Stranded in Brussels at The Copeland Ramblings

The past 24 hours have left me confused as to what the day and time really is but I’ll try my best to keep things straight. We boarded our flight at JFK for Conakry (with a brief planned layover in Brussels) around 5pm Monday evening and quickly got ourselves situated in our seats. The Lord even blessed us with an empty seat to put Canaan in, a couple was willing to switch with us. We waited anxiously for our flight to begin… waited some more until a few hours had gone by and we were informed that all flights out of JFK to Europe were grounded.

It didn’t even sound like we were going to be leaving that day but after some more waiting the weather apparently cleared and we were ready to take off. The only problem for us was that we were leaving three hours late and our layover in Brussels was only two hours long… the math wasn’t adding up.

Canaan did great on the flight, slept for much of it and wasn’t a bother to anyone. As we neared Belgium we were informed that most flights would have to be rescheduled. As we left the plane we were met by an American Airlines agent who was assigned to make sure that we were taken care of. We learned that the next flight from Brussels to Conakry isn’t until next Tuesday and that just doesn’t work for us. The plan ended up being that tonight we will stay in a hotel in Brussels and in the morning we will be driven to Paris, France and from there catch a flight with Air France to Conakry. American Airlines is taking care of all of that and have been really good to us so far.

So here we are, waiting it out in a hotel in Brussels, Canaan is exhausted but doing ok, we are trying to get his naps timed out so that the time change will be easier for him. Keep us in your prayers as we drive to Paris and get onto our flight to Conakry. It’s been a long few days for Canaan, we left Sunday morning from Shelburne, Ontario. Thanks everyone for your prayers and comments, they are a blessing and encouragement!

On this day..

Suggestions Please! - 2008

14 Responses to “Stranded in Brussels”

Feed for this Entry Trackback Address

1 Justin Rutledge Jun 12th, 2007 at 2:11 pm

Man, you three have had quite a trip, and it’s only been a few days!! I am praying for a safe journey for you, and I’m watching every day for updates! Be safe and know that God is with you every step of the way :-)
2 Wes & Brenda Jun 12th, 2007 at 2:52 pm

Hey..You guys are really getting initiated fast! Trust all goes well with the rest of the trip.
3 Kathleen Bowcock Jun 12th, 2007 at 2:59 pm

We love you and are resting in the Lord to take care of you all! It was so nice to see that you were able to post! You guys rock! It is so encoraging to see how you both handle the road blocks that are brought up in your lives. We love you and are so proud of you and your devotion to what you know the Lord is calling you to! Can’t wait to talk to you soon!
4 Sue Jun 12th, 2007 at 3:03 pm

Hey guys can’t wait for you to get here! Dalton will be ready and waiting at the airport for you! Enjoy Brussels… we will see ya soon!
5 Jenni DeMarce Jun 12th, 2007 at 4:28 pm

Hey guys,
Sorry to hear about your extended time in Brussels. Talking to Sue on Skype right now. We were just commenting on how well you take pictures of yourself. Do you have a special camera for that? Continue to have a safe trip you are in my prayers.
Jenni
6 Gramma Sheila Jun 12th, 2007 at 4:32 pm

Hi Norm Deb and Canaan the Super Trooper!
Thanks for keeping in touch. Wow, you have had quite a ride. Canaan looks sooooo tired. Praying for you all and love you sooo very much. Mom/Gramma xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
7 Shane & Karen Jun 12th, 2007 at 5:01 pm

Hey guys!!!! Woah! What excitement and you aren’t even there yet! :) Shane is on the men’s hike and I am here alone… The Lord is good, and we will continue to trust Him with you for everything to work out. Safe travels! Hugs to Canaan!
8 Shawn and Jenn DeAtley Jun 12th, 2007 at 5:17 pm

Hi guys! We just wanted to, “introduce” ourselves. We’re going to Guinea too! We leave this January for French school in France. We’ll be reading your updates as you travel to West Africa. How exciting, hope the trip is profitable. We look forward to meeting you someday.

Shawn and Jenn
9 Katie Moos Jun 13th, 2007 at 11:36 am

Wow, sounds like you are rolling with the punches and Canaan is just doing awesome!!! The Lord is with you every step of the way. Keep up the positive attitude–we are proud of you guys!
10 Darcy Jun 13th, 2007 at 12:58 pm

Hey,

It was great to skype with you. Sounds like a typical trip to Africa. We’ve done a few of those. Try and get rest!
11 Julie Jun 13th, 2007 at 1:31 pm

Isn’t it fun traveling with a baby? We just got back from California and sometimes even those four hour flights can be long. I’m glad that Canaan is doing so well. We’ll be praying for his, and your, sanity as you go through the time changes.
~The Fennells
12 The Shafers Jun 13th, 2007 at 4:13 pm

Wow-weee Neighbors,

You sure do got it going on! What a ride. We will be praying for you all. Glad to hear how the airline is taking care of your needs. That sure sounds like the Lord’s care for ya.

Will follow-up and rejoice with the news to come.

love and hugs from all of us!

Roland(for the family)
2 Cor 3:4-6
13 Kane's Jul 4th, 2007 at 7:04 pm

Hey guys,
sorry about the longer then anticipated stay. But you guys are looking like well seasoned missionaries! We Love you guys… thanks for all the good up-dates!
Ruth