Talk About Legit Situations!
Why yes, it has been a year since I last wrote on this blog. Much has happened since then! I can’t possibly fill you in on all of it but as usual, my life is one wild ride!
[Let me say right now that the internet here only allows us to post photos that are low resolution and until I can figure out just what that means this will be a blog of words only. Sorry, I know it is boring.]
One of the craziest runs of this roller coaster is that Mike and Beth James have committed themselves to living in Greece for five years at the HUG program. They will be simply amazing and I am so happy that they can have this wonderful opportunity. Their decision leaves not only a large gap in our Easter festivities, but an empty office in the College of Communication. I decided to throw my name into the pile of those to be considered for the Dean’s position that Mike is leaving. Well, I was selected to be the new Dean. That run actually begins sometime in July since Mike and Beth don’t leave for Greece until the middle of July.
I had to pack my office before we left the states since the Pharmacy program has hired new faculty and they want their real estate back. So I packed boxes and packed bags for this summer jam packed with situations (as Lacey would call them!).
Situation 1. Delta wanted to charge us for our extra bag. That would be between $600-1000 for all 12 of us traveling to Zambia and my personal travel agent, Bill Spear, had assured me that we were ticketed all the way to Lusaka and that we were allowed two checked bags each! Situation remedied when they saw things through Bill’s eyes!
Situation 2. Three passengers were assigned to seat 22 A on the flight from Atlanta to DC. One was one of our party. We reserved our seats in February, thank you very much, and yes, indeed, we won. Situation remedied.
Situation 3. Evidently Delta was mad at us for each checking 2 bags and they were NOT able to charge us for them so they decided to shred one of mine. Yes, I did say shred. I could also say melt, mangle, claw, and allow the dragon they keep in the baggage handling area to breathe fire on that poor bag. The zipper had melted to some of the clothing inside. The wheels were chopped in half. The lower hard plastic portion was both shredded and melted and the top looked like the dragon had sharpened his claws on it. Even the lost/damaged luggage ladies said they had NEVER seen one as destroyed as that. They gave me a cheap replacement so that I could salvage the insides and continue on my journey and offered to send a check for the damages. We will see if they give me enough money to replace the cool Eddie Bauer bag they destroyed. Situation resolved.
Situation 4 The hotel that assured my personal travel agent, Bill Spear, that there would be shuttle to take the 12 of us with our 24 checked bags and numerous carry-ons and backpacks, lied to my personal travel agent, Bill Spear. They said to call them when we arrived. When we called they informed us that the shuttle stopped at 11 pm and our plane was scheduled to arrive at 11:30pm but did not arrive until after 12 am. So….do not stay at the Comfort Inn Dulles. They lie. We found 4 taxis and crammed in all our bags and arrived at the hotel about 1 am. Five hours of sleep and we were back at the airport!
Situation resolved.
Situation 5. 21 hours on a plane. At least it was not totally full and we could spread out a little. I think I slept a few hours. Landed in Addis Ababa a little late. Rushed to next flight but made it. Situation handled.
Situation 6. 12 persons arrived in Lusaka but only 17/24 bags arrived. They promised to send them to Livingstone. Situation delayed.
Situation 7. Bags are scheduled to arrive in Livingstone but we are 2 ½ hours away. Meagan H. is leaving Namwianga after being the mama to hundreds of babies for years and she is flying out of Livingstone. She takes our paperwork and the young man who drove her was able to return with the 7 lost bags. Situation resolved.
Let me say that these 11 people traveling with me are TROOPERS!!! Not a single complaint. Lots of laughter, lots of sharing of clothes and deodorant, lots of waiting, lots of prayers.
posted by BW @ 3:20 PM
3 Comments:
Loved all of the LEGIT situations thus far! Not to mention the power outages, the lack of internet, and the occasional lack of water. No big deal though, we got this! :)
Mrs. Weaver,
Thank you for including my daughter in your compliments but I believe they have a great example of one of God's leaders in you. In all the situations mentioned the girls have shared (read their blogs) how you handled all the situations in a calm, respectable way. Thank you for teaching my child that great things can be accomplished without anger. And by letting them know how special they are, you are an inspiration to these young women and Ian. May God bless your days ahead as you lead and teach your faculty and students to go out and work for the Lord. He is alive and he touches lives through you, thank you!
Dr. Weaver:
This is Rachel's mom Andrea Pugh...Thank you so much for leading this group and for the tremendous influence you have on Rachel. I love reading these blogs and learning about your trip! Glad you have all the situations under control! But we all know who really is in control...and He is clearly reflected in this group! Thanks again and keep posting...
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