The Narrow Escape

Yesterday at about 4:45 we were headed to the airport to drop off my in-laws who were headed home. It is about a forty-five minute drive...depending on traffic. We loaded the car... Andy driving, his Dad in the passenger seat, me behind Dad and Mom next to me...we were pretty squished in there with all the stuff we had to take and had TONS of suitcases in the pick-up. Andy and I have made this trip several times and Andy has become a very confident driver.

We were joking around having a good time...and came to stop at an intersection that we ALWAYS pass through. It was rush hour and very hot. Tons of people walking as well as driving.  We stopped at the light and I caught a glimpse of a cop standing in the intersection scanning through the crowds of people. His eyes suddenly came to rest on our very full car of gringos. He looked from Dad to me (he was on our side) and then he began walking towards the car. My thought was that I wasn't wearing my seat belt...but then I remembered that there was not a seat belt to wear. :) He asked Andy for his papers and Andy passed over what he had. I don't think the police man knew what Andy's international drivers license was... He asked us to pull along the side of the road...basically double park as he decided what to do about the situation.

Andy and I don't have our year visas yet...they are still in processing...Turns out...Andy and I were supposed to carry with us at all times a certain document that states that our papers are en transito...The police man (Alfonso) was very upset...and there was much discussion about what should be done. It was clear that Mom and Dad could miss their flight and once Alfonso heard this he wanted them to go ahead and take the car, leaving Andy and I  with him to resolve this whole thing...well, THANK THE LORD FOR PARENTS...they did not leave us and just kept assuring the guy that we didn't have that paper and that it was with our lawyer in Cochabamba and that Andy and I would NEVER leave the gate again without it...no good. We got on the phone with the mission lawyer in Coch and he talked to Alfonso...there was really nothing he could do except go get Andy out of Interpol (police station) later...so...Alfonso got in the already squished vehicle and we headed to Interpol. By this time I was on the verge of tears and so incredibly embarrassed and SCARED. My main thought was..."ok...no matter what just DON'T let them take Andy away! Stay with Andy!"

***

A few blocks later we dropped Alfonso off...and he gave us directions to the airport (cough cough). We thanked him for his help and PROMISED we would get that entransito visa paper right away from our lawyer and we would never leave the gate without that ever again.

All I have to say is THANK YOU LORD that we had people who knew what they were doing in the car with us. Dad is a very good communicator and it was by his help we were able to avoid any serious implications for not having our proper paperwork.

Andy's parents made their flight home safely...and Andy and I very CAREFULLY took the drive back. All I said about anything at the end of the evening was... "I want to go home." :)  But God has us here through good days and bad days. He's definitely watching over us! I'm thankful my husband didn't get imprisoned...and that was definitely a good lesson to learn. ALWAYS HAVE YOUR PAPERS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES! ALWAYS! =)

sorry no pictures...I didn't think that would be the wisest thing to do at the moment. ;)