We wake up Thursday morning to my Dad telling us that a volcano (yes, I did say volcano) in Iceland had errupted and the volcanic dust cloud had shut down ALL the airports in Europe. WHAT??? Aparently, volcanic dust clouds tend to make airplanes fall out of the sky...who knew?? So off to the airport we go...there were hundreds of people milling around the international terminal...so we find a line and start to wait. Eventually, I run over to the departure board to see if we are in fact going somewhere that day. Red canceled notices littered the board...except flights going in to Rome! Our flight, out of hundreds of flights, was on time. WHAT??? The only airport open was Rome! Is that amazing or what? What are the chances for us to find and buy direct plane tickets from Newark to Rome on the exact day that a VOLCANO would erupt in Iceland?????? God REALLY wants us in Italy!
So here we are excited that our plane is NOT cancelled and wondering if we were going to make it through this terribly long line in time...well, we were in the wrong line! Can you see this, us (2 adults, 3 small children, stroller, 4 suitcases, 2 carry-ons, 2 computer bags, coats, blankets, backpacks) running through the terminal to find the right place...I think I would be laughing if I wasn't the one running! We zipped through check out (Gwen and Clayton's seats were by themselves), crammed through security (if you have not done this with small children and boat loads of stuff...you are seriously missing out!), and zoomed to the gate. I ran to the gate counter, just hoping to get seats near each other so we could talk people into moving (we are talking pandemonium at the airport, here), well the agent worked miracles for us...15 minutes before boarding a completely sold out plane, she was able to get us seats together AND in the first row behind the bathrooms that has all of that extra room. Again, it appears as if God REALLY wants us here and there is definitly a plan! When we look back, we can really see the patient loving care God has for us in this endeavor!
So 3 kids, 2 adults and tons of stuff are taking off for Rome. The only problem, if you can even call it a problem, was we had to fly a more southern route than normal which made our flight about 1 hour longer...I don't think anyone was complaining at this point. So here is a pic of sleeping kids and Tobin!
So here we are excited that our plane is NOT cancelled and wondering if we were going to make it through this terribly long line in time...well, we were in the wrong line! Can you see this, us (2 adults, 3 small children, stroller, 4 suitcases, 2 carry-ons, 2 computer bags, coats, blankets, backpacks) running through the terminal to find the right place...I think I would be laughing if I wasn't the one running! We zipped through check out (Gwen and Clayton's seats were by themselves), crammed through security (if you have not done this with small children and boat loads of stuff...you are seriously missing out!), and zoomed to the gate. I ran to the gate counter, just hoping to get seats near each other so we could talk people into moving (we are talking pandemonium at the airport, here), well the agent worked miracles for us...15 minutes before boarding a completely sold out plane, she was able to get us seats together AND in the first row behind the bathrooms that has all of that extra room. Again, it appears as if God REALLY wants us here and there is definitly a plan! When we look back, we can really see the patient loving care God has for us in this endeavor!
So 3 kids, 2 adults and tons of stuff are taking off for Rome. The only problem, if you can even call it a problem, was we had to fly a more southern route than normal which made our flight about 1 hour longer...I don't think anyone was complaining at this point. So here is a pic of sleeping kids and Tobin!
We landed, walked through customs (literally!!! they didn't even stamp our passports!), got our baggage....all of it made it, met Kelly and Pat at the airport, rented a car (if you can call it that...2 door, shiny red...think sports car), and drove to Pescia Romana (10km north of Montalto) to our lovely hotel...agriturismo...think country B&B.
We even went to the food store that first day! Not too bad, I think! The kids were pretty cranky...I guess that was to be expected! I managed to get them to stay up until 6pm and they slept until 10 am the next morning! So much for jet lag.
I am having a blast on this crazy adventure...so many things are different, seem backwards, or just plain weird! But I am truly enjoying learning to live in a new culture...I can understand the plight of immigrants so much more now...I am one!
Here's to all the craziness and the adventure!
Ciao!
Thanks for sharing! Still praying for you all!
ReplyDelete~Jennie