"In Atlanta"

Yesterday I said goodbye to my husband, as he headed stateside for a conference.  He was scheduled to attend a conference in Raleigh, N. Carolina.  I never like goodbyes, especially when saying goodbye to my husband and children.  However, March11, 2011, the goodbye carried an uneasy feeling.  I couldn't put my finger on it, but deep down I knew God was warning me.  I prayed ALL day.  I heard about the earthquake, here in Korea.  Feeling terrible for everyone effected, I began lifting my prayers above.  For some reason, I didn't stop to think, Robert's first layover was in Narita.  At  7:30 p.m. I continued my day as normal.  First I put the older two boys in bed.  Robby's last comment before turning out the light was "mommy it's just not the same without daddy".  "I know honey, we need to pray for daddy, and he will be home before we know it.  Next I read to Daniel, prayed with him, and said goodnight.  Everyone was in bed at 8:30.  Feeling a deep sense of unease, I immediately began an intense prayer session.  Singing praises to Hillsong's worship song's, and calling out to God.  It was then God gently told me, "Crystal, Robert is in Tokyo, Narita airport"!  Why didn't I think about it sooner?  I truly believe God was giving me the opportunity to pray, and allowing me to care best for my kids, without worrying.  At this point my hands began to shake.  I couldn't type, and everything seemed to run in slow motion.  I called several good friends and family members to pray.  Next I called Mrs. Choi our nanny and closest friend in Korea, and my good friend Jacqueline.  Jacqueline is a Japanese missionary, serving in Korea.  Her and her husband reassured me and promised to pray.  Mrs. Choi came to my house immediately.  Prayed with me, and translated the news. on Korean television.

At 2:00 a.m. I knew I needed to sleep.  As I laid in bed, God gave me a deep sense of peace.  A peace that transcends all understanding.  I eventually fell asleep, and awakened in full throttle crying at 4:30a.m.  At this point, praying for guidance and answers, I typed in his flight information.  The flight status changed from past schedule, to in flight.  At this point I needed to know if he was aboard the flight. I ask God to lead me to a contact number.  I knew the kids would be waking up and I wanted answers for them.  I found a Delta Skymile's member costumer service number, and called.  Almost an hour later the sweetest lady, with the voice of an angel answered.  I told her our entire family were Skypass members.  I told her I was pregnant, and had three boys.  My husband was in Narita the time the earthquake hit, and I needed to know he was on the flight to Atlanta.  She reassured me, and looked up his information.  Breaking the rules a little, she said, "sweetheart your husband was there through the entire situation".  "He is now safe and on his way to Atlanta.  Now get some rest and know he is safe."  The sobs immediately broke away, and I thanked the lady for being an angel, and an answer to prayer.  I hung up the phone, put my head down, and cried out to God with gratitude, and fell right at the feet of Jesus.  God answered my prayers in countless ways.  Some I ask for specifically, and some I didn't know existed.  Romans 8:26 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."

The next morning I received a text directly from my best friend "my husband".  "In Atlanta"!  Two words I will never forget.  Once again the tear's flowed, and I sent a text back.  Call me now, I need to hear your voice, I need to know your okay.  The voice on the other line, was my best friend.  He was okay!  I never "again" wanted to end our conversation.  Life beckoned and he proceeded to get his next flight to Raleigh.

This afternoon at 3:00 p.m., Robert called from his hotel in Raleigh, N. Carolina.  His story was amazing!  He had just sat down on the airplane when the shaking began.  The shaking continued for awhile.  Everyone had to remain on the airplane for 5 hours.  They were told the airport was too dangerous.  He said "Crystal, not a single person complained about sitting on the runway for 5 hours.  Everyone was so thankful they were safe!" Not only was the airplane the safest place to be during the earthquake, it allowed them to be the first one's to exit Narita.  Once the runways were cleaned of debris, and the aftershocks died down, they decided it was safer for the people aboard to head to Atlanta.  Praise God!  He answers our prayers!!!  He loves us, and speaks to us through the Holy Spirit.