3:55 - wake up
4:30 - ship out
7:00 - first small plane carrying half our group leaves for PAP
we wait - it takes longer than it was supposed to for the second plane to come
9:00 - we get on our plane - meaning we have an hour and twenty minutes to cross the island, clear immigration, check our bags, and get through 4 security check points as a large group
10:10 - we arrive and are told we missed our flight - but the first group is about to take off for FL - they do and arrive safely.
- the second group is put on standby - all flights to FL are full - we start praying for seats to appear for us to fill. They tell us that some may need to sleep in a hotel with Mission staff over night in PAP. This doesn't excite some!
12:20 - 3 of our people get on to a flight and we aren't allowed to pick who they are going to be - they just tell us. The 3 people were Ana, Roxanne, and Matt W. They get on a plane with a few final instructions and head off the Miami International airport (different than where we were supposed to go). They arrived safely and did a great job of keeping out of trouble while waiting for the rest in the Miami airport.
3:15 - we are waiting in the airport, sleeping on the floor, wondering how many times we will have to recheck our bag. We get a mumbled call over the intercom where we hear some of our names being called - we all go to the desk and are given tickets for the next flight (which had been full). All 12 of us made it on - the Lord chose to answer our prayers!
6:30 ET - we arrive in Miami, hire a shuttle and move the 15 of us up to Ft. Lauderdale - which is about a 30 minute drive up the coast. We arrive at our hotel at about 8:30
We spent the rest of our evening eating at a local restaurant, debriefing around the table, and than walking back to our showers and beds - which is where you find me now.
God has once again shown His mercy to our team today. We are so thankful. We are longing to see you all (Ezra we're coming home!). See you tomorrow night!
Doug
PS - I'm delusionaly tired - sorry if my writing is indecipherable.
WOW...I am exhausted just reading this! I am so thrilled that you were able to see how God can and does move mountains (or airplane seats)! It must have been a harrowing experience for you, Doug and Janelle, as the big kahunas of the group. God does take care of the details, especially when we are helpless to change our circumstances. Thank you so much for taking this group to another level- we are so grateful for your faithful example and fearless leadership.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and safe travels to all,
Denise
Praise Him again for all He has done. He is definitely our provider and protector. I too thank God for the faithfulness of Doug and Janelle and the sacrifice they were prepared to make, of leaving their little one to shepherd our big one. I trust that the shower and sleep were a welcome necessity and that the journey home will be yet another experience of God's provision.
ReplyDeleteWe are excited about seeing you all at the airport.
Prayers,
Robyn
we are praying that you will come home safely.
ReplyDeletewe miss you lots and cant wait till we see you again.
viktor and kids
Thank you again, for all your mercy,your protection,Jesus.Bless Doug&Janelle for taking care of our children.Still praying, see you all tonight. P.S. I'm excited for you to see Ezra. vera.
ReplyDelete