by an anonymous AFM Cross-Cultural Worker //
As concern over the coronavirus has grown in our adopted country, my husband and I decided to keep our previously-scheduled plans to celebrate our wedding anniversary in a nearby country where our daughter, son-in-law, and 9 month-old grandchild live. Travel from our remote location (in our country of ministry) to this country required a van, bus, train, SUV, airplane, and taxi, but our Father provided for our needs and gave us little “God winks” each step of the way.
In our first hour of travel after departing from our home, our van driver received a phone call that the rules had suddenly changed, and that we had to take a public bus or walk to the train station. This was concerning as I struggle with chronic pain in my back and leg. But thankfully, our driver knew something many others did not-a backroad to drop us off really close to the train station. Our walk was minimal, and my pain was manageable. Thanks be to God!
Although the train station seemed busy, our train car was nearly empty. When we arrived at our hotel near the airport, it too was nearly empty. And the next morning after we checked out, our hotel closed down in response to new rules designed to minimize the spread of the coronavirus. Praise God that the timing hadn’t been one day sooner!
Our direct flight out- along with many other flights- was cancelled- but airline staff rerouted us through another city. There we learned that every flight, but one, was cancelled. We were able to board that one flight and leave the country. Hallelujah!
Our plane was the last to arrive at our destination airport. A gracious airline worker insisted on pushing me in a wheelchair (due to the chronic pain in my back and leg). This “angel” stayed with us until we’d cleared health checks, immigration and customs, baggage claim, and were at last connected to the taxi driver our daughter had arranged for us. What a gift!
Finally, after three days of travel, we arrived safely at our accommodation to discover that the digital entry code was the date of our grandchild’s birthday! We felt, once again, seen and loved by our gracious Heavenly Father.
As we reflect upon our journey and the devastating effects of the coronavirus-the disruption to society, and even more so, the loss of life- we invite you to pray for the people in East Asia. Some places have truly come to a standstill. “Lord, have mercy!”
And He does have mercy. We experienced it. God is always good, even providing “God-winks” along the way for us during this difficult journey. We are blessed, grateful, and safe. To that we say, “Praise be to God!”
