Backtracking a bit...

We have been going non-stop since we arrived in Beijing.  Because we traveled the week of CNY, we had to leave a day later than most, so our time in Beijing was crammed into a 1 1/2 days. 

Our flight out of our hometown was canceled.  The arriving plane was diverted due to fog, so they canceled the flight.  Then they said the plane would arrive by 6, then it was 7, then it was 7:30; and we would depart "as soon as possible".  We were suppose to have departed at 3:00.  :(  When the plane FINALLY arrived, and we boarded, they announced the expected arrival time.  It was the EXACT time our connection was to take off.  I was freaking out at that point.  I had held back my tears all afternoon because my children were watching me to get a feel as to how serious our situation was.  But upon that announcement, I concluded that we could not get to our gate soon enough to make it to Beijing and that because so many of us were traveling, we would not even be able to get another flght out with all of us on it.  I muffled the tears and only allowed a few to trinkle.

We arrived in Chicago.  Flight attendant informed us that our gate was in the same terminaml (thank God!!!)  and she requested that passengers who did not have a quick connection remain seated so that those that do could get off ASAP.  Do people give a hoot?  NO!  Thankfully, we were seated near the front of the plane.  We literally ran through the airport. Husband and a couple older kids were ahead of me, while I tried to keep sight of them and stay with my little 8-year-old.  My 13-year-old son stayed back with me, I think because he wanted to make sure I was safe.  How sweet!!!

Once I arrived at the gate, husband shook his head that we had made it.  THAT flight had been delayed as well.  We boarded immediately.  We learned that the pilot was ill and they were trying to locate another one to fly the plane.  No other circumstances would have made me grateful that we sat on the plane for an hour before take off. 

Only one explanation for me on the timing of all that.   God was watching over us.  Thank you!