Matthew has been talking about taking me to the Dominican Republic to visit Rebekah since the 1st time he went to see her (April of '08). The conversation increased a notch after he came home from there with the High School group in November. We both really wanted to include our children in this DR trip experience (because they've been so aware and actively involved with Aunt Bekah's mission trip), but couldn't figure out a way that it would all work out with the schedules and still be financially responsible. So... we delayed the decision and waited.
Here is where our Almighty God stepped in:
I was working at CPR on Tuesday (another story for another time :)) reconciling some end of the month credit card expenses and blurted out, "Do we GET anything for this card???" (not really expecting an answer, but thinking that we should be getting some percent of the amount spent back -- I'm always looking for a good deal or free money!!!). Darrell, in the other room, answered, "What do you mean? This credit card is connected to an AAdvantage account. I thought you guys have been using the accumulated miles all these years?!?" Then Rachel chimed in, "Maybe your kids will get to go the Dominican after all..."
This little exchange was the catalyst to a whole chain of events this week. What we found out on Tuesday afternoon was that Matthew does have an active AAdvantage account and that there were a few hundred thousand miles accumulated in that account (enough for 4 tickets to the Dominican)!!! We also found out that American Airline does service Dominican Republic and that there are flights available for the dates that we needed. We were able to apply for passports for the kids on Wednesday (which just happened to be a minimum day!) and book all 5 tickets with seats together!!!
Tonight, Matthew was telling the kids about our trip and all the different things that we might see. All three kids had all sorts of questions :) Abby was concerned that she would not be able to talk to the kids, because she only knows how to say "hola" and "gracias". Seth wanted to know if he could climb the trees in the jungle... and wanted to have permission to catch the monkeys in the trees. Isaac pulled out The Complete Idiot's Guide to Italian History and Culture to read because he couldn't find one on the Dominican Republic or a book that would teach him Spanish :). My kids have recently watched Swiss Family Robinson, so, they wanted to know if there are baby elephants, ostriches, tigers, zebras, alligator, snakes... in the DR. Matthew told them that he didn't think so, but there are REALLY BIG wild pigs in the Dominican, even BIGGER than their mother!!! Hmmm... not quite sure how to take that compliment :)
YEAH!!!! I am so thankful that we get to go see Rebekah over Easter break!!! I am so grateful for the sovereignty of God to have allow us to not have known about this AA account until now! I am thrilled to be able to see all that God is doing in Rebekah's life and to see first hand how He is working in Monte Plata! I am soooo excited for Isaac, Seth, and Abby to experience Aunt Bekah's mission field and to get a taste for what it means to serve God in a foreign country!
2 comments:
Oh My Goodness -- What a wonderful thing you are doing for your children, for Auntie Bekah and for yourselves. I'm so pleased to read of your upcoming journey to DR. My thoughts and prayers go with you all. What a blessing to Rebekah, too.
How exciting! We will be praying for your trip, that you would be a blessing and encouragement to Rebekah, and that God would work in each of your lives and the lives of those you come in contact with, and that the trip would have a great impact on your kids!
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