Click here to read Parts One and Two.
I panicked.
No flights?
I had just made a two day trip with two small children, no cell phone, and no idea where I was going.
For nothing.
“The trip is off… again.” I put my head in my hands and took a shakey breath.
My mom shook her head and pressed her lips. “No. It’s not.”
~*~
I dressed the boys in their clothes that night before bed.
We left long before dawn, arriving in Charleston, South Carolina mid-morning via a commercial jet.
I could hear my husband’s smile when I talked to him on our way to the Air Force terminal, in a yellow taxi. “It looks like you and the boys will be in Germany before I do!”
“Yep. Charleston has three or four flights to Ramstein a day. I’ll probably be there in a day or two.” I was so stinkin’ glad the hard part was finally over.
We were really on our way to Germany. All we had to do was make it to the terminal, find some food, and…
Except…
there was no food.
Nada. None. Nothing.
The “terminal” was a one-gate room with a little “family room” off to one side.
And no food.
We hadn’t eaten anything but graham crackers and cheddar bunnies all day.
Thankfully, a sweet older woman in the terminal took pity on us and drove the boys and I to get sub sandwiches. Our tummies were full, and it was almost time to find out if we made it on the first flight.
“Six seats.” The Airman announced across the building. And there were at least fifteen people waiting.
But, hey, it was just the first flight and there would be three the next day. No biggie.
We hailed another taxi and found a nearby hotel.
I felt adventurous. Brave. Bold.
We were on our way. I’d be in Germany within 24 hours.
There was still just the tiny problem of not having any food. And not having a car with which to find food. But we could just live off of pop tarts from the vending machine if we had to. Right?
~*~
The next morning brought a ray of sunshine to our hotel lobby in the form of my beloved Arianne.
We wrapped each other in a tight bear hug and talked as if it was perfectly normal to drive around in Ari’s van with our five boys laughing behind us.
We looked like two crazies (which we are) walking into a restaurant with five little boys. People stared. But, hey, we’d never see them again, right? And our boys were all surprisingly well behaved.
Until the food on their plates ran out and they were ready to move.
So, like true boy moms, we traipsed across a surface road, in the rain, to a grassy area.
The grassy area? Just happened to be on the side of a highway off-ramp.
We like living on the edge. Literally.
I reminded myself of this an hour later, when I missed the next flight.
And the next one.
Aaaand the next one.
~*~
Ari left the terminal that evening to make it be late to a chiropractor appointment. The boys were sad. And so were we.
It turned out there was food–other than the vending machine we’d discovered, full of candy, chips and pop tarts. The food was a half mile away. In 458% humidity. And crazy high heat. At the bowling alley. And, the rules stated luggage had to make the trip with you, if you decided to brave it for a hotdog.
I was immensely grateful for my husband’s faraway wisdom that told me, “ONLY PACK ONE SUITCASE.” I guess he probably would have advised against packing a backpack that would be heavier than any suitcase. But, you know… I didn’t ask him about that one.
We ate hotdogs. And walked back.
And missed another flight.
~*~
The funny thing about places like tiny military airport terminals with doors that open to both weary and hopeful mothers traveling, alone, with their children, is that make-shift families form quickly.
We’re all doing the exact same thing. If we’re spouse-less and traveling, it means our other half is in Afghanistan.
There’s no wimpering about the fact. There’s no proving you’re strong or showing you’re weak. No whining or crying about the hardship.
Because every other woman in that place is rowing the same boat.
So that night, at 2:30 am, I woke the sleeping, cranky boys and climbed into another taxi with a new friend and her toddler daughter, and rode back to the hotel we’d left the day before. We shared a room with two queen beds. But there was a shower. And a vending machine with pop tarts.
The next morning, on our way out the door, my new friend said, “I don’t even know your last name.”
It was a line meant for Vegas.
And so we cracked up.
~*~
That night everyone pitched in and someone with a car picked up pizza.
It was the only meal we ate that day. Unless you count a poptart.
We missed another flight. Or three.
And we slept in the terminal. On the floor–concrete covered with thin industrial carpet.
My four year old was up half the night, crying because of his tummy–aching from eating nothing but junk.
~*~
The days started to blur.
We made another trip to the bowling alley.
This time we ordered chicken fingers. Now THAT is Living on the edge right there.
We all watched as planes filled, carrying deploying soldiers, leaving no room for any extra passengers.
We’re military wives with deployed husbands and a couple dozen crazy kids running around the terminal like wild banshees.
We didn’t give the soldiers a whole lot of sympathy.
Three more flights. Three more “no seats available.”
Another night on the floor.
~*~
Day Four.
Still in the terminal.
We were all brushing our teeth in the bathrooms and using scratchy brown paper towels to wash our faces.
