God’s Plan

Mother’s Day in Costa Rica is 8/15. I returned to celebrate for mom. I invited Sharon*, a friend who has been eager to visit CR for a long time to join me. She wanted to go to a spa resort so for the plan for her 5 days in Costa Rica is to spend 2 days with the family and 3 days at resort, a combo of lux and local experiences.

We flied from different cities and supposed to arrive about the same time but my flight was delayed for 2 hours. When I came out, mom and her son were waiting for me but where is Sharon? They said they came early for her and asked every single lady who came out if she is Sharon but they didn’t find her. San Jose airport only has one terminal and one exit. How could she disappear? I texted and called her cell but no answer. I went to the only cafe to see if Sharon is there but no. We walked all over the airport asking the police and staff if they could let me go back in or make announcement but no. I went to her airline asking if she was actually on the flight. For security, the staff couldn’t tell me exactly but they understood the concern (a lady who didn’t speak the local language and visited a foreign country for the first time) and indicated she should be around. Where is Sharon? She didn’t know anybody here, neither arrived at the family’s house. It’s not like her, no message or answer since this morning. Last text I received was she was on her way to airport. After over an hour search and multiple texts and calls, I left Sharon one last voicemail and text to contact me, we headed home.

The family had a welcome gathering for us. Mom and I went but we don’t know where Sharon is. I tried to call and text her over the evening and still no response. Did she lose or break her phone? We considered if calling the police. Finally, I decided to call the resort to see if she arrived earlier than planned. Yes, the staff confirmed. What happened? I asked the staff to leave her a message to call me. We’re relieved, at least she is safe.

Sharon called me the next day morning and mystery reviled…She said she tried to contact me right after receiving my messages of flight delays but my phone was shut off (my boarding pass is on my phone so I wouldn’t turn it until on-board). Her neighbor passenger from Costa Rica told her that airport is dangerous, no place to wait, and my flight would be late for 3 hours (all are far from the reality). I didn’t get any of her messages including that she was heading to the resort. The wifi and phone in her room weren’t working last night. Unbelievable everything happened all at once. The resort is more than an hour away and for her to come for less than a day doesn’t seem to make sense.

Instead, we invited mom to come to the resort with me for the day and I’ll get her a Uber back home. At first, she was hesitated, part of it was that she didn’t feel well, part probably was that she would not like to travel alone. While we were walking during the day, she got a message that Sara*, a lady who works at a Swiss airline and has lived with the family will arrive tonight and leave tomorrow night, she could join the trip. Mom changed mind and invited Jorge*, a neighbor who likes walking to join as well. Perfect 4 of us got a Uber heading to the resort in Bajos de toro.

We brought Sharon lots of local fruits and she made and brought her signature biscatiti, we snacked and chatted then went walking in the forest. Mom, Sharon, and I joined a guided tour; Sara and Jorge went to see the waterfalls. We regrouped for lunch. Everybody enjoyed the food, drinks, and most importantly, the accompany. Mom said if by the original plan, she and others wouldn’t be here…a beautiful trip and new experience for her, she was very grateful for our hospitality. 

Yes, it’d be a different story. New friendship and experience that we all treasure and would remember for a long time. We’re grateful for what turned out…god’s plan.

* names changed to protect person’s privacy