James zigzagged through traffic and eventually deposited us at the Safari Walk, the Masai Market, and clothing stores in turn. By evening, we were ready to eat and sleep once more.
On New Year's Eve Day, we visited the Orphan Zoo, ate, and I was delivered to the airport. I went through customs and then had to come back out to say good-bye, so our farewell was confusing and hassled. Content everything was in order, James left to take Anna, Marwa, and Hope to the bus stand. The customs inspector told me I was too early because the Swiss Air desk didn't open for three more hours. I assured him I could wait. Little did I know how long that wait would be!
I enjoyed watching people of various cultures and backgrounds as I babysat my luggage. Such a mixture of languages and styles!
Finally, it was time to get my boarding pass. After giving all my paperwork to the clerk, he calmly said, "The system is not accepting your information.". He left the desk and returned with the news that my flight had left shortly after midnight that morning. I couldn't believe after all of my checking and re checking, I had missed my flight.
Stunned, I was led to the problem customer corner of the airport. It was then I discovered my phone and email were not working. I was, however, able to text my delima to my daughter, Amy, asking her to contact my travel agent. Although he started working right away, Eldon was still battling the holiday travel schedules a when the Swiss Air desk closed at 10:00. Since my booking was through United, and there was no United desk in Nairobi, I had to reschedule through my Golden Rule Agent. Turns out, Eldon worked 8 hours overtime, assisted by two other agents, to assure my safe return. How does one thank someone for such dedication?
I spent the night in the airport, the only non-employee on the not-cleared-for-takeoff level. My two large suitcases filled with silent auction items for church became milestones for me. Every time I needed to use the choo, I had to beg an employee to babysit them for me. Then I had to unpack and re pack both of them to satisfy myself they were safe for my flight.
Finally, at 5:00 the next evening, I was able to check my bags and take my boarding passes to immigration. The clerk thought I was strange when I kissed the passes one-by-one. They had cost me $1500 extra, but I was going home!!!
Free of my bags, I explored the shops and was finally able to eat. By 11:30, I was on my plane awaiting my flight to London. Food, juice, and rest nurtured me during that flight. I was too grateful to pray any more than, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Somehow, it was enough.
I arrived at Heathrow a little after 5:00 am, with a 6 hour lay over. I explored shops and ate. Wonder of wonders! My all systems were go on my Blackberry. I talked to Amy and saved my one bar for contacting her when I reached American soil.
Five hours later, I was permitted to proceed to my assigned gate, frisked, unpacked and re packed, and presented with a new business class boarding class! I felt like Queen for the Day. Lobster for lunch. a seat that reclined into a bed, and a continuous buffet kept me content and comfortable throughout my flight to Chicago.
When we landed at O'Hara, the captain welcomed us to the United States. A cheer echoed throughout the plane, but all I could pray was, "Thank you!"
I was able to navigate my way through the transit system after depositing my luggage on a transfer conveyor. I joined a group of Fort Leonard Wood soldiers and awaited my final flight. I don't remember take off, but I awoke to the news we'd soon be landing.
I called my friend and rescuer, Laurie, who took a picture of me kissing the ground before we retrieved my bags for the final time.
Home at last! Thank God Almighty! I was home at last!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
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