Predeparture to Take Off

First of all, I would like to apologize to all of those with whom I have failed to keep in contact. Things have been unexpectedly hectic and I have not had a chance to catch up on my journals nor have I had enough internet connection to keep up with the blog or post pictures on facebook. Slowly, however, I am learning the system here and I am beginning to catch up. Bear with me as I try to explain all that has happened here thus far. Caution: it may take several entries.

Predeparture:

Friday night (January 8th) I received a call from our STA travel agent who has faithfully checked on us and made sure things were squared away. He had just checked the flight schedule because London had been receiving a lot of snow, and discovered that along with several other flights, our flight had been cancelled. He recommended we call British Airways and see if we could reschedule. However, due to the amount of flights cancelled and therefore the number of people calling, we were unable to get through to them and decided instead to reschedule through STA. Because of our student tickets, the quickest flight we could get out was Thursday, January 14, which meant we would arrive in Accra, Ghana on Friday night around 10pm, missing the entire orientation! We were disappointed, especially since Dr. Abaye, our academic advisor at Tech, was already on her way to Ghana to meet us. Guess when she was scheduled to leave the country… Friday morning. So things weren’t quite going as planned; however, on the bright side we would get 5 more days with our family.

The next few days allowed me to tie up some lose ends: catch up with friends, spend more time with Mummum, buy new luggage, etc. We received daily updates from Dr. Abaye about her activities, who she met, and what classes she recommended for our semester here. It really helped to have her there making connections even though we could not be there ourselves. We really looked forward to her emails.

The week came and went and Thursday arrived. We were up early to finish getting together the odds and ends we needed and have breakfast with Mummum and the family. After an hour or so of hectic cramming and scrambling to get my suitcases under the weight limit, we were finally loaded in the car and took some pictures and said goodbyes. We stopped by Mummum’s to say goodbye to her. I had managed not to think about how long it would be until I saw her next but when she began to choke up as we hugged her, I began to realize the painfulness of our departure. As we drove away, I looked at Karlie and realized we were both hurting.

Three hours on the road and mapquest successfully led us to Bolling and Barbara’s house. I wasn’t sure I would recognize the house since it has probably been nearly 10 years since we last visited, but there she was, plain as day. We pulled up to Cookie barking at the front door. Aunt Barbara greeted us and we were all very excited to be there. We checked out all the latest additions to the house and caught her up on the plane cancellation situation. Uncle Bolling, Sam, and Petie arrived shortly and we all sat down to a meal that Aunt Barbara continued to reassure Sam she did not make herself. It was delicious! Ribs, asparagus (there’s a first time for everything), potato salad, bread and olive oil, salad, and then apple pie and icecream to top it all off. Yum. Soon we found ourselves wishing for more of this time together, and everyone began to talk about plans for trips to Ireland, Italy, and visits to Warrenton. I was so thankful we had a chance to spend some time with them. It wasn’t long before we were off to the airport. Petie stayed behind to answer the “Call of Duty” and the rest of us piled into the Lexus and headed to the airport. I found myself wishing I knew more of Warrenton and wishing I was more a larger part of their lives and they part of mine. It is funny how things change when you get older.

When we got to the airport, we pulled up just outside of the British Airways gate and unloaded. We took everything in and Aunt Barbara helped check us in while Uncle Bolling drove the circle and waited for us. We got our bags checked, which to my relief were apparently underweight (hard to tell when it’s in kilograms) and walked back outside to pray together before they left. I felt like we were on the brink of some great adventure, like it was some historic moment in my life, as we stood there, a family, hands joined together talking with God and praying for safe travel. The night was cool and I was beyond excited to see where this would lead.

We all hugged and said goodbye as Karlie and I headed off to go through security and find our terminal. Security was a breeze. My in domestic flights in the past have been more trouble than this was. I’m not complaining though. The airport was quiet. It was 7:30. It took us no time to get through and find our gate. Our plane was delayed about half an hour. We began to wait.

We called everyone. Momma. Amber. Momma. Daddy. Mummum. Daddy. Grandma. Momma. Lew. Karlie bought Sour Patch Watermelons and a water. We waited.

Finally we started boarding. I always enjoy watching the people board and guessing everyone’s story and where they are headed. We found our seats next to a very adorable, very kind, Greek woman who was returning to Greece after her yearly visit with children/grandchildren in Virginia. She was good company.

British treated us very well. We had good meals and we each were provided a blanket, pillow, and headphones to use for no additional charge. We were also given complimentary eye shades, toothbrush and toothpaste, and (here’s the real treat) socks! Needless to say, we were quite cozy. Take off was nothing short of magical. Yes, yes, I have flown before, but I have never left Dulles at night before. The lights were amazing. Beautiful colors lined the runway and danced as we navigated through their patterns. I remember thinking to myself. If something happens to this plane, I am ok with that. I thanked God for all the beauty of that day and especially that night and prayed that I would keep my eyes open for Him throughout this trip.

They began to serve supper. Karlie asked me if I wanted her cheesecake, but I fell fast asleep.