The Adventure Continues

     Plans are meant to change, and so it was.  We were aware that Atlanta airport was closed when we got up Sat. Feb 13.  Our flight from Santa Domingo was to depart about 1530 and we were told it was still a go. 
     After packing, Jim, Jeff and I decided to hang out by the pool for a short period of time (15-30 minutes).  It was really warm and sunny, so it wasn't long before our shirts were off and we were lounging around like a trio of beach bums.  Needless to say, this generated a great deal of grief (in fun) directed our way from Lee  for roughing it on the mission trip.  It was a nice reprieve, although short, after a busy week.
     We then packed two vans with all of us and our luggage and headed for the airport.  We were early so had to wait to check in.  Dr. Mark Fulton, director of the mission, stayed behind to tie up loose ends and even saw patients on the morning of departure.  He was flown from St. Ard to the Santa Domingo airport by a German helicopter and met us at the airport.  After checking in, we were advised of our first departure delay.  We finally found out that we were not leaving until 1900, ensuring that we would miss our connecting flight from Atlanta to Indianapolis.  The wheels then started working to get us home.  Mark's daughter Kelsi, who lives in Nashville, Tennessee, borrowed a van and headed to Atlanta to meet us.  At the same time, Carolyn's husband Tom got the Chapel Hill Methodist Church van and started out for Nashville.  Pierre and Dave said their goodbyes as they headed for their flight to Ft. Lauderdale.
     We had a good flight to Atlanta and arrived at 2240.  The Indianapolis flight was long gone, with the next flight at 0850 on Sunday morning and only two seats available.  We cleared customs, gathered our bags and then through some funny system had to check them back in again to collect them once again at a second baggage claim at the other end of the airport.  We didn't leave the arport until about 0030 on Feb. 14.
     Kelsi drove us to Nashville where we met Tom and Carolyn's daughter Paula.  We transferred all of our gear to the second van and then Tom and Paula drove us back to Indianapolis, arriving at 1015, eleven hours after our planned arrival. 
     Again, plans changed, but we got home safely and our drivers were much appreciated.  We then said all of our goodbyes and headed home.  For those of us in the Indianapolis area, this was a short trip, but Jeff and Jim headed for Elkhart, and from there Jim had to drive to Niles Michigan.
     It was a very rewarding trip.  I will collect my thoughts and add to the blog soon.  I will also go through photos and add these.  I have also asked members of the team to add some thoughts, so this should be added soon.  Don't go away,  more to come.