Little by Little

I wish I could post something good about our mission trip, but I’m still having trouble in getting to… you know, Chiquimula (which, by the way, is pronounced “cheeky-moo-la”). Arriving at National Airport this morning at 4:30 with my co-traveler, he departed on the 5:45 to Atlanta, while I was booked on the 7am flight…. which was postponed to 8am, then 9:30, then 10:15, before finally departing at 11am.

Needless to say, I missed the connecting flight and am now ensconced at the Sheraton Gateway hotel beside the airport, booked on tomorrow’s flight to Guatemala.  It’s been a tough day, but for Elisha in Washington who took a lot of time trying to help me get to Guatemala; her helpful disposition and kind heart were a striking contrast to the rest of the Delta staff.  They were overwhelmed by the many people affected by cancelations caused by yesterday’s poor weather in DC, and the resulting missed connections.

Thankfully, arriving in Atlanta and spying a helpful-looking Delta person wearing a red jacket, things took a sudden turn for the better.  This lady, who’s name I did not get (grr me!) was able to:

1. Give me meal vouchers for lunch,
2. Arrange for overnight stay in the very nice Sheraton Gateway hotel,
3. Tell me that my suitcase is here in Atanta, and that Emma’s is in Guatemala, and
4. Direct me to baggage claim and ground transportation

All with the calm demeanor of someone who knows what they’re doing and intends to make a difference.  Thank you, whoever you were!  The baggage claim folks told me it’d take a while to get my suitcase, but would if I really wanted it.  Otherwise it could be left there and they’d be sure it gets on my plane with me tomorrow, and they’d give me a toiletry bag with clean t-shirt, instead.

I’ve been blessed.  Again.

So tomorrow I should be in Guatemala.  Another passenger I encountered at National Airport, who’s also destined for Guatemala, told me she and her husband will help me get to the bus station upon arrival tomorrow; so nobody has to make the several-hour trek to pick me up – I’ll just take the bus!

I talked with Myra in Guatemala and gave her the scoop.  She reports that Emma is doing fine without me, practicing her spanish with the kids, but wants her suitcase!  Figures. Her suitcase has her make-up bag and the candy and gum we brought for the kids.  Sheesh.