Carol's Blue Bags

Saludos de Costa Rica! 

12.1.16 Yesterday we met Carol, one of God's angels who just happens to work at the Southwest check in counter.  We arrived with our entourage of 18 suitcases and containers and were directed to the shorter check in line, outside.  This is where we met Carol ... she looked rather unhappy to be working the morning shift and her first words to us were, "There's an embargo and we're not accepting boxes or containers." ... What? ... we were in shock ... literally, speechless ... try to breath, don't panic ... 9 of our 18 pieces were tote containers.  I really don't remember the next several minutes ... However what I do remember is my dear sista Stacy intervening to provide the peace of God in the midst of this storm ... I'm almost certain she said, "Peace, be still!" She talked rationally to Carol and determined our two options:  find the nearest Walmart and buy luggage or buy 9 Southwest bags for $25.00 a piece.  And ... Carol's voice still echos in my head ... "Don't forget you have to be completely checked in an hour before the flight!" ... this meant we had approx 40 minutes! Walmart was not an option, neither was half of us flying today and the rest tomorrow.  Somewhere in this decision making process Carol's demeanor changed and she became our angel! She personally went to get us 9 blue bags to repack our totes in. We quickly learned, one really can repack for 3 years in less than 30 minutes.  With the help of our sweet traveling companions we sorted the 'necessities' from the 'send laters,' we stuffed and repacked each others unmentionables and ... with barely 10 minutes to spare Carol gave me a thumbs up and signaled to us that she would check us in without having to wait in the long line.  We are now the proud owners of 9 beautiful, blue, Southwest duffel bags as a memento of our move to Costa Rica and Carol, one of God's angels. 

So, here we are ... 18 bags, 6 carry-on's, 6 backpacks, one purse, one computer bag, and 9 lovers of Jesus ready for take off!

24 hours later ... here's a glimpse of our God moments since arriving in CR:

-pillows sent in the trailer stuffed in our washing machine 

-someone to take out the bathroom trash

-small trash bags, what were they doing packed in my suitcase?

-beds, blankets, and a place to call 'home'

-worshiping in Spanish ... Holy Spirit You are welcome here!

-reading the Bible in Spanish

-clear blue skies and a beautiful rainbow

-a creek to stomp in

-And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those that love Him who have been called according to His purpose!

-friends to walk with us through this transition

And I'll leave you with the words of "my song" through this journey to CR.

"Letting go of every single thing, I lay each one down at your feet ... Mighty Warrior, King of the fight, no matter what I face, You're by my side."  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_aVFVveJNs

We've had our moments ... we feel your prayers ... we thank God for each of you!