Wrong. Things such as an engine problem on a plane could definitely stop me from going, and it could definitely affect all my other connecting flights. Oh, and it did. I didn't leave for Kazakhstan today.
I boarded the plane at 2:25 like it was familiar. I made sure I was at the front of my boarding group so I didn't have to worry about overhead bin space for my carry-on (yes, I'm that kind of traveler). Sat next to a man that I knew could've used an extra splash of cologne, or probably a whole stick of deodorant. I had my book out, the iPad in the chair pocket (only on airplane mode like a rebel despite the incessant "power down completely" reminders) and my seatbelt on. So ready to go, and thinking about how nervous I was to see Heath. I felt like we were dating all over again as I was giddy when I read "Love you! Can't wait to see you" before I put away my phone. We were backing out of the gate, and headed to the runway.
Then I heard the pilot over the intercom. Ladies and gentlemen, bear with us for a few minutes. After the wait period, the earthly man who held my future for the next 2.5 hours said: "We have to return to the gate and deplane. We are experiencing some engine problems. Contact customer service for help."
I hear sighs. Groans. Gasps. But all I felt was my heart dropping into my stomach... Disappointment and sadness. I was SO excited to see Heath, and now the airline couldn't even tell me when they were expecting a new plane or estimated departure. We deplane at 330 and the agent tells us to expect an update at 4 PM.
The next 30 mins was chaos in my thoughts, but I'm playing it cool on the outside. Do these people not know what I've been through to finally get on this plane?? First the letter then the visa and now the AIRPLANE?? So after an hour or so (and not 4 PM like they said), the new plane was coming at 7:50 PM.... Too late for me to make it in time for my connecting flight in Chicago.
And there I stood for the next two hours or so in a line of angry customers waiting for new flight schedules, meal vouchers and hotel confirmations. It wasn't just the airplane that was getting me down, but this whole entire process. How much longer until I get to see Heath??
Not that long, fortunately. I don't know what it is about airline ticket computers that know so much more than my smart phone did when I was frantically searching, but I leave tomorrow afternoon now... Straight to Frankfurt, and then to Almaty. Lord willing.
The upside to this entire situation is that there is a reason for everything, and that is truly something I have to believe in. There is a time and place for everything, a season for anything. There is a reason I wasn't supposed to leave today. There is a reason we are having to go through this trial. When I get to Heath, I'm never going to leave his side.
So if you happen to be at the DFW airport tomorrow and run into me, I may or may not be wearing a similar outfit... And hopefully, I won't be waiting 8 hours again.
Thank you everyone for your good wishes and prayers for Heath and I. We talked today about how we have this overwhelming support of our relationship, and people who truly love us and want to see us happy together. We love you all!
My cup truly runneth over...
Until next time,
Natalie
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