It began as a wonderful, romantic celebration of a wedding anniversary and a 70th birthday. What a great way to renew a lifelong friendship and marriage for this couple, these friends of mine, who constantly amaze me by their solid companionship and support of one another, their continued tenderness and - frankly - their love for each other.
I can just picture them strolling up the Champs Elysees, holding hands, gazing up at the Arc de Triomphe, sharing a pastry at a sidewalk cafe, sipping wine on a dinner cruise up the Seine. After enjoying some night life, they would sleep in, cuddling up - it's all so romantic and dreamy.
Except that the perfect second honeymoon was wrinkled by the eruption of a cloud of volcanic ash and they are now stranded in Shangri La. At first, as Sissie put it, who could complain as long as the pastries and wine held out? A full week later, no let up in the restricted flights. They are still there, now trying to deal with medicine running out and airline tickets that are running $8,000 per! Not to mention ugly crowds and long lines at the ticket window.
Last email, they were planning to contact the American Embassy for assistance. This is not funny, and no longer an enjoyable adventure. It has become a challenging test of their patience and fortitude - both of which they have in abundance. I pray for them almost hourly. God grant them a safe flight home soon, and the ability to get the medicines they need to tide them over (not to mention the finances to continue paying for the extra days!).
This situation goes far beyond even their personal battles of being caught in an unexpected fluke of nature. Many of my friends who are from Europe are very concerned at the havoc this will play on the economy of already struggling countries not to mention scarcity of products in America that will not make it here in a timely way restricting much needed income for over there. It has global implications.
Please join me in prayer not only for my friends but for everyone whose lives are being impacted by this difficulty. May it be resolved soon.
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And here I'd been thinking how fun it would be to be stranded in Paris! I am praying for your friends. The prospect of not having necessary medication and having to pay $8,000 to get home does not sound fun at all.
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