David here. Well, today certainly has not unfolded as anticipated. What would a group trip like this be without a little drama…
Shelly and I were scheduled on a 6:20AM flight out of Halifax this morning through New York and arriving in Miami just after noon. The plan was that we would take 24 hours to rest in Miami Beach before uniting with the Laidlaws and Lights on Saturday for our journey to Tegucigalpa.
Shelly and I walked up to the American Airlines check-in counter at 5:30 and were told they had “closed” the flight 10 minutes prior and we were not allowed on. Apparently, the “rule” is that they cut off the passenger list 60 minutes prior to take-off. So, it was our fault. That said…I have been flying minimally twice a year for 18 years to the US and this is a first (it is also the first time on American Airlines…and the last).
Again, it was our fault - I admit it. However, the rudeness of the AA representative was almost unmatched in my travel experiences. She was cold and unsympathetic and really unwilling to “try” to help us reschedule. She said she booked us on a flight Saturday afternoon, but when we later went on the AA web site, our reservation code was coming up as “itinerary canceled”. I then spent 35 minutes on hold with AA customer service. Finally Cindy answered and she informed us that the AA rep in Halifax had completely canceled our entire travel itinerary and we were not booked on the flights on Saturday at all! Fortunately, Cindy empathized with our plight and reworked things as best she could.
There was also a long ordeal with TACA Airlines, our carrier from Miami to Tegucigalpa…but I won’t bore you with that anxiety. The result is that Shelly and I are leaving Saturday afternoon from Halifax, spending Saturday night in Miami, and arriving (as far as we can tell) on Sunday night in Tegucigalpa.
I am exhausted and going for an afternoon nap.
5 responses so far ↓
Becky // March 7, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Ahh, no relaxing afternoon in Florida. Guess it wasn’t meant to be. I will have to tell Brian because he always bugs me for wanting to get to the airport early! Well love you all, take care. We will be thinking of you. We hope that we too can go visit our little guy someday.
George Faddoul // March 7, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Hello Everyone .
i hope that everyone makes it safe i am thinking about you all.May God be with you and Protect you from any harm , and give you all the things you ask for .
George.
Serena // March 8, 2008 at 10:30 am
Love and Prayers on your journey!
Mom & Dad // March 8, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Not sure how this works but just to let you guys know…. Sherry, Cliff , and David and Shelly will not be joining you guys in Honduras. Their flights were canceled due to a snow storm in New York. Dont know all the details but just not able to get there until after Tuesday as I understand. Hope you made it Ok as I was tracking the various flights. Looks like only the 7 of you will be bringing back comments about the work there.
- Dad Light
Wayne // March 8, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Sorry to hear about your Airport troubles Shelly and Dave. We pray that all will work well for you on Sunday and that you will meet with your fellow LifeBridge flock and meet, encourage and show Jesus to all you meet.
You are already making a difference. Jackie (Our Church Secretary) read your blog and I will cut and paste her reply. The Holy Spirit is at work and there is no distance in pray. Here is Jackie’s reply—–Hi Wayne
I was just reading the blog from Dave. Today I was watching Foster Parents Plan on TV (I have a child in Kenya with them now). They were showing the Honduras. So I went on line and
sponsored a little girl from there. I think God was telling me something with Dave and Shelly and then the Plan on TV that I already give to. It feels good.
Jackie
I hope you find that an encouragement to you all. Jackie is making a huge difference where she is planted and so are all of you.
Keeping you in our prayers.
We love You.
Dad
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