Monday, July 4, 2011

Crazy India Travel Story # 1

Thanks to our niece, Caitlin - who is turning 26 today (!), we now have a name (see subject title) for what happened yesterday while checking in our bags at the United Airlines ticket counter at SFO.


Prior to standing in line, we were dropped off at the airport by our friend Shelley Redding who kindly drove us down.  We were so ready for this trip - fully packed and prepared - said our many goodbyes, all details attended to (except one), and excited (at least I was) to finally be on our way - all of our work and the wonderful KWFest behind us.  


The line finally disappears in front of us, and a woman in the United navy blue uniform walks out to us and has us follow her to her ticket counter.  We learn that she lives in Auburn, that one of our favorite restaurants - Awful Annie's is still a happening place, that she commutes and stays in the city a few days/week.  I'm thinking about all of the people in line behind us and amazed at how social she's being.  She checks in our bags, puts tags on them - "Yes, they'll go all the way through to India."  She asks for our passports, we talk about the wheelchair we ordered, and she assured us one would be there in Frankfurt (our stopover).


Everything's going great - smooth - and then an unanticipated question was popped:  "You have your visas, right?"   "Visas?!!"  She kindly looks up the info to be absolutely sure, even asks her neighboring colleague and all answers point to the need for us to have visas.  "What would happen if we went without one?" I asked, preferring to deal with the problem in India than delay our trip another moment.  "Oh, you'd be deported.  Besides, it's our job to make sure you have the proper documents, and we would get in trouble if we let you board without them."
She tells a guy putting luggage on the conveyor belt to take our luggage off and not take it away.
"Isn't there an emergency number, office, something we can do?!" 
"You'll have to apply for a visa in San Francisco on TUESDAY and hopefully you'll get one in a day.  Then you can rearrange your tickets and perhaps fly on Weds.  Yes, there are fees involved.  It can get expensive."  Our disappointment and frustration is palpable.


Cloud explains that we're going to India for medical reasons - for both of us - and this woman Katy, seems to get even more attentive.  Yes, we both have nerve pain issues and at least one of us, if not both need a wheelchair in the airport due to the long waits on the hard floors, etc.  Our doctors here are sending us to a doctor there and no one ever mentioned the need for a visa.  We ourselves never thought of it - not having traveled anywhere one was needed since our honeymoon in 1984!
"Oh, well - let's get your luggage back to you.  Where is your luggage?!  Oh no, someone took it away - I told him not to take it.  Was there a shift change?  I'm so sorry. . . .    Let me see what I can do - I'll be right back."


The most amazing thing about this mishap is not that we did not have visas (that just sucked); it was Katy, the lady at the United Airlines ticket counter.  She let us use her cell phone to call Shelly (who was dealing with a lot of traffic and about to get onto the ramp to the G.G. Bridge, but turned around.)  Then Katy went into an office where she spoke to an agent on our behalf and secured two new airline tix for this Weds (same itinery, new departure date: 7/6) at NO extra charge.  She then clocked out for lunch and met us downstairs at the baggage area in order to make sure that our luggage was disembarked and returned to us.


Once we had our luggage she asked if she could pray over us and ask for blessings.  Never ones to refuse sincere, loving kindness, we said "Okay," and standing near an empty baggage carousel, she commenced to hold our hands, bow her head, and pray deeply to the lord for our safety, healing, good life, and a journey devoid of more problems.  She thanked the lord for her work and the ability to help people in need, for the opportunity to help us and serve us - thankful that she is "prepared" to help others, because some of her coworkers are not "prepared" to do so.  She hugged us and assured us that everything would be alright - this was just a bump in the road.  
 "If I can't be with my own family, then I can serve others.  That is why I do this work.  A lot of people are having hard times and need help.  Somehow they get to me and I help them.  Time stops, I give them my full attention, and I have helped a lot of people."  She told us a couple of amazing stories where she was able to avert further difficulties (even to the point of convincing others to bend regulations) for people already having a hard time (one was a real tear jerker).  And we learned a lesson learned before, but one that is so reassuring to learn again; that those who thrive on and are effective at serving others and making the world a better place, can be found in the most unlikely of places.


Shelly came back for us right on time and we drove through thick city traffic, over the bridge, and back home.  We saw and heard the July 3rd fireworks from our deck - wishing we were landing in Frankfurt instead, but having to admit that things could be a whole lot worse.


Tomorrow's goal:  Secure a visa to India within the day.  I am very hopeful.

2 comments:

  1. Wow, here I was imagining you landing in Pune! I think the most wonderful thing about this story is to realize once again that we each have a mission no matter where we are and what we are doing. Angels can be found everywhere. I am so happy that one found you two. May your visa come very soon. Love you deeply, Jill

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful and amazing story...and the truth of love and light still does live in people on this planet eh. So...you had to wait a couple of days but there is a reason why...and it will come to you during this journey. More time to say adieu, more time to be prepared, more time to feel the love of everyone sending you on this magical and healing journey. Our hearts are with you both...today will be perfect..and so glad you got Katy who knows the ropes and saved you from great disappointment on the other end. Love to you both always...chris

    ReplyDelete