February 25, 2009
Traveling update...
Although we've never flown with British Airways (BA) before, we will definitely choose them again. The check-in at Chicago was the best we've ever had. The woman at the counter helped us to label, weigh and then tape secure all tubs and the cardboard carton. She gave us great seats assuring us extra space and seats for rest. We certainly could recognize God's goodness and favor.
We arrived in London on time but with only an hour before the next flight would depart. Security in Heath-row/London is much more stringent than in the US. While our bags were fine and moved through without incident in Chicago, that was not the case in London. After making it through the long lines to get through once again a security check, our bags were put through the scanners and two were chosen for closer examination. Both bags that were pulled were Jon's carry on. As Jon was waiting for his turn in the examination area for bags, Eli and I checked on our flight. We made our way to the customer service for British Airways and let them know of our delay but the plane was already boarding. They said their policy was not to hold any flights for baggage issues.
Each and every item in Jon's two bags was thoroughly checked, wiped down, swabbed, etc. They would not let his drill bits, our two-way radios, fishing reels with line and caliper move through. Time was ticking by and the boarding time was now passed. We were eventually given a supervisor who assigned us to a woman escort to try to get us to the boarding gate for our flight. It was a 15 minute walk/run to the gate where we stood and looked out the window at our empty gate......the flight to Lagos had departed. We were instructed to go back once again to security. Since we were now left without a flight or plan, our escort stayed with us to help get some resolution. As we were walking back once again, she asked of our trip etc. We told her that we were going to end up in Calabar and why and she smiled. She then told us about a Britain that she knew that had married a Nigerian....that her husband knew the family, etc. I smiled for I knew in my spirit that she was talking of Theodore and Mary Effiong. They are pastors that we have worked with and are in relationship with.....so as I smiled, I asked her..."Are you referring to the Effiongs?" She could hardly believe her ears. The world had suddenly become once again, very small.
When we eventually got to the customer service for re-ticketing, this woman was so blessed by our commitment to go help in Calabar that by the time we were finished at customer service, we were booked for the same flight the next day...our luggage was being secured and held to be boarded the next day without any more security checks or our having to take possession of it, BA issued us a complimentary room at the Renaissance Hotel, transportation vouchers to and from the airport, dinner for three in the evening and breakfast for each of us before leaving for our new flight the following day. God once again assured us that as we moved out in obedience, He would provide us with a place to lay our heads and food to eat.
As I am writing this, we are enjoying a time of rest before leaving to ride the double decker buses and see a bit of London...compliments of British Airways....He is most definitely above and beyond what we could ever think or imagine.
Thank you for your prayers and please rejoice with us as celebrate His unending faithfulness!!
We have updated those picking us up and we will be in Lagos Thursday evening. After staying the night with a family there, they will bring us back to the airport and we will fly from Lagos to Calabar (about a hour+). We should be in Calabar Friday afternoon.
We will be in communication as it is available. Blessings ~~ Jon, Donna and Eli
Traveling update...
Although we've never flown with British Airways (BA) before, we will definitely choose them again. The check-in at Chicago was the best we've ever had. The woman at the counter helped us to label, weigh and then tape secure all tubs and the cardboard carton. She gave us great seats assuring us extra space and seats for rest. We certainly could recognize God's goodness and favor.
We arrived in London on time but with only an hour before the next flight would depart. Security in Heath-row/London is much more stringent than in the US. While our bags were fine and moved through without incident in Chicago, that was not the case in London. After making it through the long lines to get through once again a security check, our bags were put through the scanners and two were chosen for closer examination. Both bags that were pulled were Jon's carry on. As Jon was waiting for his turn in the examination area for bags, Eli and I checked on our flight. We made our way to the customer service for British Airways and let them know of our delay but the plane was already boarding. They said their policy was not to hold any flights for baggage issues.
Each and every item in Jon's two bags was thoroughly checked, wiped down, swabbed, etc. They would not let his drill bits, our two-way radios, fishing reels with line and caliper move through. Time was ticking by and the boarding time was now passed. We were eventually given a supervisor who assigned us to a woman escort to try to get us to the boarding gate for our flight. It was a 15 minute walk/run to the gate where we stood and looked out the window at our empty gate......the flight to Lagos had departed. We were instructed to go back once again to security. Since we were now left without a flight or plan, our escort stayed with us to help get some resolution. As we were walking back once again, she asked of our trip etc. We told her that we were going to end up in Calabar and why and she smiled. She then told us about a Britain that she knew that had married a Nigerian....that her husband knew the family, etc. I smiled for I knew in my spirit that she was talking of Theodore and Mary Effiong. They are pastors that we have worked with and are in relationship with.....so as I smiled, I asked her..."Are you referring to the Effiongs?" She could hardly believe her ears. The world had suddenly become once again, very small.
When we eventually got to the customer service for re-ticketing, this woman was so blessed by our commitment to go help in Calabar that by the time we were finished at customer service, we were booked for the same flight the next day...our luggage was being secured and held to be boarded the next day without any more security checks or our having to take possession of it, BA issued us a complimentary room at the Renaissance Hotel, transportation vouchers to and from the airport, dinner for three in the evening and breakfast for each of us before leaving for our new flight the following day. God once again assured us that as we moved out in obedience, He would provide us with a place to lay our heads and food to eat.
As I am writing this, we are enjoying a time of rest before leaving to ride the double decker buses and see a bit of London...compliments of British Airways....He is most definitely above and beyond what we could ever think or imagine.
Thank you for your prayers and please rejoice with us as celebrate His unending faithfulness!!
We have updated those picking us up and we will be in Lagos Thursday evening. After staying the night with a family there, they will bring us back to the airport and we will fly from Lagos to Calabar (about a hour+). We should be in Calabar Friday afternoon.
We will be in communication as it is available. Blessings ~~ Jon, Donna and Eli