What's that saying?

Don't count your chickens before they're hatched? Yeah, you see where I'm going with this? Umm hmm.... there is one of two things going on: 1. Satan is REALLY trying very hard to get us down, or 2. God is testing us. I'm not sure which it is, but it's been hard not to let it get us down. Oh, I suppose I should tell you all what's going on, huh? Well, Pedro (our agency representative) went to the Embassy to pick up our Visa and somehow they couldn't find our name in they're database. So Zach will have to go back to the Embassy tomorrow morning to see what is going on and try to get this taken care of. Yeah, we were supposed to leave at 7 am tomorrow morning, but instead, that's the time Pedro will be picking Zach up.

After we got the phone call, Zach went down to the Continental Airlines office at the hotel to try to get on the Friday flight and they said it would cost us $2000! Either that or we wouldn't be able to leave until next Thursday. So Zach called the Embassy emergency line and they were less than helpful. The guy that answered the phone said there was no one there to help us out, and when Zach asked if there was anyone there working late and he said "No, they're walking out the door." So why couldn't he stop someone to ask if they could help us, I don't know. It's a good thing we weren't in jail! I mean, criminy, aren't we US citizens, isn't the US Embassy here to protect and help it's citizens while in a foreign country? We are SO not happy about this, but what can we do? Just trust that God has a reason. We may never know what that is, but I'm sure there is one.

Oh, about when we get to leave...Zach called the 1-800 number for Continental (of course you can't call 800 numbers on a calling card from a foreign country, so we had to call international direct from our room. Who knows how much that will cost us. Then we had to do the same with Alaska Airlines to change our tickets with them. In the end, we got a flight on Sunday out of here (same flight plan) at the cost of $200. Alaska is charging us $75 for the change, but it's better than $2000 and better than staying here another week. We will get in on Monday morning. If anyone needs to contact us, they can check www.marriott.com/guadt to find the phone number. Our room is 857. Well...hopefully we'll still have a room after tomorrow. They won't be able to let us know until after noon tomorrow if they have room for us or not. I don't know what I'll do if they don't have room for us.

I was doing really well until a couple hours ago and then I just lost it. I just want my boy home, in his room, with his toys, in a comfortable crib. He is great during the day, but he cries out a lot in his sleep. And let me tell you, that boy is a FURNACE. We thought Donavyn was bad, but man, he's 100x's worse. He wakes up every morning sweaty.

So, we have a couple favors. Since we are here and running out of calling time and don't want to charge anymore international calls to the room, MELISSA OR AARON can you please call Heidi at our house or use the number in the church directory to let her know we won't be home until Monday. If she isnt' able to stay at the house that long, just ask her to have Keith or Mary take care of it. In fact, I'm sure Mary will read this too, so this is just a head's up for you. Also, JASON AND BECCA can you either leave more money for parking until Monday or get in touch with Melissa and Aaron and see if they can get the car there for us? Either way is fine. If you guys could just let us know that you got this and what you are going to do, that would be great.

We love you guys. I'm pulling my hair out. Ok, so right now Gabriel is actually pulling my hair out, but you get the idea. Please pray for us. Zach ran into a family at the Continental office here that were FINALLY getting ready to leave after being delayed 29 days here. Oh, goodness, I don't know what I'll do if that happens.

Ok, off to the room for us. We've got some sleepy little ones and they have some tired and cranky parents.

Comments

Amber said…
Beth and Zach:

Lots and lots of prayers and hugs. I've been thinking of your family so much. I hope things get worked out quickly!

(((hugs)))
Godwin Family said…
Keeping you all in my thoughts Beth. I hope you will all be home soon!
scottAD said…
Oh, man... we are all pulling for you all up here. Would you like us to drop you a call? We are wishing and praying for you all!!
Anonymous said…
Beth I called your house and left a msg on machine. Heidi did not answer. Am trying to find Jason and Becca's phone #. Let me know on your sight if you are up I will call you. I can make contact with Jeff Miller if need be for help and Sen Nelson is in the area tonight I can find him and make contact also. Prayers are being lifted up already. Reply to this if you get it tonight or in the a.m. Love Mom and Dad
Marci said…
Sending up prayers! I know the Koehler family of 4 will be home soon! NO 29 DAYS!!! Let me know if I can do anything!
Becca and Jason said…
My heart is breaking for you guys right now. But, the last thing you need to do is worry about things on this end. We'll get in touch with Heidi as soon as we see the car over there. We'll still take your car tomorrow and leave a few extra days' worth for parking. We're thinking we'll have someone come with us and take the key in case you're delayed longer. Don't worry about it, though... we'll make sure you know who to get in touch with to get the car later if you need to.
Sending up a prayer that all goes fine tomorrow and that you guys are taken care of with a room, the Embassy and a little more time in the sun.
Love you guys!!
Mary said…
Is there anything I can do from this end? Are there any papers in my locked box that you might need faxed? Anything at the house I can fax?