But the STANK in that building? My word.
Midday, I turned on a movie for the boys, and curled up in a corner. I started tweeting about where I was at on this wild ride.
Twitter went ablaze.
I was getting tweeted from people who lived right there in Charleston, offering me food, lodging, money.
Thanks to Lisa-Jo’s outpouring of Twitter love, a sweet Amanda came bearing Chik-fil-A an hour later. She even brought a dish of fruit and the boys fought over every piece.
And because of Kaira, I received a phone call from a friend of hers, telling me she’d prepared a room for us and that if we missed the midnight flight that night, we had better call her.
Just the prospect of being in the same house as a shower was enough to convince me.
~*~
We did miss the midnight flight.
The words commerical tickets kept floating through my consciousness. But as much as I wanted to see that Marine of mine, I just couldn’t quite justify spending almost $10,000 to make it happen. I didn’t think he would be able to, either.
I texted Kaira’s friend April, who hurried over–at 2:30 in the morning, people–and drove us to her welcoming home.
I carried my sleeping boys inside, pulling off shoes and clothes that had been worn for three days.
Collapsing between them on the bed, I prayed that these complete strangers weren’t axe murderers.
And that we’d get a flight in the morning.
Because I didn’t know how much longer I could keep going.
My pillow was wet with salty tears as I fell, quickly, soundly, into the rest of the bone-weary.
~*~
They weren’t axe murderers or members of a thievery operation or a child kidnapping ring.
April and her little ones were beyond what I could have imagined. Beside the number of life tidbits we had in common, she let us sleep till noon AND take showers.
SHOWERS, folks!
And she fed us. FOOD not made with plastic! The boys played. Ate some apples. I rested. Sipped clean water. The boys devoured some oranges. I felt my shoulders relaxing. The boys laughed.
April’s close friend Amanda came by for a visit (so we’ve had two Amandas, an April and an Ashleigh–good thing nobody had to remember who was who) and upon hearing that we were on our last pair of training pants, tricked me into thinking she had to make a Walgreens run. Instead, Amanda–an avid couponer–used a Walgreens coupon to buy us some training pants.
And on the way there? She stopped at a local fruit stand and bought us a bag full of fresh, juicy, beautiful fruit. You’d think it was obvious we were feeling fresh food deprived or something.
I kid you not–my two year old ate an entire container of strawberries in one day. By himself. Heaven help the person who touched his st’awbewwies.
I melted when faced with being so blessed. Who knew God would remind me of His love and His provision through my online community and the way they reached out for me?
I knew these open, loving arms were His and I ran to them.
I need those arms. And this love.
I tweeted:
“If nothing else, this crazy trip is showing me Jesus in huge, amazing ways. And that is enough.”
~*~
That afternoon, April’s mother in law helped us load up and head back toward the terminal.
I carried my bags inside and met the eyes of another of the terminal-camping moms. The defeat I saw worried me.
“Did you hear?” She asked. “No flights today.”
My feet froze. I dropped my 20 50 300 pound backpack with a thud. “None?!”
“Nope. All canceled or full.”
Leaving my bags in a heap, I trudged back toward to the car to get my sleeping boys, stopping by the check-in counter to find out about the next possible flight.
“So.” Heavy sigh. “Since there aren’t any flights today, when is the next roll call?”
My back was already aching at the thought of sleeping on that cold, hard industrial carpet again.
“Where’d you hear that?” The Airman glanced at his screen. “We still have a flight in about an hour. And look–the seats just came up. Fifty-four.”
“What?” I was motionless, arms poised against the ticket counter. “Did you just say fifty-four seats?”
The other Airmanbehind the counter turned in his swivel chair and nudged his buddy’s shoulder. “Hey, did you just see that next flight has 54 seats?”
“Are you two serious? Like, I mean, what if, is this… are you sure?”
“Yes ma’am. And. let’s see, you are passengers number… five, six and seven.”
“So I’m on the flight? We’ve… we’ve got seats?”
He started to roll his eyes and caught himself.
“Yes, ma’am. You’re on the plane.”
“Now this isn’t going to change, is it? I’m not going to hear your voice on the loudspeaker in ten minutes, saying the flight was canceled, am I?”
This time he did let his eyes speak of exasperation with The Crazy Lady.
“Ma’am. You will be on the next plane to Ramstein, Germany.”
Wings carried me outside.
I spun in circles.
I choked back sobs.
We all whooped and hollered and danced between the rows of terminal seats.
I tweeted:
“Happy buzz in the terminal today! Fifty-four seats on the plane tonight AND WE’LL BE ON IT!!!!!!!”
