Delivery!

May 9th, 2020| Topic: RaMbLeS | 0

With COVID-19, many Americans were caught unawares as they were traveling abroad. They were stuck, as most flights were canceled.

Among these was a friend of mine, a missionary in India. I’ll let her tell the story ….

“My plans for staying in India were disrupted by the coronavirus. I was given a choice by the US government to return home on a flight that would be chartered out of Chennai. After seeking advice from my friends and family I let the US embassy know that I would take up the offer and pay the $2000 when billed.”

Said the official letter from the Consul General of the USA:

In cooperation with the Government of India, the United States Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate General in Chennai, India, are currently organizing a voluntary humanitarian repatriation of U.S. citizens to the United States.”

“I got my confirmation that I would be on the first plane out of Chennai, and I was told I was high priority. I wondered why, then realized that it was because of all those candles I had been blowing out year after year. I was grateful somebody cared.”

“India was in lockdown, and moving around Chennai was strictly prohibited, but the Consul’s official letter helped. I stuck the letter on the windshield so the police could see the US embassy seal. As my nephew drove me to the airport, I felt I was in a US Government-marked vehicle. We zipped to the airport in less than 30 minutes. I felt privileged!”

All Indian authorities are hereby requested to provide holders of U.S. passports safe passage without any let or hindrance to their port of embarkation. For that purpose, we are requesting to exempt them from any restrictions on public movement or crossing State or District boundaries that are currently imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Wondering where I should go once at the airport, I spotted Old Glory flying proudly … in an Indian airport terminal! I was moved to tears as I recalled what I’ve oft sung: ‘The flag was still there.’ Yes, it was! Excitement and a sense of pride in being an American marked my assurance that I was indeed a US citizen. And I was going home.”

The Consul General:

“Your cooperation in allowing a speedy and safe repatriation of the following individuals is very much appreciated.”

“The US embassy staff warmly received us Americans with smiles as they formed a reception line in the hot airport. On board the chartered flight, the pilot told us ours was the only plane is the sky. What an honor!”

“After a grueling 38 hours hopping on and off four aircraft, I finally landed at DFW, where I was pleasantly greeted by a smiling Texas State Trooper in uniform.“

“I was home! God bless the USA!”

The time of my departure has come.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course,
I have kept the faith; in the future
there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day;
and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:6–8

As I write my way through a commentary on the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus), I was struck by another repatriation!

The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed,
and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom;
to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:18

Repatriated! Home! Soon … and very soon!