Yesterday, I spent about 4 disappointing hours at the airport. I was set to go to Kenya and teach/serve at a conference outside of Nairobi. My flight took off late. I had packed my bags and was ready to go. Cindy dropped me off and I went to check in. They would not let me. I did not have the right documents to travel to Kenya. I suggested that I was not going directly to Kenya, but was first traveling to Doha, Qatar. I was hoping that the right document would arrive by the time I landed in Doha. 'No,' was the firm answer.
I need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for Kenya. They would not let me on the plane without it. I have had a long complicated journey of getting the paperwork submitted (another story). The process can take 72 hours and I only had 36 hours between submission and flight. It did not go well.
The system did have a way to check to see where your paperwork was in the process. Mine said, "in process." I kept looking at that word. I went back to the email and clicked on the link. No change. Hour by hour I checked.
Now I am sitting at the airport in a dark and dingy corner hoping that the word will change. I feel like one of those rats in an experiment. Maybe if I push it one more time it will work. Refresh, look at the word "in process." Look at it longer. Pray that it changes.
Push refresh, look again. Give up and walk away. Wait an hour and try again. Then realize that it has only been 3 minutes. Push refresh again and again.
The plane left without me. I went to the counter and rebooked my flight. I will return in 24 hours to try again. I drove home frustrated and a little depressed. I got home in the early morning and then fell into my bed. I was certain when I woke up that the eTA would be issued.
Light was streaming through the window as I checked the email. No change. I closed my eyes. I waited hours. I opened them and tried again. Same result. I got up. I watched church. I checked. No change. I worked out. I checked. No change. I cleaned up. No change. I watched church. I checked. "Application Approved."
Big sigh of relief.
I will head back to the airport and start my journey tonight. Thanks to all who prayed.
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