Delay + Missed Connection = New Friend

Leaving L.A. our flight was delayed for at least an hour, because of some electrical problems (how comforting, right?). We sat in the hot airplane while ground crews tried to figure out what was going on. We finally headed to Salt Lake. When we arrived, we discovered that we had missed our connecting flight to Boise. We were slightly disappointed because we had been looking forward to seeing our kiddos that evening. The airlines accommodated us and extended our vacation for one more night. They set us up with vouchers for a shuttle, hotel stay and food. They put us up in the Comfort Suite Hotel, close to the SLC airport. The room was about 3 times the size of our cruise ship "stateroom" (cabin). It was nice to be able to stretch out. While in the airport, an Asian girl (from Taiwan)approached us. She had been on our flight and had also missed her connecting flight to Seattle. We found out that she had only been in the United States for a year and was still learning English. She asked for our assistance in understanding what was going on. She was confused by missing her flight and didn't understand the idea of voucher. We took her under our wing and made a new friend. We stayed in the same hotel, went to dinner together and helped her get set up with a wake-up call and ride to the airport, the next morning.

Her name is Hsiao-Chi (pronounced Sh-owe Shee). She was a lot of fun to get to know and to hang out with. We shared stories and laughed together that evening. She has a great sense of humor.

Here's the little restaurant we ate dinner at and got to know Hsiao-Chi better.

Although we don't know what the future holds, both Jason and I felt like this evening was no accident. Things happen because they are meant to happen.