My Interesting Business Trip

I wasn't exactly looking forward to my business trip on Tuesday. It wasn't that I didn't want to go visit this client - I actually like this client - and I was pretty sure it would be a good meeting. But, to travel all day for a 2 hour meeting and then just be further behind at work was not very appealing to me.

As I got off the plane, it hit me, we were in Dallas (I know - I should have realized that before). We flew through Dallas on our pick up trip for Alex, and this was the first time I had been back since then. I was pretty teary eyed as I got off the plane, as the surroundings brought back LOTS of memories.

We get to the client's office (after I picked up my boss and another work colleague at another client's location). We had to walk across this median that was grass and big stone/concrete walking stones. As we were walking (me in heels), I decided to get my Blackberry out to find the phone number of my client. (yeah - bad idea) Next thing I know, I'm on the ground - Blackberry, purse and backpack all on the ground - ankle hurting - and knee in major pain. Luckily I didn't really hurt myself, I didn't tear my pants and I wasn't bleeding. I was so embarrassed!!! (and in pain)

We had a good meeting and got back to the airport. My boss headed back to her hometown and my work colleague and I had a few hours to kill before our plane left. We were sitting eating dinner when I noticed a Dad walking with a young one. When I looked at the child, my first thought was, "I think he's from Guatemala." I couldn't stop staring.

As we were leaving the restaurant, I noticed the same little boy, but now with a mommy. I decided to be bold. I walked up to the couple and asked them if their son was born in Guatemala. They said yes and that they were coming home with him!! I immediately got out my Blackberry to share a picture of Alex with them. When I asked them where home was, they said (get this!!), Louisville!!!! Can you believe that there was a new Guatemalan Kentuckian coming home on my flight!!!! I was so excited and happy for them. They had been in the Dallas airport for almost 8 hours with a 17 month old. They were doing well, as was their little one, but they were ready to get home.

Got on the plane to go home - and had a seat all the way in the back of the plane. (which I switched to at the airport because I wanted an aisle seat) I was lucky enough to not have anyone in the middle seat, and there was a young gentleman in the window seat. We started chatting. I got out my book (Chicken Soup for the Adopted Soul - a MUST buy if you like the Chicken Soup books - I've cried many times). He saw the book I was reading and started asking some questions. I then spent almost the entire 2 hour flight talking about adoption with him. He and his wife are interested and have just started having conversations. So we talked about all the options (private domestic/foster-adopt/international) and the pros and cons of each. It was a wonderful trip home, I think he was fighting his wife on the concept (just based on some of his comments), and I think I gave him some things to think about.

As we got off the plane and out beyond security, there were about 25 people there welcoming the new little one to Kentucky and the tears started all over again.

I know for a fact that I was supposed to be in Dallas on Tuesday. I was supposed to be there to meet this new little one, and to talk to a potential prospective adoptive parent!! God is amazing!!!!