Not What We Were Expecting!

So remember that whole post about "this is what is going to happened today...blah, blah, blah, blah"?  Yeah well, that short stop in Baltimore isn't so very short anymore.

See, this morning, things were on track.  All our luggage was right at the weight limit, we got all our carryons checked for free, the boys were doing better than they were when we got them up at 3 AM.  And while we were in the last two rows of the airplane (which meant no window view because the engine is right there) we were feeling good about what was going on.  In fact there was a bit of a bonus with the engine seats because the boys could be a bit louder and you still couldn't hear them. 

And then we sat.  And sat.  And sat some more on the runway in Grand Rapids.  And then the captain came on and said,  "something about an oxygen tank, something something, needed to be checked with the mechanics, something something, certified, something, going back to the terminal."  Um, what?  While we didn't get off the plane, we did get the joy of sitting there for an hour and a half.  And as any parent of small kids will know, that is a long time to keep them busy.  Pretty much we used up all our tricks before the flight got off the ground.

And then, because we sat for an hour and a half, we missed our connecting flight to Miami.  And guess what?  Yep, there isn't another one until tomorrow morning at 8:30.  Oh, and did I mention that we have ten fifty pound footlocker/bags with us?  Oh, and 3 backpacks, one hiking pack, and 4 carryon roller bags?  Yeah.

But God has been gracious.  Our airline is putting us up in a fantastic hotel tonight, they gave us $40 in food vouchers for the airport (that goes a long way at McDonald's!), they gave us $100 in coupons for our next flight with them, and they also are giving us 4 free round trip tickets!  Which might just mean that we can come home for a visit sometime during our time in Costa Rica!  I was blown away when I realized that!

Oh, and remember all that baggage?  Yeah, well, they are keeping most of that at the airport tonight for us.  I calmly explained that "I have two preschoolers, we have been up since 3 am, we don't have room in the hotel room for 15 bags, a double jogging stroller, and 4 people." and they agreed!  Everyone has gone out of their way to help, which has been what we have needed.

The only thing is, this really jams up some meetings that we are suppose to have with the LAM before we leave tomorrow evening.  But things are in the works for getting that ironed out.  And I keep remembering last "night" (you know from 11 pm to 2 am when I fell asleep to wake up at 3 am) I kept praying, "Lord, you know what is best for our family. If that means the back of the plane, that's what that means."  So, He is the one in control, He gave us a free trip back to the states, and He is going to get us and all our 500 plus pounds of luggage to our new home in Costa Rica.

Thanks for praying all!  We have felt it today for sure!  And if I can bother you with one more little thing...the last time Noah and I went to Costa Rica, we were diverted overnight to Panama City, Panama...I really don't want to do that again with all the above mentioned luggage, children etc...