Invalid Passport

Excitement grew as packing for our Christmas trip to Pennsylvania began. Winter clothes were pulled from storage. We carefully placed presents for friends and loved ones in our suitcases to ensure they didn't break or explode from their packaging. Our mouths could almost taste the anticipated flavors of pork roll, creamed chipped beef and cheese steaks.

My husband, Richie, went to get the documents we need to travel. We have US passports, Dominican residency cards, Dominican ID cards and customs papers. Along with those, we needed our US driver’s license, credit cards, rewards cards to Starbucks, Panera and Dunkin’ Donuts. Basically, we have a whole new wallet for travel times.

“Kasandra’s US passport is expired.”

My blood ran cold. “What? How? When? Nooooooo!” 

What do we do now? Poppop Lynch, my grandfather was traveling with us and sending him alone was not the best choice.  Richie went to the internet and pulled up the US Embassy phone number and waited for an answer. They recommended going to the consulate office near the airport for a government issued letter which would grant us the right to travel. OK. This is doable.

The following morning, we woke up early to make the 1 ½ hour trip to the US Consulate office.  We arrived before it opened and waited in line with high hopes of getting in and out with no issues.  With the words “This is not possible.”, our hopes came crashing down. I went out on the balcony and cried. There was no way to reroute our travel, to change tickets and still get to Pennsylvania before Christmas day. Richie called friends and family trying to find answers for our impossible situation. No ideas. Nothing. The flight was scheduled to leave in 4 hours.

Our pastor friend, Ramon, was driving us and he suggested we go to the airport and talk with the airlines. Even if they say no, at least we would have tried. Off we went.

The international airport in Puerto Plata only saw about a dozen flights every day, so upon our arrival we found the airport quite empty. Richie asked for directions to the office of Continental Airlines and our sad crew followed behind him.

The airline representative in the office was kind and listened to our disappointing story. She immediately took note of Poppop and went to find him a chair (Dominican culture greatly respects the elderly). Her fingers raced across the keyboard. Her brow furrowed from time to time. Then she spoke. “Let me call the office in Houston and see what we can do.”

Did she just use the words “can do” in her comment?

After what felt like 3-days, the woman returned. Ok, it was only 15 minutes. She returned full of questions about our Dominican documents. Did we all have them? Were they up to date? Were all of us traveling?

Poppop then piped up, “I am glad we are going through this together.” I kind of blinked hard and questioningly looked his way. He continued, “When difficult times come our way, it is better to deal with the problem in a group. No one will feel alone.” Not only were these words good for our souls, but everyone in the office and possibly down the hall. Poppop had hearing aids and often spoke quite loudly.

Taking our documents, the woman left the office. Is there a chance for travel? Silence fell over the room. Fidgeting with watches, readjusting our clothes, and staring at the clock did not make the time move any faster. It was almost as if any of us spoke, our words might change the outcome of the efforts of this lady.

We could hear the click of heels coming down the hallway. Holding our breath, we watched her turn the corner into our room. She had a huge smile on her face. Dominican officials were going to allow us to leave the country since we had all Dominican documentation up to date and we were traveling as an entire family.

Poppop said, “Praise Jesus.” The Continental employee said, “Yes, He is with you today.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” This verse reinforces the benefit of living in community. You are not alone in the middle of a problem. When and if you face a difficult time, someone will be there to pick you up. Notice there is not a told-you-so attitude toward the person who finds himself in a problem. Instead, the focus is on the attitude which stoops down, makes the effort to lift and set sights back to the work at hand. It may cost you some time, emotional effort or finances to help, but it is what God asks of us. Psalm 133 focuses on the positive, starting off with these words, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (I also love the fact that both these verses end with an exclamation point!) A positive atmosphere will come as we collaborate for the glory of Jesus.

As the plane landed in Newark, New Jersey a happy tear fell down my cheek just before Poppop bellowed, “The batteries in my hearing aids just stopped working.” Everyone around us laughed. Navigating through immigration and customs was easier for him because we were together.

How can you bring positive words to lift another in an “invalid passport” situation?

Lean in...we were made to be better together.