~*~
An hour later, every single person in that terminal clustered in the main waiting area. The veterans trying to get to Normandy, the families on their way home after vacation, the women going to visit family in Germany, the wives hoping to meet up with their men, the children, giddy over riding in an airplane.
Another young mom looked my way. “How long have you been waiting?”
One of the veterans piped up. “She’s the one that’s been here five full days. With kids, even.”
“Wow. Five days? And is your husband already there?”
“No. He’ll arrive tomorrow.”
“Just in time! How funny is that?” She laughed.
I smiled slowly. “Yeah. Funny…”
And I tweeted:
“They called our names for roll call. The entire terminal clapped and cheered. I seriously fought tears.“
Then we walked through the gate.
~*~
Pictorial proof ~ coming next!
and you made a memory that will last a lifetime, be proud of yourself.
Yes!!
I literally have goosebumps covering my arms and legs!
Oh the tears you are making me shed! What a story. And you…you are amazing.
Thanks for sharing this.. brought a tear to my eye..such a blessing to read of your perseverance!
*sniff* God is so amazing, He knows just what and who we need. Loving reading this!
What a beautiful story! I cried.
I am crying happy tears~Oh.my.goodness girl!
I know it is done and all but how amazing to read of your perseverance and the way God held you and protected you.
Becky K.
wow! What a story to tell! Can’t wait to see the pictures. Thank you for sharing.
I had those Tweets of yours practically memorized, I’d read them so many times, to myself and my husband. And relayed your story to my in-laws and family. Who kept going: “She’s STILL not to Germany yet?” I’d only been talking about it all week!
And yes, I cried real, big, salty, but very happy tears when I saw the Tweet that you’d made it!
You made me cry at 11:53 a.m.
AND during this entire saga.
I love your story—and I love that I lived it in pieces with you.
Wow doesn’t seem to cover it.
God is just so big.
dear God in Heaven, I am bawling! I pray that if our next assignment is at a base with AMC flights I may go by every day to see if there is a mama who needs the love of Jesus like you received!
I’m crying here. God is good. I know that was not an easy five days (stating the obvious) but how wonderful to see His love through strangers.
When you sent that Tweet, I was never so excited for someone I don’t know!
Tears. Chills. More tears. And a smile. I would say that I can’t imagine, but because I CAN imagine, I also feel the high’s and the low’s of your trip along with you! Amazing journey, and amazing blessings. God is good to us military wives; huh?! :)
In which I sob like a baby. Yes, I sobbed when I saw your tweet about making it onto the flight. And I cried again when I told it to my mom, my sister and my husband…three separate times.
xoxo
Love it. You’ve got moxie, girl. Moxie. So glad for all the happy internet love you got to soak up.
So
Much
Love
I’m crying. Love you friend.
I’m so enjoying this!! Amazing :)
You are so special. I see our bedraggled picture, I remember that week for me, how it was in the top 10 worst weeks of my life next to that one in January…
And I love that God gave us that day to distract us both from what was going on. I ache that I spent days paralyzed in grief, and not knowing you needed more from me, but I glow reading about how God provided others for you to help you and love on you. You were molded with fire that week, made into a stronger woman than each day before, and reminded how our Jehovah Jireh always provides.
Can’t wait to read the part about seeing the guy… :)
Love you
Ari
Oh my goodness, Ashleigh. What a story.
I’m so excited and I don’t even know you!!! Yay!!! Ha.
I just cried reading your story. I’ve never read your blog before in my life. I do, however, remember Lisa-Jo tweeting about you when all this was going on and I said a prayer that things would work out.
I’m so glad they did. :) Thanks for sharing an amazing story. :)
Oh Ashleigh! My eyes are literally brimming with tears after I read this!!! What an amazing story of so many things – bravery, gutts (for crying out loud!!!), dependence on God, patience, joy, and ultimately VICTORY!!!! You are just AWESOME!!! Cannot wait to hear the rest of the story and definitely see pictures!!! God truly is GREAT!!!! :)
How can anyone read this story and NOT CRY!! this is amazing!
Great writing and crazy true story! I am crying for you. I’m so glad to hear how people were able to reach out to you when you needed it and you willing allowed them to help you (even if you didn’t know who the heck they were!). God surely provided for you! Thank you for being an amazing example for the rest of us!
Oh, the tears.
Such a beautiful story.
I love that God blessed you with food, and beds, and showers, and friends along the way. I love that.
He’s always there when we need Him.
Cannot wait to read the rest!! :)
For once, i’m speechless.
Really, that doesn’t happen often, if ever.
I love how God places people in our lives when we need Him the most…
Can’t wait for the rest of this tale!
crying…
so happy you made it!
