Penn's flights - final - ARRIVED

Shortly after 8:30 tonight, the newly larger Penn family was greeted by over 80 people as they walked away from the gate at PDX.

So many wonderful friends and family delighting in the gift of these two beautiful girls and their arrival home.

Many of us were overwhelmed with emotions that cannot be put into words.

James 1:12 God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

The absolutely fabulous story continues at Dot-Blogger.

Penn's flights - update 5 - On SCHEDULE!!!

David, Julie, Kim (Julie's mom), Yolanta and Katie are on the ground in Dallas. Everything appears to be a go for the 8:20 pm arrival.

We will be meeting outside of the security for C gates (as far as we can get with out tickets) a little before 8 pm. I hear there has been a banner made to welcome the girls home! You are welcome to bring signs, but if you have a gift, please hold on to it and give it to them at a different time. Remember you camera... I'm sure the family would love to have as many different pictures of the event as possible.

If there are any changes I will update again by 5 pm PST. Otherwise, see you at the airport!

Penn's flights - update 5 - Thursday, 8:20 PM arrival

David was able to reach the reservation line while waiting in line. They will be getting a room in Miami tonight.

The new flights are:

No. 575 from Miami at 2:35 pm to Dallas / Fort Worth arriving at 4:35 pm

No. 1619 from DFW at 6:30 to PDX arriving at 8:20 PM

They should be coming into a C gate, but I will confirm that with an update tomorrow afternoon.

Continue to keep them in your prayers. Quetelène got freaked out about having to wear her seatbelt... she has never used or seen a seatbelt used before. ...so many things we take for granted! Pray for a peaceful night at the hotel.

Pray that God gives Amy peace that surpasses understanding... I doubt she can understand why she can't get her sisters today as she had expected.

By next week, all these troubles will barely be a memory, but right now, the thoughts of getting home feel so heavy.

Penn's flights - update 4

David's words: "We are in Hell... also known as Miami." (imagine in David's classic sarcastic tone)

They are through immigration, walked 2 miles (no tram or shuttles) to the United ticket counters, which were closed because they don't have any more flights today. They are now walking 2 miles back to the American counters to get rebooked or put up for the night. Apparently there are really long lines for American as well.

They will not be arriving at the 10:50 flight tonight. I will update again when we have new flight numbers and times.

Be praying for the travelers... running around the airport is exhausting and stressful.
Be praying for Amy... she broke into tears when she got to say "Bon Jour" to her sisters on the phone... I'm sure she is so anxious to have everyone home and has been waiting a long time for these sisters.

Penn's flights - update 3 - still in Miami, departure TBD

The flight to Denver has departed with out the Penns :-(. The family is still working through immigration. They did not anticipate any delay here and were told not to expect a wait. It may be another hour or more before they can get out of immigration. As it is right now, it does not look like they will be in Portland tonight.

Penn's flights - update 2 - Urgent Prayer

David just called, they are on the ground in Miami. They have an hour before their next flight.

There are about 300 people in line in front of them trying to get through immigration. Pray!

I'll update when they are getting ready to fly again.

Penn's flights - update 1

Here is the Penn's itinerary:

AMERICAN AIRLINES 02JUL PORT AU PRINCE MIAMI FL 1235P 340P
AA 822 WEDNESDAY TOUSSAINT LO MIAMI INTL
L ECONOMY AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A300-600/600C

UNITED AIRLINES 02JUL MIAMI FL DENVER CO 559P 810P
UA 1583 WEDNESDAY MIAMI INTL DENVER INTL
W ECONOMY AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A318/A319/A32
FLIGHT OPERATED BY UNITED FOR TED

UNITED AIRLINES 02JUL DENVER CO PORTLAND OR 922P 1057P
UA 419 WEDNESDAY DENVER INTL PORTLAND INTL
W ECONOMY AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A320-100/200

As of right now, the first flight is on delay about an hour. Scheduled to arrive in Miami at 4:43, which should still allow for them to make their connection. I know that the flight into Port of Prince was delayed as well, it maybe that flights in and out of Haiti are only a little less efficient than the ones in and out of the US.

I will update when the family is on US soil, about 2 pm PST.

Continue to pray for safe travels and for this original delay to be the only delay in their travels.