Turbulence

Well. I have had quite the couple of days.

Friday morning, Gloria called me a cab at 8:00 a.m. to go to the Seville airport. I had not slept a wink from the night before (which wasn't going to be a problem since I could sleep on the 12 hour flight to Texas), and I was en emotional wreck as I prepared myself to say goodbye to Seville.

However, upon arriving in Madrid to connect to my flight to Texas, I (and 15 other study abroad students) learn that our flight to the States had been canceled due to a malfunction on the plane.

[Okay....]

So I and some other Seville students walked around the airport (while carrying my two huge suitcases) for about an hour and a half trying to figure out if there was any way in the world that we could get home.

[Alright.....]

So I immediately called my Dad, and he got right on trying to find me a way home (Dads are so reliable!)

[Still okay....]

But we soon find out: There are no other flights leaving to the States that day.

[This is where I lost it...]

Now, my Dad says it's better that they caught the malfunction before the plane took off rather than after. And I suppose, yes, I would agree with that. It's just that I had mentally prepared myself to leave Spain that morning (and you all know that it took a lot to do that!). I did not want to leave Seville, so when I finally brought myself to do so, I had my mind set on it. I have fully enjoyed my time abroad, but when it is time to go home, that is all you want to do.

So I and the rest of the Spain study abroad crew were stranded and upset. But things started to look up...

Because our flight was canceled, American Airlines booked us rooms in a 4 star hotel in Madrid. So we took the shuttle to the hotel, and dang was it huge. We got our own rooms and free lunch and dinner (which were both huge buffets with all-you-can-eat gelato! Score!). I then got a call from my Dad who told me that he got me on a plane for the next day.

[Sigh of relief]

So, finally, after being on the verge of tears for more than 24 hours, I relaxed in my four star chair and ate three bowls of free chocolate and strawberry gelato. It was all good.

However. The adventure continues....

The next morning (today, Saturday the 18) I boarded the hotel shuttle to go to the Madrid airport once again. I was very anxious to finally start the trip home.

After waiting in line to check my bags for over 45 minutes, I arrive at the counter and the Delta employee tells me: "Okay. The flight is overbooked, so you are going to be put on standby."

[WHAT?!]

I thought (and hoped) that this was a practical joke or something. But, alas, it wasn't. She sent me to another line to talk to Delta about putting me on standby. I then had to go back in line to check my bags (I spent over 2 hours waiting in these three lines).

Meanwhile, I was frantically calling my Dad to see if he could somehow get me home. I could handle one day of delay, but another one was going to make me lose my marbles.

As my Dad tried to help me, it soon became clear that there was no way I was getting on this plane, and furthermore that I was not going home today. And so by the time I reached the counter yet again, I was hysterical. I tried as hard as I could, but I just couldn't help but sob helplessly.

The same Delta employee took my bags, and started typing on her computer. She then handed me what looked like a boarding pass and started telling me which gate to go to. I then asked, "But I'm on standby, right?" She looked at me and said, "No, you're on the flight."

"I'M ON THE FLIGHT? WHAT? I'M ON THE PLANE?!!" I sobbed.

She looked at me and said, "Yes. Don't say anything. Just take the pass and go. Now."

I looked back at her, trying to show her how grateful I was through my tears and sniffles. I took the pass, and went as quickly as I could.

It was a miracle. I still don't understand what happened. I did not complain or throw a fit. Sure I did burst into tears, but they were (more or less) quietly to myself. This woman is obviously just a miracle worker.

I went through security, arrived at my gate, and finally boarded the plane (which was two hours late. Dang Spaniards. Nothing is ever on time!)

But you know what? I made it.

I am currently sitting in the Atlanta, Georgia airport, waiting to board my final plane home. Thank goodness!

I have had a hell of day (hell of a week, actually) and I feel very grateful to finally be close(er) to home.

So thank you Dad for making sure that I was able to come home today!
And thank you Delta employee! You made this study abroad-er happier than you know.