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Monday, January 31, 2011

Hello from Athens

As I type, Kathleen, Sophia and Edwin are all asleep and I am enjoying the Sofitel's free wireless; I never knew how much I missed the internet until it was shut off.

Brandon is at the Cairo airport, shuttling a mix of private American citizens and Embassy personnel onto various flights to various points throughout Europe.  We're in Athens, some went to Istanbul, some went to Bahrain, and perhaps some other places.  The rumor was that twelve planes were chartered to shuttle people out.  We were number four and arrived in Athens at 9:00 pm.  We got to our hotel at midnight.

We were all very much surprised about the evacuation, as evident by my post about the situation a few days ago, nobody thought that things would downgrade so quickly.  I wanted to stay very much, but we had some friends in the branch whose advice I trust very much strongly advise us to go, so we went.  I hoped until the very last minute that it would be called off and we could stay, but now we're here and there's no returning for thirty days.  Sometimes I catch myself thinking that perhaps it will all clear up and we can stay... but of course we're already gone.

I have a more detailed account for later, but right now I'm going to get some sleep, as it's already two in the morning.  We'll be in Athens until Wednesday, as there were no good flights until then and I'd rather spend an extra day in a hotel than ten hours in Frankfurt.

I'm strongly tempted to splurge on a babysitter and a massage after carrying fifty pounds of Edwin and backpack for most of the day today.  After all, what better use for the envelope of cash I was handed on my way out?

16 comments:

Alix Bryant said...

I was wondering if you guys had to evacuate or not. Hang in there and good luck with your travels. Are you coming back to DC?

PaulaJean said...

We're all relieved. Lots of prayers from all sorts of denominations were offered in your behalf. Now, we worry about Brandon.

Nancy said...

Lots of people didn't think it would happen this quickly, either. We had a friend in Rehab (like, the district...not like rehabilitation) and he tweeted, "Stop spreading rumors there are no looters in Rehab" and then a half hour later he was like, "Never mind, I'm on the street carrying a baseball bat with the rest of my neighbours."

Crazy stuff.

I'm glad you guys are safe! :)

Becky said...

So glad you guys are safe! I hope things go well for your husband too. Good luck with the rest of the month as well.

Alisa said...

You are superwoman to navigate the airports by yourself with 3 kids and check into a hotel with 3 kids and get all three children sleeping in a bed that is not their own with 3 kids. Did i mention I'm impressed you did all this with 3 kids? You're my hero.

sarahflib said...

Thanks for updating us, and I'm glad you're safe! I had been wondering if you would have to leave along with everyone else. Does this mean you're headed back to North Carolina for a while?

Laura said...

I'm so glad you made it out. I was praying for you.
I think you should get a babysitter, get a massage and order room service. Seriously. You deserve it.

Lydia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bridget said...

I'm glad to hear that you're ok! I've been checking your blog obsessively for an update. Try to keep us posted.

Nomads By Nature said...

Very glad to know you and the kids are safe. Will keep your hubby in prayer as he will be a super busy boy these next days. Thank God for him and all those pulling extra hours and stress levels to assist American tourists and business people/families. And he will be able to do it better knowing that his family is out of the mess there. Relax with the kids. Oh, and I say get that massage, especially if you have more flights ahead of you! Will check in on you (via blog) to know you are all well. You all are always welcome in Mozambique if Athens is too boring. :)

Shannon said...

I am so glad that you are safe. YES you should get that massage. A little mental health treatment can make the world a brighter place.

Lydia said...

Well wonderful! Nobody came to Bahrain, but we were prepared. I spent yesterday making info packets & snack packs. oh well. glad you're a-ok!

Just US said...

Glad to hear you and the kids are safe. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers with the chaos that has erupted. I know the BYU students came back early from their Egypt trip due to all the chaos.

Donna said...

Glad you're out safe. You were right to leave, regardless. I doubt your husband could do his job very well if he were worrying about his family's safety.

Brooke S. said...

Best of luck! My thoughts are with you and your family.

Domani Spero said...

I have included you in a 2011 roundup here
http://diplopundit.blogspot.com/2012/01/2011-fs-roundup-of-protests-disasters.html

Please let me know if you'd rather I omit your blog.

Thanks
Diplopundit