2026 started with a BANG for me! The second day of the year, I was making my way back home from Jordan. It was a marvelous trip that I hope to share highlights in a later blog. I have learned God is always fine tuning us. He is either trying to teach us something, or use us to help others. Sometimes it is both. Let me explain.
In the wee hours of the morning on January 2, I am heading to the airport to return home. I have a 6 hour layover in Frankfurt, Germany. Unlike my 4 hour layover in Chicago going to Jordan with United Airlines, they have a layover lounge. Lufthansa does not have a lounge designated for passengers who have extended layovers. Unless you are a member, there are no privileges. So I pleasantly waited for 6 hours watching people run through the airport trying to catch several different flights. Some made it. Others did not.
When my flight is ready to take off, it starts to snow in Frankfurt. That delays us for another hour because as we are sitting on the plane watching, they de-ice the plane. Before that the flight was delayed 15 minutes due to another situation unrelated to the weather. I am peaceful and calm as I feel no stress.
This puts my connecting flight in Dulles in jeopardy. I have a sneaky suspicion that I would be cutting it close in making my flight. Considering I had to go through immigration and baggage claim, time is not on my side. On arriving at Dulles, I made it through immigration. Surprisingly, my large checked luggage is missing. At the same time I have missed my connecting flight. I am disappointed. Yet, I am thankful to be back in the U.S.
It is wonderful to have the presence of the Holy Spirit to lead you through your adversities. You know it is the Holy Spirit because it keeps you calm in all situations. You know that God is in control, especially if He has allowed the adversity to enter into your life. I had several people to help me at the airport. They confirmed my luggage was “delayed” and re-booked me on the next flight to Norfolk. I pleasantly thanked them for their help. Unfortunately, I had to wait another 4 hours for my next flight. Further, I still had to file a claim for my “delayed” luggage.
Upon arriving in Norfolk, I have to claim my small checked luggage. Then, I have to file a claim for my delayed large luggage. When I file the claim I am told my luggage was at Dulles. I wonder if that is the case. If they found the “delayed” luggage, why did they not put it on the flight? After all, I was waiting 4 hours to fly from Dulles. Next, I am told the next flight into Norfolk my delayed luggage will be delivered to my home.
That never happened. Saturday, Sunday and Monday there were no deliveries made to my home. Monday evening, I was hit with the flu that sent me to bed. I was in bed for several days. I am thinking okay God, what do you want me to know? Tune in next week to find out! Love & Blessings!