Wednesday, June 29, 2011

How hard can it be to leave the country?

We had an uneventful departure from the hospital Monday, albeit 4 hours later than planned, as John had forgotten to clear his schedule of patients!  Kids finished their Iowa tests and rejoiced in "ending" the school year officially, tho they will continue doing their math all summer. We made it to our hotel not too far from the San Pedro Airport with time to go to the mall for everyone to enjoy their favorite at the foodcourt before bedding down in midst of a fierce rain storm that was rather lulling. After an early AM swim and breakfast at Dunkin Donuts, we left our pickup in the keeping of Hector for our 5 weeks out of Honduras, and headed for the airport with plenty of time to spare. Enjoyed visiting the large team that had been with us at the hospital, as they were headed out on the same flight as we were.  We enjoyed our last hour in the food court of the airport, playing chess and Bananagrams with the kids and visiting.  We got up to go to our gate...and discovered that we were short John's backpack, in which he carries everything but the kitchen sink, like a good Scout master.  In the ensuing delay of contacting airport security and reviewing the security camera video, we missed our flight. Marvin and Sharon Lopez had brought the large team in, and willing waited during our delay and even helped a lot with the police visiting. They graciously drove us to another motel to spend the night, as Continental was unable to get us out til the following day.  In the stress of the theft and making contingency plans, we forgot til much later to check and verify that our flight from Dallas to Spokane had also been revised to reflect the lost day....and found it had been overlooked.  Hours on the internet and phone from the hotel yielded no available flights, and then a big storm coming in took out the internet for the rest of our time. So John left for the airport on the first shuttle to try to plead for help.  Because the flight had been made by Continental but using United, they could not help us, so John was finally able to get a flight out on Saturday night...stranded in Dallas for 3 days and nights!  The July 4th holiday had all flights booked full and very costly. 
Many calls back and forth with our FWF (Foul Weather Friend) in Tulsa, much prayer by the LDL community and Tulsa Bible Church...and the Lord brought to mind fellow missionaries, the Kenworthy's, Wycliffe, who live in Dallas. With the need to close all our accounts and reopen new ones, finances are in a  bit of an upheaval as we seek to prevent any of the financial information stolen being used wrongly. Having a place to rest our heads for the 3 days we must be laid over in Dallas is a great blessing.  
So how have the Wild Things tolerated this unforeseen delay, as they have been counting down days and then hours til they again were in their mom's arms?  Amazingly well.  We are so proud of them!  They both congratulated John at supper last night and gave him an A+ on how well he'd handled the crisis. They have used the extra time to swim to their hearts content, to play games, were blessed to be bumped up to a first class seat for the flight to Houston,and are now both watching individual movies in the luxury of the USO here in the Houston Airport during a 5 hr layover. Its been an inconvenience for their mom, to be on hold in Dallas an extra night, but only a few more hours for them and they'll all be together.
John was robbed of his mini laptop, his cell phone, and all our financial paperwork. Please pray that the thief will only take out the sellable items and trash all the paperwork!  One day we'll see why the LONG delay in getting to the NW has served some unseen purpose. Thanks for your prayers and concern. 

7 comments:

  1. My prayers are with you. We just got back from Southeast Asia and really understand the travel issues! Please call when you are ready for a visit--maybe Monday 6/4? 509-6628072. Love, rene

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  2. Oh my what a confusing time. I'm glad to hear everyone is okay and look forward to seeing you both soon.
    June Groff

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  3. wow......just glad you are all safe!!! and , welcome to the states!

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  4. Really safe turn.. Hope you are well.

    Elizabeth Sanchez
    qsee

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  5. Oh my what a time you have had. But it sounds like you weathered it well. Praise God for His strength, comfort and guidance! Praying that the rest of your trip will be totally uneventful (except, of course for any GOOD "events" He has planned for you!)

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  6. Just got around to seeing the updated?, story on your blog.
    I'm indeed feeling and praying for you and everyone envolved. Perhaps some of your important stuff will end up in the trash and find it's way back to you. Louis

    E

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  7. Just read this, Penny. I am amazed at how well you handled it all. I have been out of the country for the first time in many years...travel is not easy under the best of circumstances. I am grateful that you have been protected and trust that your financial papers and other things that really won't mean much to most petty thieves have been disposed of long ago. God bless!

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