Flying with the angels.

This trip was entirely in the hands of God. We were broken into 3 different departure groups. One group never left Livingston, the other left the hotel at 5am and then Elaine and I left with the third group about 11:30am. When we arrived at the ticket counter in Lusaka, we found they did not have computer service…so all entries had to be done manually. After about 1 hour delay in processing, we were probable the 20th passengers to check in, checking their list they couldn’t find our names anywhere on the roster, the question we had in the back of our minds, were we even going to get out of the country? Remembering back to Unity Camp … T.I.Z … This Is Zambia, we prayed and left it to the Lord. Finally with a boarding pass in hand, we walked the 100’ tarmac towards the plane. Everyone in our group was able to board, and then it was time to wait a little longer. The plane’s paperwork required manual confirmation or something to that effect and again another hour. We were had about a 2 hour layover when we were to arrive in Johannesburg, but that was now reduced to about 45 minutes. We were still go … or so we thought. The plane flew without incident and we actually arrived in Joburg a couple minutes early. Johannesburg is an international airport like Dulles or JFK. They used busses to transport people from planes to customs etc. We were split up, but finally reunited on the plane. By the time we got to the ticket counter for our new boarding passes; after transport and customs the line had to be at least 75 people ahead of us. Then the line to go through the passport check and security was ½ again as big. Our 50 minute window was just smashed to about 20 and we knew it would have to be a God thing to board the plane to the US. Again would we be able to get home? Pastor Grace was among our group; he was such a comfort telling of his experiences sleeping in the airport, being charged hundreds of dollars to change airlines and waiting days to catch the next flight. Again an absolute God thing!!! Obstacle then miracle. I checked my watch as we received out boarding pass, 10 minutes before departure. Passport check, security clearance then about 20 gates once inside. He must have stopped the clocks because we were seated with 2 minutes to spare. The flight was fantastic. The food delicious, service was with a smile and movies were decent. We arrived at Dulles without incident and 10 minutes early. 2 hours and 10 minutes should be enough to catch the next plane home … right? NOT WHEN YOU’RE FLYING WITH ANGELS. We were transported to baggage claim only to find 1 of our bags was missing. We had our dirty clothes, souvenirs and electronic equipment, I don’t think Elaine minds too much to get a new wardrobe. Sue Anderson was with us as she too had trouble locating one of her bags. She finally did but the rest of the group continued on ahead. Well we filled out the paperwork then hustled to the ticket counter for our boarding passes. United Airlines must schedule every plane to leave between 8:30 and 9:00 because the line was about 200 people deep. I went outside to see if we could use the curb side check in but was told because it was within the 45 minute limit I had to wait in line at the ticket counter. I am so glad I am secure in my salvation because … We waited through the line only to find the self service ticket machines. The counter people were now frustrated with the hundreds of people before us and told us to move to another line where they would be able to help. It is now 7:55 and we were scheduled to leave at 8:25. Once through the second line the charming lady NOT!!! told us she had rebooked our flight for 12:05pm because we were within the 45 minute window. Now it’s becoming a joke, but I’m not laughing. Sue was put on stand-by for her original flight leaving at 8:35. Security ahead and then who know where to board. Prayers do work, but not like the genie in a bottle. God promises everything will work together for His plan and His children. I just needed to have a little heart to heart with him. While were running to the gate, we talked. Sue told Elaine that she needed to catch her breath so I went on ahead. Sue’s gate was about 1 mile after the shuttle drop off point, and there was no way we would get her there on time. We arrived about 10 minutes late only to find the crew from Kansas City waiting there as well. Their plane had mechanical problems and had been delayed now about 45 minutes and they had not yet called Sue’s Atlanta flight which was in the next gate. I spoke with the ticket agents and they said the Atlanta flight was waiting for a flight attendant … way to go God … and they should be there momentarily. SUE MADE IT TO HER FLIGHT, if she hadn’t the next one for her was 4:30 pm. The flights for Atlanta and Kansas City boarded almost simultaneously who would have guessed. Elaine and I strolled down the concourse saying goodbye to all, waiting to board our flight at noon. We knew the trip would be adventure filled, but never guessed what sort of adventures. God is good ... all the time.