So most of you know that I missed my flight the other day, but not everyone knows why. On my way to the airport, after declaring that I hadn't forgotten anything at home, I realized that I had left my wallet. It had Tyler's birth certificate in it which I was told was pretty important to bring. We were almost to the airport so turning around wasn't an option. Mom called Aunt Debbie, who is always awake before the sun comes up, but she didn't answer. The first person that answered the phone was my dear old grandpa. Bless his heart, the man was up, but I knew my chances of getting my wallet delivered before my flight were very slim. Then Mom got ahold of Uncle Jimmy, who is very capable of driving (and moving) at a much faster speed than Gramps. I'm not sure of the exact time that Ma got in touch with Jimmy... Maybe 5:45ish... My flight was leaving the terminal at 7. After getting all of my bags checked in, I was hoping and praying that Jimmy would make it to the airport on time without getting pulled over. At 6:45 he hadn't arrived yet so I headed up the stairs to go through security. Right as we got to the passport checker, over the PA came "Last call for Jacquelynn Higgins and Tyler Harris". I told the guy that that was us and he said, "Well better hurry", yet offered no assistance in helping us hurry.
Just after going through the big body scan thing, my mom gave my wallet to one of the security guys and they delivered it to me. I didn't get a chance to say good bye; I couldn't even see her to wave good bye. Not to mention we didn't have time. We got our shoes on and ran (as fast as possible with the 50lbs of books and other "necessary" stuff I was carrying). Our gate was the last, and I saw only Continental attendants sitting around when we got closer. Before we reached them they declared that our flight had already left. I was in shock... This was not MY plan for the day. How could this have happened?? I started crying. One of the ladies handed me an 800 number for Continental and told me to see what they could do. The line was so busy that hold wasn't an option. It stated to call back later. Again a little panic set in. I had another flight to catch in Houston. How was I going to get to Trinidad now??? The ladies at the desk also told me that there were no more flights on continental going to Houston. GREAT!!!
I sent my ma a text and let her and pop know this horrible news. Back down the escalators we went where they were again standing. The man that helped me get my tickets printed when I first arrived, took one look at me, and possibly even smiling... said, "You missed your flight, didn't you?!" I didn't have to answer. He knew. He immediately set out to get a new flight itinerary for us. After what felt like forever to me (really 45 minutes) he had routed us from Des Moines, to Dallas, Dallas to Miami, and Miami to Trinidad. I wasn't too excited about all the changing of planes, but very happy to know we would still be flying out that day. Then it occured to me that Brandi, the other person taking SGL, was going from Miami to Trinidad at the same time as my flight. I laughed at the possibility that we might have ended up together the whole trip. I know God does some crazy things, but really? After getting a proper good bye from the parents Ty and I headed back through security. This time not so rushed. After finding our gate, I sent Brandi a text to let her know that I missed my flight, and also to see what her itinerary looked like. Her responce... Des Moines to Dallas, Dallas to Miami, Miami to Trinidad. NO WAY!! We met up after she got through security and I was finally able to relax a little.
I was assured by the Continental angel that my luggage would still be traveling to Trinidad and would arrive hours before me. I was quite nervous that I would be living in the clothes I had on for a few weeks. Once we landed in Trinidad and got through customs in record time, I set out on my mission to find my luggage. I went to the Continental desk and told them that I had missed my flight earlier in the day and that my luggage had arrived hours before me. The guy at the desk pulled out a notebook where names were written of luggage that hadn't been claimed. My name was not on the list. The guy then took my luggage tags that I had been given in Des Moines. Nope. Still no match. The guy said sorry we have no record of your luggage. AAAAHHH!!!! What?? Really?? I did not want to hear that. Then another employee walked up to the counter and the guy that was helping me asked the other if he knew of any unclaimed luggage. He stepped aside of some bags that were neatly stacked on a luggage cart and said, "What about these?". I couldn't believe it... There sat all of my suitcases. Oh thank you sweet Jesus. That was my thought for quite a while.
I couldn't believe the day. I know looking back that my Lord was right in the middle of it the whole time, of course. Pam (who I am staying with in Trinidad) was very worried about Brandi and I traveling by ourselves. Brandi had never been out of the country before, and usually when she flies she take Dramamine. She wasn't looking forward to flying alone. I am still at this moment in awe of how everything worked out not by MY planning but just the way my GOD wanted it to. Awesome!
