somewhere!"


Clearly enchanted with my new best friend, I shot back loudly, "DUDE! You had ONE JOB!" much to the dismay and bellowing laughter of Kara and Melanie.


Finally, at long last, our group arrived. Melanie's daughter Lexie groaned, "Please don't say we're really in Cleveland, I need to be home." and I knew our little harmless prank brought just a tiny bit of joy to everyone.


We quietly excused ourselves and watched from a distance as hugs and warm greetings were exchanged. The group was exhausted but so happy to be home. And thrilled to learn there were not actually in Cleveland.


We've all decided when we're feeling depressed about the future, we should make a "Welcome to Cleveland" sign and head to the Louisville airport.


Thanks for reading!

~ Christy


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