Almost Left Behind

Alright, so I ran into a few problems at the Lusaka airport before flying out to go home....an unpleasant surprise, I must say. For the sake of revealing my emotions about the situation, I am going to copy what I wrote in my journal, as it is now a few days later. We tend to settle down once things are resolved, but I want to paint a picture of how I felt immediately after "the situation". So here it goes.......

"Wow, did I ever have an experience at the airport! I just barely made my flight. It was a bunch of b.s. in my opinion. When I went up to the immigration counter, the lady said I over-extended my stay and need to pay a fee. My passport said I was to leave Zambia July 27th (as if I'd only stay 11 days and tell them I'm leaving July 27, even when my flight itinerary clearly says I'm leaving August 8th). I couldn't believe it! I was upset, so I asked to speak to the manager. She pointed me toward a man who then proceeded to tell me that I must've told them July 27th as the leave date when I entered the country. The only option was to pay over 1 million kwacha (about $300 USD). I didn't have that money. I was so broke at that point; I only had 5 one-dollar bills in my purse. He gave me no alternative but to go to court. I asked to use the phone, so one of the immigration ladies took my passport away from me and escorted me outside of the airport to the business office to use the phone. I called the Director at the orphan day center (Angela) and luckily she picked up. I explained the situation; she said she was on her way. After speaking to her, I was escorted back through security. The lady snapped her fingers at me and barked out orders to "go stand there." She was really working my nerves. I managed to keep it together, though. After giving her an evil, dirty look, I realized that I needed to remain cool, calm, and collected. I took many deep breaths and reminded myself that everything happens for a reason, even the mistreatment I was experiencing; maybe I wasn't supposed to board that plane for some reason. My heart was racing a mile a minute - partly because I was so angry at how I was being treated for something I didn't do; partly because I didn't know what to expect the outcome to look like. Angela arrived shortly and walked through security with an airport staff who happened to be her niece. She was very kind, and I really felt she was trying to help resolve the situation. She asked the manager guy to see a copy of my immigration card (the one I supposedly wrote July 27th on). He took us back to the closet where all the yellow cards are stowed. It was a complete mess! Total disorder. Many cards lying on the floor. So I asked him how he could prove I wrote down the wrong date. He said he'd have to "look" for it and wouldn't be able to find it before my flight departed (which, at this point, was in about 25 minutes). Hmmmm, no kidding! What a complete joke! I was ticked off because although Angela brought all of the money and came to my rescue, I didn't want her to pay. That's a whole lotta money! Many Zambians don't get paid that much in a whole year!! Simply upsetting. Angela was very calm, however, and advised me that the best thing to do is just pay so I could be on my way home. She told the manager guy, though, that she'll be back in a month and wants to see a copy of my immigration card for peace of mind. I asked him if he'd reimburse her if there was a mistake on their part. The answer was "no". And Americans complain that customer service is bad in their country. Anyway, to make a long story short, after hearing 'Passenger Holland, please board Kenya Airways for departure' about 3 times, I found myself running through the airport, running across the runway, and sprinting up the stairs to board the plane. They shut the door behind me. I barely made it. The good news is that I made it."

Wow, what a journey it's been. I really feel fortunate to have been helped in that situation. I really owe Angela. It's a bit of a frustrating situation to not be able to repay a person right away for such a great deed. In fact, I don't get paid until end of September. Things are really tight, but this situation keeps my on my toes of faith day by day. I like to think of it as spiritual boot camp. This is nothin' compared to what is to come in the future. I'm reminded of a verse in the book of Jeremiah that states, "If you race with men on foot and they've wearied (tired) you, how will you contend with horses?" I think it's in chapter 12?

Anyway, so here I am....home sweet home. I'm in Minnesota now. I arrived last night. Both of my pieces of luggage are missing, but I'm hoping they'll show up soon. It feels good to be home. I can't wait to see my family! They live a few hours from Minneapolis, so as soon as I get my luggage, I'm boltin' up there. I also have a friend who flew in to Minneapolis yesterday from California. He's going to help me drive my car back to California. So that was a pleasant surprise. God continues to take care of His children - no doubt. Although my statements above about the mishap at the Lusaka airport sound a bit disheartening, I am humbled by the fact that it really doesn't compare to the apples that so many around the world are given in life. I must say, I'm really blessed. I thank God for His favor upon me. I also want to thank each and every one of you who've journeyed this path with me to Zambia and back. It's been more than words. My experiences in Africa this trip have been a tremendous blessing! The people, the challenges, the joy, the memories - I'll cherish them always. And I'm looking forward to doing it again. I'll be going back next year for 6 weeks, instead of 3. I've already decided. I'm going to begin fund-raising now. So anyone who'd like to support me in my upcoming journey back to Africa, please do so on my website. I pray for each person that's supported me and continues to support me - that blessings will come showering upon you, because I know how much your generosity has showered me with blessings. Thank you!