Our descent into Dulles airport was painful. Both Pieter and I got nauseous and our ears were full from the drop in pressure. It took a good 30 minutes for the pilot to find the runway and once we finally landed, my heart was so glad to be back in a place I was familiar with.
Our experience at Dulles airport was unlike any experience we had had at the previous airports we had visited. After waiting in numerous lines and going through countless security checks, Pieter and I were separated. I went through the gates into America to be with my dad, while Pieter was told to stay behind. His visa was not accepted and he would be sent back to Europe the next day. I was not allowed to say good bye to him and he could not contact anyone. He stayed the night in an airport cell. I reluctantly went home for the longest night of my life, without my husband.
Morning came, and my parents and I had searched frantically for a solution to this issue. In the end, we decided that I would fly back with Pieter to Europe. They worked very hard to get me on the same flight as Pieter. Our drive to the airport was miserable. I had no idea what was going to happen. When pulling up to the airport, Third Day’s “I Need a Miracle” played on the radio. I thought to myself “How appropriate” and I made that my prayer. I said “God, I need a miracle, bring me back to my husband”. God knew I was scared, he knew I needed to be with Pieter. My faith was weak, and yet I prayed over and over again in the back of the car.
Time was running out as we scrambled to get me on the plane. My hope went up and down as I waited for the hour to come where Pieter’s plane would take off. Eventually, my dad got me on the waiting list for the flight.
I left my support system behind, my parents said goodbye to me, not knowing when they would see their baby girl again. They made promises about helping us out and reassurances that if I didn’t make it on this flight, they would get me another one after his to get to Copenhagen to be with him. We exchanged hugs and “I love you’s” and they told me to be strong and brave. With my “temporary ticket” in hand, I journeyed through the airport, alone this time. My guide, Pieter, who was so good at traveling, was not with me. I went through the steps of what to do and where to go in my head. I looked at signs and tried to remain confident.
As I waited alone at the gate, hoping my name would be called to fill a cancellation on the flight, minutes felt like hours as they passed so slowly. The time for boarding approached and after multiple calls over the intercom for other individuals, my name was called. I had a ticket on the flight and I would be on the plane with Pieter back to Europe!
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