So we won't ever forget what God has done...

This is Aaron's write up about the events that took place Saturday as we traveled from Xi'an to Chongqing...

A hard day

Today was a travel day. It was time to leave Xi’an and travel to Chongqing to meet our daughter. We were very apprehensive about this day because of the portal oxygen concentrator (Our guide was not sure we would be allowed to carry it on) and because it was JT’s first trip on a plane and we weren’t sure how he would do.

For once we were in the lobby on time but our driver was delayed because of 2 weddings going on at the hotel. Apparently the Chinese get married early in the morning and then go to a big lunch. Finally, our driver got in to the parking lot, we loaded up our million suitcases and we were on our way. JT was not really happy about being on the road again and it was a tough hour to the airport.

When we got to the airport our guide was great at getting us into line and getting all of our bags checked. Now it was time for security. The Chinese TSA agents stopped us and began asking questions about the POC and its batteries. Why did we have so many batteries? (we have 8 and a suitcase full of batteries does seem rather odd when you think about it). We tried to explain that the machine was for our baby’s heart when we fly home, that we weren’t going to use it on this flight and that the batteries were required by our FAA. They were being kind but it was a tough conversation. Finally, after several different agents looked at our machine and batteries we were told we had to get permission from the airline to fly with these batteries. The TSA agent took us back to the ticket counter. Fortunately Celine was still there waiting to see if we had made it through and so she accompanied us. The counter agent looked at 1 battery and gave us the ok as long as we put them all in plastic bags. Obviously these bags were made of a plastic that couldn’t melt and would withstand the explosion of a Lithium battery. But hey, we were on our way back to the security checkpoint with a note to show we could carry on the POC and the batteries.

Well, the TSA agents had changed shifts and we were now trying to explain again what the machine was and the batteries. However, we did have the note from the airline as our trump card and we were through with a few minutes to spare – which actually turned into more time because the plane was delayed J

While waiting by gate 12 we met the Sanders, a couple from Dothan who were also flying in to Chongqing to adopt their little girl. It was a blessing to see some friendly faces and helped us relax as we waited for the plane.

Finally it was boarding time and there is no early boarding for those with infants – its every person for themselves. If you have ever boarded a plane then you can understand the experience, just add no air conditioning. The chaos, noise and heat was too much for JT. From the moment we got on the plane he began crying (everyone else was thinking it he was just brave enough to do it). We tried balls and toy eggs and singing and rocking and everything you know to try when you child is upset, but he wasn’t having it.

The steward came by and he had obviously been informed that our baby had a heart condition and was concerned with how he looked (he can get pretty blue when he gets worked up – think angry smurf). He asked if we wanted to get off the plane and see a Dr., to which we said no, our Dr. said he is ok to fly, let’s just go and get this over with. He did bring us some warm water for some milk. The formula helped some as did the fanning from Papa and Denise. Did I mention the plane was very warm? We finally pushed away from the gate, but we were not moving. The steward returned and asked again if we wanted a Dr. and again we said no, that we just needed to get moving.

This entire time JT was inconsolable. After another 10 minutes I decided to just stand and rock the boy to try and help him relax, all the time trying to keep myself and my wife calm as we both felt that at any minute we were going to be asked to get off the plane. All of us were praying as best we could to just allow the flight to occur and that we would be allowed to travel. For myself, as I tried to calm JT and look calm for my wife all I could muster were short quick pleas – “Jesus please help us”. It was very simple but very earnest and sincere. We really were close to panic because if we had to deplane we had no idea of how we would get to Chongqing, our guide had already told us the 12 hour train ride tickets had to be purchased at least 10 days in advance. So if we couldn’t get there what would that mean for Julia… What would that mean for getting JT home? How do we get him to Guangzhou? How, what, why…… A million what ifs were rushing through our heads, none of them good – in a word panic. As I stood there, the pilot or steward came over the loud speaker and made an announcement in Mandarin. I had no idea what he said but I knew it had to do with us because every person on the plane suddenly focused on the tall standing guy who was holding the crying baby. It soon became clear that a call had gone out to see if there was a Dr. on the plane, and one had come forward.

The Dr. spoke a little English and just wanted to see JT eat – quick prayer “please let him eat”. He did (such a good boy). The Dr. nodded his head and said something in Mandarin but his expression was good. The steward disappeared and then came back again and told us to move to first class which was empty, quieter and decidedly cooler. His exact words were, “bad heart, need first class.” This helped immediately to start to calm JT and the plane started moving – it was a very long 30 minutes though.

Of course things weren’t over yet – JT is learning to grab things and so when Erica turned her back on the bowl of formula, he knocked it over. At this point we just had to laugh and use all the wipes we could to soak it up as we took off.

JT had no problems on the flight – we played with the toys and sang some songs of praise. Near the end of the flight, just for good measure, the Dr. checked his heartbeat and felt everything was ok – glad he didn’t check mine or my wife’s earlier.

One take off down, 5 to go J, but our God is good, he was ever present in our time of need and he will be there for the flights home too.

Our God also sees things from all angles and is ever the father to all of his children. After this ordeal, one of my children confessed to my wife that they had been praying constantly since JT was fussy on the van, through our separation in security, and our troubles on the plane. So through this whole turbulent time my child leaned on the Lord and turned to him in a time of trouble. And honestly, as a father that makes the whole day worth it.