Brussels layover

From the rough start at the Chicago airport to a one day layover in Brussels Belgium.

I last left off with the problem solved at O’Hare airport. That didn’t mean to infer that other problems wouldn’t arise.

After the part was replaced on the second plane and the gate ramp pulled away from the aircraft there was a medical emergency on the plane. We were informed they were bringing the ramp back so the paramedics could board to help the problem. At that point I prayed for whoever it was that needed medical attention. As we waited there was a rush of 4 paramedics headed towards the rear of the plane. After a few minutes a young lady was wheeled out, thankfully with nothing hooked up signaling to me at least she was stable. I prayed again for her. The last paramedic left carrying a young child around 4 who I assume belonged to the lady in distress.

Now, time to go….right?

In a few minutes our hopes were dashed again as the captain announced that due to the use of supplies from the emergency medical kit they needed to be replaced. That would take a little more time. The next announcement was the proverbial icing on the cake. Due to the long delay and already with all hope of catching my connecting flight gone, the captain announced that the crew scheduled to fly to Brussels, due to FAA rules, could no longer travel as they would not have enough work hours to make the trip. Another delay to wait for a new crew. Through this all I found it encouraging that nobody was complaining, but more of in awe that so many things could simultaneously happen to cause the delays.

We finally left about 6 hours later than scheduled.

That brings me to where I am now, which is sitting in a Sheraton Hotel in Brussels. The airline comp’d everyone that missed their connecting flight with an airport food voucher, a room at the Sheraton and 2 more meals at the Sheraton (at least all that in my case since my flight now leaves at 12:10 local time tomorrow). I will ultimately arrive in Monrovia one day later, but around the same time in the evening.

Incidentally I was told that my original connecting flight from Brussels to Liberia also had mechanical problems and even had I made it on time to Brussels the flight wouldn’t have been here. God surely didn’t intend for me to arrive Friday in Liberia.

Now I have a more comfortable setting to finalize my Sunday sermon.

I’ll see what tomorrow brings. I’m so grateful for technology that allows communication with family and friends to let them know all these things as they happen.