I Made It

Well, I’ve made it to Camichines safely. Thank you for all of your prayers! It was a bit of an adventure in the airport though…

My flight out of Grand Rapids ended up being very delayed and instead of only running 40 behind schedule, we didn’t leave until 2 hours after the initially scheduled departure time. That’s where things got interesting…My layover in Dallas was only 1 hour and 55 minutes long, so I was praying for some sort of a miracle to get there on time!

We made great time to Dallas and when the plane landed, I still had 18 minutes to catch my flight! By the time I had gotten off the plane and retrieved the suitcase at the gate, I had ten minutes to reach my next gate. I was in terminal B and had to get to terminal D. I quick hopped on the tram to get from one terminal to another the ran like the wind! I lugged my suitcase up and down escalators weaving by all of the people who were not running late for their flights in an effort to not miss my own. Then I saw it…The sign that said D 40 and I kept on running. As I arrived at the gate, my watch said “5:00.” That was the exact time of scheduled departure. The attendant at the gate asked my name and said he was calling me right then to see where I was. I showed him my boarding pass and passport and he had me run all the way through the gate…it was a long gate. I arrived right before the flight attendants were about to close the door. I made the walk of shame to seat 14D as everyone else on the plane glared at me like “you’re the one we had to wait for.” But at that point, I was okay wait making that walk of shame, sweating bullets and all because by some miracle, I made it on the plane!

Since that close call in the airport, my trip has been quite smooth! I arrived at the airport and made it through customs smoothly and all of my luggage came too! Amber and Jenny greeted me at the airport along with a pastor of the church I will be attending while staying here. We picked up some tacos (the most amazing tacos I’ve ever had!!) and brought them back to his house where he and his wife were kind enough to let us stay. We ate dinner together, talked for a bit, then went to bed.

This morning, we were able to sleep in a little bit and relax before heading to church. We attended the Spanish speaking service, which was wonderful. I love Spanish worship and, to my surprise, actually understood most of what the pastor said. One of the biggest surprises was that all of the children from the home had come to attend church there as well, so I was able to meet them all then! It was a bit overwhelming, but I think I already have some names down! J We drove over to Camichines after church and ate lunch. Not too long after that, I was able to get all unpacked and settled in. I even got to catch the sunset behind the mountains from the roof.

I am so excited for my first day of school tomorrow! I got a little tour of the “campus” today, but I’m excited to see everything and everyone in action. Ranchito con Esperanza is doing amazing things for some wonderful children and I am so happy that I get to be a part of their ministry!