India Journal
Nov. 2
Got to Airport-we were on "India Air" the local company. We knew it would be an experience when we saw the check in line. Scores of Indian merchant with hand packaged bundles of merchandise-looked more like a train station.
Steve & Melonie's reservations had been cancelled-we forgot to re-confirm 72 hours prior. After getting the right person to help we got them a seat. We met a young businessman who was in front of us, he spoke excellent English, and he helped us out also.
The plane was delayed 3 hours due to mechanical problems-we left for airport at noon-so we got to hang around 5 1/2 hours. What fun!
As we boarded the plane I introduced the young businessman to Steve as an American Author in India to speak at a conference. When told they were books on Christianity, the young man said, "I am un-converted." I asked him if he was seeking to know the truth, he said yes.
God had ordained this-his seat was next to Steve! Talk about a divine appointment.
He wasn't supposed to be on that flight. He had been bumped from Thai Airlines the previous day, stayed over and was put on India Air. We weren't supposed to be on India Air-but on Thai Air-but a travel agent error forced us on India Air.
I sat with Steve and Amid-He was very open. We all exchanged addresses/E-mail. Steve will send a book.
When we got to Dehli (He also missed connection but got on the same flight.)
I gave him a "Big ID" he was reading it as he waited for his bags. I believe he will receive Jesus.
By the time we left we knew we had missed our connection in Calcutta for Dehli, the hotel and our escort. We landed in Calcutta and went through customs with more difficulty than in China, good thing we weren't smuggling Bibles to India!
Had to transfer to Domestic Terminal-no "Red Coats" to assist passengers. We couldn't even find a "Air India" rep to tell us anything. We walked out the door-HELLO INDIA! I could not have imagined the change even from Beijing & Bankock --a step back in time.
We got a taxi for the 200-300 yard journey to the other terminal because of luggage. I couldn't fit in the cab so I walked. A little scary-dark street-couldn't see the terminal-not sure how far it was being ćescorted by three questionable looking men. No "Red Coat" gate agents here-no help, also no Indian money. Asked for help, were directed to terminal Mgr. on duty. Explained situation he said, "Missed your flight, sorry! Go tomorrow." I explained we had to catch a train next morning in Dehli, had to get there. He found us another airline-rush-rush-barley made it. Only seats available 4 center seats on last 4 rows. We all prayed for my "claustrophobia"-God gave the victory.
Got to Dehli-our escorts of course came to meet the flight we should have been on. They had no idea when or if we where coming. We didnāt know where they were and they didnāt know where we were.
We arrived-need a taxi-had no money -in domestic terminal there were no money exchanges and no ATM. We negotiated a taxi to the hotel about 3 miles for $3 American dollars-all we had was $2 other than $20, $50. They would accept U.S. money but no change. Give them $20 or try for $2. It worked we got to the hotel. It was near mid-night our 5 hour trip had become 16 hours. We were tired!
