Flight #949 to Chicago at 15:15- that was my flight headed towards Seattle. I worked my way down the isle dragging my belongings with me. In one large swoop my 580 lb carry on was stowed away and within minutes I was chatting with my plane friend, an army man living in Japan. I enjoyed our conversation and talk about his family, work, life, culture shock etc.
Well… just about 45 minutes into the flight…. I was feeling pretty sleepy after 20 hours of traveling so far…. Just as my eyes drifted off … a loud boom happened in the plane. The whole plane immediately dropped from our high altitude… within a few seconds the pilot came on the speakers and announced that we had engine failure and to tighten our seatbelts. Not only did the engine blow up, but it was on fire as well (someone later reported seeing flames out the window). My heart sank.
As the plane continued to drop and we continued to fall we were all in stunned silence… I prayed hard. At first it was for God to spare this plane and the people in it… then my prayers changed… I prayed for thankfulness for the embrace from God that I could quite possibly be receiving soon. All around me people stared out the window as the city below approached quickly. One last announcement came on before the nose of the plane dipped low towards the ground… “Keep seatbelts fastened at all times”… right, like someone is going to get up for coffee as the rear of the plane is super high and the nose is dipped low…. I thought about the guy next to me… has two kids and a wife… wishes he could see family more… warrior for our country… I told him to pray… I have no idea what his beliefs are… all I know is that we needed prayer! I could see the buildings below. Ambulances, fire trucks, police and the whole crash crew were ready for us.
Then “an incredible thing” happened… we not only made it to an airport, but we were able to land properly on a runway! Other than a few anxiety attacks … nobody got hurt and we were all able to get off the plane safely! United even gave us a 25$ coupon for our next flight with them… wasn’t that nice?
All this to say… thanks for praying for my trip home. I made it!
Jerusalem Time
4 comments:
Wow, Shan, you handled that better than I! I would have been screaming after the boom and then screaming again when I only got $25 for my flippin' anxiety!
Hey pal,
I spoke at the Well last night and in my teaching about the supernatural workings of the Holy Spirit moving in natural ways I shared this story. I gave particular attention to the fact that Lori felt compelled to pray for you at the precise moment this was all going down! It was a powerful testimony to the reality and closeness of God around us in our daily (and even while we are trying to sleep) lives! We miss you here, but can't wait to spend time with you someday wherever you end up!
Not that you wanted a "powerful, God moment" story to tell.
Glad you are safe and sound.
Will keep praying for you as you assimilate (sp?) back into the U.S.A.
wow that must of been really scary. In cas eyou remember me this is Andrea from when you taught fifth grade at TCA in Colorado srings. I miss you so much and wish you were here!Can you believe I am in 7th grade now! love you, Andrea
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