Our Big Move (Part 2)

Everything changed in an instant when I got that call from Noah, informing me that the visas had gone through and I needed to be on a plane for Italy the very next day! I had been waiting for that call for 2 months, yet I was still not emotionally prepared to receive it. Excitement, nervousness, joy (at seeing my beloved again), and grief (over leaving my family and friends) overwhelmed me! I gave thanks to my Lord and then proceeded to pack up everything out of my parent’s spare bedroom. So many phone calls were made to try to figure out what airport and transportation plans. Samuel and I gave final hugs and kisses to my family. Saying goodbye is such a hard thing to do, not knowing when you will see them again. My Mama drove me to a friend’s house that same day and then the next morning my sweet friend dropped us off at the Airport.

I had called the Airport ahead of time to ask for assistance and informed them that I was 37 weeks pregnant and traveling by myself with a toddler and way too many bags. They told me that they did not prepare help in advance but that I should just ask upon arrival. When I got to the Airport I did find help in getting my large bags checked. Getting through security was extremely challenging. I had a large cart with the car seat and carry on bags. Trying to load everything on and off the belt while holding my 16 month old was a juggling act. The people behind me where very impatient which did not help matters. After navigating through security, I walk across the whole airport pushing and carrying everything.  I finally reached my gate! At this point I am sweating like a pig, my face is red and hot. Samuel is tired of being help and just wants to run. We were quite a mess. I sit down and try to compose myself and Samuel. I sat there and asked God for help. I knew to finish this trip I NEEDED help.

The terminal began filling up with people of all sorts. This is the part of airports that I enjoy. I love people watching and I enjoy striking up new conversations with strangers. Having children always breaks the ice and people are more willing to chit chat with you. As I am waiting, this group of women come bustling into the gate. There were about 3 middle aged women and 2 young teen girls (their daughters). Two of the ladies where in wheelchairs. Despite their traveling set backs with the wheelchairs and such, they were loud and jovial. They seemed so brave and confident! They sat close by to us and started talking with Samuel and playing with him. They told me how their little group of ladies has been together since high school and every year they get together and go on a cruise. Now they even take their daughter along with them. They noticed that I was alone and had my hands full. One of the ladies in the wheelchairs started taking charge of the situation. She told one of the teen girls to watch Samuel as he ran around, and told the other one to help with my bags as we entered the plane. They tucked me under their wings as we all started to board. I felt so calm and at peace knowing God had listened! They helped buckle the car seat in and got me settled. They said they would help me get off the plane as well. I really wanted to cry, I was so grateful for their loving help and compassion on me.

There we all were on the plane. I was so ready to take off. But then a ceiling panel came lose in the cabin that we were in. They called men in to fix it and it took over 2 hours!!! To top it off the air conditioning was not working while the plane was on the ground. So, we were stuck there sitting in a very toasty plane. Whew! Finally, we took off. Samuel slept for the first four hours then he talked and babbled away for the next four. I had to change his diaper twice which was a miracle that I got in and out of that bathroom with my belly. You must be extremely flexible to even pull down the diaper changing shelf that goes on top of the toilet, with a pregnant belly in the way. I did get stuck once, and wondered HOW I was going to get out of the bathroom. But some panicked wiggling and acrobatic maneuvering got us out just fine.

I had tried to drink lots of water and get up and walk the plane when I could. Despite the walking and stretching my ankles ballooned up. I have never had any swelling with pregnancy before and I was a little shocked at the state of my legs. I had no ankles when we finally landed. We landed at 11am and it was just beautiful. The sizzling summer air reached me and I was happy.  I found my Love and everything was perfect again. I was so happy to be home. Noah had picked out a house for us and had already settled in. We still did not have any of our household goods yet, but we had some furniture there on loan. As we drove from the airport to the house it was like a dream. Everything was so beautiful and different. I got a good hot shower and then took the best nap of my life!