The next morning (Wed) Danny called the garage. They called us back within an hour to say that the transmission was gone. It was going to cost an estimated $4000 to fix it… we think that was a little high, but we knew that we DIDN’T want to invest that much into that car! So… we started investigating other options. After two hours of phone calls and searching online, Danny made the decision that the girls and I would fly out of Boston that day and that he would get a U-Haul truck to drive to Iowa. (This meant that we were DEFINTELY NOT going to my brothers! We had to be in IA by 4:00 the next day – Thursday -- to pick up the keys to our house so the movers could move us in on Friday at 8!) Our gracious hosts volunteered to drive us to Boston, and they called on another church member to drive Danny to the rental place. Our hosts also let us borrow their car seats for the drive to the airport and GAVE me a single stroller to use in the airport. YEAH! What a blessing. This meant that I didn’t have to lug the car seats through the airport, and I didn’t have to carry Hannah!
We left as early as we could for the airport, but I knew that we were going to be close on time. We had to stop at the garage to get some things out of the car. I need my backpack, some snacks for the girls and me, books and toys to entertain them, etc. I didn’t really feel prepared to take the girls BY MYSELF on two plane rides to Iowa, but I knew that the Lord had strengthened me this far and He WASN’T going to abandon me now. I wanted to be there at least an hour and a half before the flight time, but we were closer to an hour! But I had God sightings throughout the trip to Boston…. Including one of our favorite songs came on: Jesus I am Resting. Danny and I requested it for our going away service and it was such a blessing to hear that. It felt like a confirmation from the Lord! Before leaving their vehicle, our hosts gave me an envelope. Later I learned that it was $400 from their church to help with the costs of the flights! IS THAT A GOD-THING OR WHAT?!?!
We said our goodbyes and I booked it to the luggage drop off and to security… which is always slow, especially with two girls – taking off shoes, putting everything on the belts, and making sure things were just right for the security agents! (A smile and being friendly go a long way!!) J We went as fast as we could to our terminal with just enough time to change our seat assignments so we could all sit together, go to the bathroom to change a diaper and put on a pull-up (just in case), get a bite to eat to take with us on the plane, and call Danny to let him know that we had made it. We were nearly the last ones on the plane! That was WAY TO CLOSE!
The plane ride was good. I was hoping for the girls to sleep a little, but they didn’t. At least they didn’t cry the whole time. They liked eating, reading books, and watching George on the DVD player! I didn’t care if they watched the WHOLE DVD (but they didn’t!).
We arrived in Detroit about 15 minutes early which was great because we had a quick connection… only 45 minutes. BUT I got off the plane and waited and waited for our stroller (We had gate checked it in Boston and asked to get it again in Detroit) – even the pilot went to check on it for me, but he said there was no sign of it. I went to the desk and waited a while. Without any progress, I asked if I could leave my things there while I took the girls to the restroom. She said that was fine. When I returned she gave me a meal pass worth $14 (Jehovah Jireh!) and told me to go get a bite to eat. She was going to call a wheelchair and meet us at the restaurant with it. So… ten minutes later she arrived with a wheelchair and a young woman. We piled onto the wheelchair and the woman sprinted through the airport to our gate – we went up and down 5 elevators, on a train and through a really cool colored tunnel! When we FINALLY got there, I knew that there was NO WAY I would have made it with the stroller. It was just TOO FAR for Grace to have walked. God provided in a way I didn’t expect – our stroller didn’t show up, but we got a beautiful chariot to escort us to our gate! We were THE LAST ones on the plane, but we made it and got settled quickly. J
Once again we ate a ton on the plane. That kept all of us pretty happy. I was thankful that this was a short flight – only about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Grace didn’t watch George, but I kept her busy with a book of stickers that I had in her backpack. She loved decorating her “barf-bag” and putting stickers on me and Hannah – on our noses, hands, etc. I let her as long as it kept her and her sister entertained. We all giggled and giggled! J I needed that light--hearted fun! Hannah eventually fell asleep. She (and I) really needed it.
We arrived in Des Moines about 30 minutes early. We didn’t know who was going to pick us up from the airport or where we were going to be staying that night. Danny talked to the Pastor from our new church earlier in the day, and he said he would make sure it was all taken care of. It was nice to see his wife as we went down the escalator. I am sure that I looked like a mess… I certainly felt like it! She was so gracious and helped with the girls as we went to the baggage claim. We stayed with them that night… they even got us car seats and a pack and play. It was a wonderful welcome to Iowa, but I was wishing that Danny was with me!!! After getting the girls in bed, Connie offered me ice cream…. And I thought that sounded heavenly! She even put on chocolate syrup and nuts! YUMMY!! I savored every bite. I didn’t want to be rude! J I chit chatted for a little while, but my eyes just didn’t want to stay open. I went to bed and slept like a rock! Thank you, Lord for getting the girls and I to Iowa safely.
Part three…. Danny’s journey!
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