Feeling Thankful!

Today has been pretty stressful. We were finishing packing our containers, buying our last few supplies and waiting for negative COVID test results in order to fly back to Uganda. About one hour before we needed to start driving to the airport we received six negative test results. The problem is, there are seven of us. And we aren’t about to leave one of our kids behind. For some reason we just never got the test results for one of our kids. So we got in the van that was pulling the trailer with all of our baggage and asked for prayers. I kept checking and the test results just never came. 

As we were driving to the Atlanta airport, I asked a friend to send me the info she had found for us about a rapid testing center near the airport in case our results didn’t come through in time. The problem was that they only process one test at a time and it takes 30 minutes each. That really adds up if you are running 7 tests. But thankfully we only needed one! We arrived at the testing center 3 hours before our flight was supposed to take off. That is usually when we try to get to the airport for International flights. We had a little trouble finding the place because the tests were being done as a drive through in a parking lot across the street from where they process the tests. Then we had to wait in a line of cars. Then there was confusion since they do both 24 hour tests and 30 minute tests. When we finally got the test run and paid for it was about 2 and a half hours before take-off. And we needed to have the results arrive before check-in. 

As we arrived at the airport our kids were AMAZING! They helped get all 21 containers out of the trailer, to the counter and checked, took care of Evie, and did it all cheerfully! It was very stressful getting there, but as I saw my children all being so helpful and capable, I was encouraged. The women who were at the counter checking our baggage were also very helpful, kind and efficient. At some point while we were getting all of that done, the email arrived from the rapid test center confirming the seventh negative COVID test! 

Our kids navigated security, helped us find our gate, bought snacks for the younger kids and even helped me with my carry-on. As we reached the gate, showed our negative tests and got ready to board, I breathed a sigh of relief. We are now waiting for take off. Thank you all for your prayers! We are so grateful! Now I need to sit back and enjoy the flight!