Travel Update | BZE to ATL

God is faithful. God provides. God is good.

Before we ever left our hotel in Belize this morning, we received news that our flight from Atlanta to Richmond had been canceled. From the very beginning of the day, we knew there was a good chance we wouldn’t make it home tonight. What we didn’t know was why or what the rest of the day would look like.

But one thing never changed. God was faithful. None of this surprised Him, and because of that, we were able to walk through the unknown with peace.

When we arrived at the Belize airport, we unloaded all of our bins and luggage and made our way to a very busy Delta counter. What is usually a quick check-in process turned into a much longer one as the Delta agent worked to sort through our canceled flight. She had to call the Delta Help Desk twice with different questions, but unfortunately they weren’t able to rebook us from Belize. With the extra phone calls and several large groups checking in at the same time, we started getting nervous about making our flight. We began sending team members through security in pairs while the last few of us stayed behind to finish checking in.

By God’s grace, everything came together. Our flight was delayed because of staffing, giving the last three of us enough time to make it through security, grab a quick bite to eat, and head to the gate with about twenty minutes to spare. It was such a simple reminder that God is mindful. He cares about the small things. Just like we learned at camp this week.

While we waited to board, I was able to connect with our travel agents at Fellowship Travel International so they could begin working on new flights for our team.

When we landed in Atlanta, we still didn’t know exactly what our next steps would be. Between deplaning, making our way through Passport Control, and collecting our luggage, I stayed in contact with our travel agents. Once we reached baggage claim, we were finally able to talk through everything.

The news was much better than we expected. All nineteen of us had been rebooked for flights on Monday morning. Even better, fifteen of our team members would still be able to travel home together, with only four on a separate flight. Considering how many flights had been canceled because of storms in Atlanta and how many travelers were waiting days for an available seat, this truly felt like God’s provision.

Then another answer to prayer came. Every single suitcase and every ministry bin arrived safely. Thank You, Jesus.

From baggage claim, we headed to the Delta service desk to figure out our next steps. Since our flights had been canceled, Delta provided hotel accommodations along with meal vouchers for our entire team. It was another reminder that God had already gone before us.

After leaving the airport, we somehow managed to coordinate transportation for nineteen people, nineteen carry-ons, nineteen backpacks, and ten ministry bins. Watching everyone work together so willingly and joyfully was one of my favorite parts of the day. Everyone simply stepped in wherever they were needed.

When we arrived at the hotel, the team enjoyed dinner while I worked with the front desk to check everyone in. The staff was incredibly patient as we sorted through nineteen room assignments. By the time dinner was over, every room key was ready to hand out, and everyone was able to settle in for the night.

Before heading to bed, I connected with our travel agents one last time to confirm tomorrow’s flight assignments since we’re split between three reservations and two flights.

Now our team is tucked into bed with full bellies and grateful hearts.

Today didn’t go the way we planned. But throughout every delay, every phone call, every change of plans, and every unknown, God continued to remind us that He was already there. He provided exactly what we needed, exactly when we needed it.

Tomorrow morning, we’ll make another attempt to get home. We’d love your prayers for smooth travel, safe flights, and that our team would finish this journey with the same joy and peace God has given us every step of the way.