Each of us with two maxed out check-in bags and a couple of pushing the limit carry-on bags were making our way thru security and check in with no problems when we decided to ask for seating together. Since our original tickets had Shane and I together with Isabelle by herself, we thought together was better....... Delta said; "no problem" and then put us all in row 41. This plane only had 41 rows of seats and we were convenient to the galley, rest room and tail exit. Smooth flight to Atlanta and we were on our way.
Arriving in Atlanta about 6:00 pm we had plenty of time to get to our departure gate, have a bite to eat and board. "Attention", the Captain says, "We are having some difficulty with our overseas radio and will be delayed an hour while it is replaced". Sure enough, a little over an hour later we take off and start an eleven hour flight aver the Atlantic. About three hours later, while most are settled in and sleeping, we are over Bermuda when the Captain announces that the new radio is not working and we are turning back. After five hours on the plane we are back to the same boarding gate we left in Atlanta. After an hour in line we are given chits for hotel and food and told to be back the next evening to try again.
What was really amazing, the attitude of most everyone on board. No real complaints, just a lot of strangers bonding under strained circumstances and making new friends along the way. Split between several hotels we were reunited the next evening and with the same flight crew, on the way again. This time Shane and Isabelle were in window seats together and I was alone in the middle isle with three seats to myself. I think I was the only person on the plane who could lie down, stretch out and sleep in comfort. Three pillows, three blankets and a flight attendant that kept me in coffee for the next eleven hours.
I could get used to this.
About noon we landed at Accra, Ghana and started our journey thru security, immigration and customs. No problem. As we collected our bags and were passing the customs area with Shane and Isabelle about ten feet in front of me, God sent an individual who stated to talk to me and welcome us to Ghana. About that time one of the customs agents yelled to Shane and Belle to bring their bags over to be checked. The man walking with me told the agent "No" and told us to keep walking. Two minutes later we were outside the airport meeting Jonathan and our new friend said "Good bye". We had no customs check, no duties, no problem. It is neat to see our God goes ahead of us and prepares the way.
Before we left for the guesthouse we were staying in for the night we stopped at a mall near the airport.
After picking up some things that Heidi needed and were not readily available in Kara, we spent a pleasant night at a mission guesthouse and prepared for our early departure for our new home.
TOMORROW: The drive to Kara.
for now, "good night"
We should clarify for everyone that Accra, Ghana is a completely different world than where we live in Togo. While only 11 hrs away it is the closest thing that we come to America (i.e. that mall).
ReplyDeleteYou are saying Accra is the closest thing to America? Thank you for the information. I am interested in visiting Kara and would like to know how does one go to Kara from Accra? I lived in South Africa for several years and would now like to visit Kara. Thank you, Jane
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