God is good :)
Amazing. When you said “Terminal” on facebook I was thinking, well, Terminal like Tom Hanks, where you could actually buy a burger. I had no idea it was that bad. ::hugs to you:: You have amazing strength and endurance…
Oh…you made me cry.
Traveling with the military is definitely an adventure! I remember sleeping under a crib (while my 5-year-old sister was in the crib) in a tiny USO room once waiting for a flight…crazy times.
I cried reading this, and I don’t cry easily.
God is so awesome!
Thanks for sharing looking forward to the rest.
FIGHTING tears?? Ashleigh, I’m all out bawling and it’s not even ME!
I got all choked up reading that last part and am so thankful for the angels of mercy the Lord sent to lift you up and make that loonnnggg stay in SC a little more bearable while you waited.
Fighting back tears of my own…wow. God is so good!!
Book!!! Write one! I’ll buy it. I promise!
Ginger~
WOW, in tears…PRaise GOD for HIS provision, His Wisdom and His LOVE for each one of us…prayers for a wonderful and continued safe visit!
Thank you and your family for ALL that you do…that just isn’t enough…just know your sacrifice is greatly appreciated…you and all our military are in my prayers…
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU
and
May America BLESS God
A-MAZING.
I’m just amazed.
God does beautiful things and brings beautiful people into our lives just when we need them.
Zach said I had to read this. He was right!!!! You have such a way with a pen, I mean key board. See u Saturday.
All day I have wanted to leave a comment, but I words just feel too small to convey what’s going on in my heart and head.
I LOVE when our God shines through His people in such flesh and blood ways.
I LOVE when twitter is used for good and not evil.
I LOVE when mamas love on mamas even when they are total strangers.
I LOVE happy endings.
I LOVE the courage of traveling mamas.
I LOVE that each of us, we get to share a little piece of your joy, because we were there – for parts of the journey.
Hmm, ok, yea, well, those words weren’t too bad. More to come in October!!
~Lisa-Jo
Wow. I am in awe of God as I read your story. And I am so encouraged. I laughed and cried my way throught it. SO GLAD you got to Germany and have those precious days with your man.
I came over here from ylcf.org awhile ago and keep coming back. Thank-you for your honesty and reflecting Christ in your words. =)
A beautiful picture of how God does His thing. Not only does He provide our desires, He throws in other opportunities to see things that blow our minds. I believe you will be changed in a way that you would not have been had you not been loved on by all the strangers/internet friends.
This is absolutely stunning!
This is my favorite story EVER because its true and beautiful!
I love how God’s timing is perfect… i love how you probably impacted the local families just like they impacted you… i love how God’s community came out in droves to help you :)
So amazing. It’s amazing how God gave you the strength to keep going, and showed you how faithful he is!
I love reading this.
I am crying reading this….
Oh my, I almost cried. The Lord was your strength!!!
amazing. Can’t wait for the next part. Sooo glad you got to go!
I’ve been putting off reading this because I knew it would make me cry.
It did. :)
So, SO thankful you made it and for the friends who helped along the way! Amazing.
What an amazing 5 days you survived. But I imagine it was all worth it to see your love.
I just wanted you to know how inspired I get from reading your blog. I love the way you write from the heart and tell it just how it is.
Thanks for sharing your family with all of us here on the internet.
Hey Ash, I just wanted you to know that I still enjoy reading your blog. I’m SO Thankful you were able to see your Marine.
I know inter-continental traveling is never easy, let alone with the kids in tow and the delays you faced. You are an amazing mama and wife. You’re ever in my thoughts and prayers. Love you! :)
On a day when I really needed some evidence that God really does care about every detail of our life……Thank you Ashleigh for being so open with your life and all of your “not-so-shiny-blog-land” posts. (That was a compliment – I’m really tired.)
I followed you as your were making your trip – I am so blessed by seeing how God worked in your life and through all these wonderful people in your path. Big hug and big happy smile! :)
Aaack! I held off reading all the Germany posts because I knew the suspense would kill me. I’m dying over here, I can’t wait to read the rest!
God is so good.
How wonderful that the LORD made a way for you! My daughter is in Afghanistan and I fully understand your willingness to endure all this frustration for the chance of having even a few minutes with your man.
I followed some of this happening on Twitter but am just now getting a chance to get all caught up on your posts about it. I couldn’t help but get all choked up myself at how it ended. What sweet grace & mercy our Savior poured out on you during your stay in Charleston. It’s so good to hear you guys survived the trip… but oh man, what a story!! Give God all the glory! :) So glad you got to spend special time with your man that made all this sooo worth it!!
Awwww!! Thank you for sharing the story. I’m so glad you-all made it to Germany for some time together.
Wow, your story just brings tears to my eyes! I’m so happy for the people who showed Jesus’ love to you, and I’m so glad you got a flight!