Keep your hearts light and know that God is on your side, don't let Satan in to destroy this magnificent time of coming together. The Lord has provided for you all this time, He's not stopping now. ((hugs)) 486-8110 in case you need anything emergent, if not, I'll check the blog first thing in the morning 7am my time, but feel free to call before then if you need anything faxed, I'd get up for you!
Becca and Jason said…
Jason is on the phone with Aaron right now - we're going to leave the car keys with him, and leave the car at your house. Aaron's just going to bring us to the airport. All you'll have to do is let Aaron and Melissa know when you're heading back and they'll make sure the car gets to the airport for you.
You have a lot of extended family here in Kodiak who will make sure everything here is fine.
Lean on God.... He knows what he's doing even when we can't understand it. We all said He is Good all the time, and all the time He is Good when everything was going smoothly. He's still the same Awesome God. He will make a way for you, and it will be exactly as He plans!
I'll try to figure out the international phone thing tomorrow and call you (when it's a normal time for you!!) to make sure there's nothing else we can do.
You'll be ok.
Anonymous said…
Beth and Zach, I found J & B's phone # would call but just read that they will take care of situation on that end. Use your comment section to relay info and I will as well or use your goldielocks site to mail. Praying that a room will be available, but even more so that this situation will be corrected in the am 1st thing. If you need $ I will send to you. Let me know where. God will handle this!!! Love you all, Dad
Becca and Jason said…
Jason's talking to Heidi right now. She'll stay til Monday, no problem. We also hooked her up with Griffins number, so she'll get in touch with them or Mary if there's a problem at all.

We gotcha covered!!
Coastieturtle said…
I hope things get better fast. I'll be thinking of the four of you and hope you can get your family home, soon.
Dear Lord,

Help our friends Beth and Zach during this time of trial. Be with them as they're going through these unexpected hurdles and give them peace. Lord, we know that Your timing is perfect and that we don't know all of the reasons why this would happen but we DO know that You are in control. Lord, we know and stand firm in the fact that you are in Heaven reigning in our lives and will work to the good of those that believe in You. God, I pray that you help speed up this process for the Koehler family. Help the paperwork to be found and Beth and Zach to be able to take Gabriel back home as quickly as possible. We denounce Satan and his work in this situation, Lord, put a hedge of protection around this family as they're in a foreign country and may feel lost in the shuffle. God grant them peace and be with them. In Jesus' name.
Beth I know I am on the east coast but if there is ANYTHING I can do please let me know! Praying for you guys!!

Elizabeth aka jbs
Sambalina said…
Prayers and (big) Hugs for you all!
Nissa said…
Sending our best ninjas to take care of this ...wait fudge your our best ninja! I'll be praying!

(((eskimo kisses!!!)))
love you,
nissa lee
Brian/Rebecca said…
Remember that God will not put more on you than what you can handle. I know that it is sometimes hard not to question that scripture but, He will reign in this situation! Y'all have been in His hands for a long time and He is not gonna let Satan get you now. We are praying that the chaos will stop and peace will prevail. LOL- Becca, Brian, Makayla, & Olivia
Christy said…
Praying for a hedge of protection around your family and that doors will be opened and for a safe expedited trip home.
Anonymous said…
I like that you speak of toll free 800 numbers...

http://www.tollfreenumber.org is one of the main companies that provide small businesses with thier own toll free numbers. I picked up my toll free number from www.tollfreenumber.org about six months ago and the service and relationship with TFN has been quite outstanding. I recommend getting a toll free phone number to ALL small businesses, just stop by tollfreenumber.org

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