Writing from Seatac

Writing from Seatac at the Air France gate, reflecting on what a wild 10 days we had before departure! It was a series of unexpected hurdles, punctuated by moments made magnificent by friends. Let’s see, the Friday before, Cam had lost his credit card. He was due to leave on a major trip to Africa this Friday at 6 a.m. At least he had his passport, which he’d had to overnight to Washington, D.C. the week before. We had gotten through Moving Sale #2, wherein not a lot had sold but a massive flow of STUFF downward and out to the garage had resulted, which was very positive. A steady outward flow ensued, with a parade of trips to various charities and the recycling place over the next week.

Monday we found out that UCLA did not grant Ben a parking permit. We had given him Tom’s Mazda, which we had driven to San Francisco, and parked at Aunt Margaret’s house awaiting his return from Zambia.

Tuesday we were honored by a wonderful gathering of friends at Laura and Greg Grimstad’s house. The food was excellent, the weather perfect, and it was small enough that you could really talk to everyone. What wonderful friends we have! More on that to come.

Because Cam’s credit card had been lost, the plane reservation for his flight from Africa to Beirut had not gone through, so we had to fax my credit card and ID to Ethiopian Airlines, Meanwhile, we were still waiting to hear back from Botswana about the safari the boys were planning to take. Numerous emails had gone unanswered. Ben and one of the other volunteers in the Zambian refugee camp were counting on Cam to arrange the trip, and only three days remained before Cam’s departure. Finally, on Wednesday, they responded. Cam had to get to the bank to wire money for the trip.

Wednesday we found out that both our car and homeowner’s insurance would be canceled. This despite assurances a month earlier that there would be no problem. So Ben not only has no parking but can’t tag on to our insurance, but he has a car loaded with his stuff in a city 8 hours drive from his school… We emailed him, sent the title to Aunt Margaret, and wished them well in finding some solution to that dilemma. With five days to go before we left for Beirut, there was nothing more we could do. As for our van, we debated trying to sell it, but decided to leave it in the garage and try to reinstate the insurance next summer, cancelling it when we leave again. As for the house insurance, we were referred to an agent for renter’s insurance, which we got, at nearly twice the former rate, requiring a trip to Seattle, avoiding the closure of multiple lanes of I-5, to deliver a power of attorney, which we had to formulate, along with pictures of the house, and other documents. We were treated to dinner by the Kirbawys. Lovely time at East West Café.

More than once, friends stopped by with gifts of packing boxes and offers to help. Honestly, if you every need to know how rich you are, leave a place and see how your friends turn out to support you! It’s been just amazing.

On Thursday we sold the Toyota. I felt as if I was moving in circles, but the shelves were becoming more bare and the six bins we were packing in were filling, so I must have been accomplishing something. Cam’s credit card arrived, 18 hours before his departure. Ben called from Zambia and was shocked at the price of the safari, much higher than quoted. The woman who had wanted to go with them couldn’t afford it at that price. Calls and emails to Zambia. Thursday evening we went to dinner with Cam’s friend Sam’s family and his new girlfriend Jessie. Another lovely time!

Friday we woke at 3:00 A.M. to propel Cam to the airport for his 6 am flight. Allowing 1 ½ hours was not sufficient; Tom watched Cam sprint down the hallway to the gate, clutching his bag and his pants, with five minutes to spare before departure. He made it, we found out, because he called us at 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning from Johannesburg, when his credit card didn’t work. Saturday. The bank wouldn’t open until Monday. In his first days there, he was going through all the back up cash he had brought for his two month trip in Africa.

Saturday morning three of Cam’s friends came to move the furniture to the second floor. It took them two hours. Saturday afternoon the Ukrainian refugee ladies took over, cleaning for three hours. But there was still alot to do.

Sunday afternoon the Hunters stopped by to bring us treats, help if they could, and say goodbye. Shortly afterwards the dishwasher refused to drain and Tom got out the snake.
No luck. Kris still feverishly packing. Laura Grimstad called to see if we would like to have pizza, and could they help in any way? Her timing was exquisite… Laura called for pizza and the marines: Greg and Laura and Greg and Amy all came. Tom went to rent an electric snake, and all went to work on the clogged drain, packing, deep cleaning of the of the kitchen, weighing the 10 suitcases we were taking (up to 80 lbs!), and more. It was fun, and magical too, to have to many helping hands. We really couldn’t have made it out the door without all the help.

Monday we were greeted at 8:00 with hot coffee and pastries by Amy Hunter, Angel in training. At 9:01 we were at the bank, getting Cam’s situation straightened out. At 11:00 Kevin Grimstad loaned his muscles power to weigh the bags. Only one came in under 50 pounds so the jettisoning began: out went the chess set, the Thai food and the crayons. Next it was the big French dictionary and the snowshoes. Ah, but this allowed room for my pillow and Harry Potter.

Off to the airport, Laura our chauffeur. Hard to believe we actually made it! And all 12 bins and bags fit in the car. Things went very well at the airport. They didn’t charge us for overweight bags. Laura captured our last US moments on camera, and we headed off to security, where we and our carryon bags were thoroughly searched. I guess it was the Beirut destination. Or maybe the sleep deprived look.

Huge sigh of relief getting on the airplane. Charles de Gaule airport in Paris, sprawling, crowded and yet chic—so French. More to come……..