Recently I was reminded of an experience I had over thirty years ago, during my first year as a student of Christian Science. My husband had been invited to South America to take part in an international athletic contest. After it was over, other members of the team returned home, but my husband and I were invited to stay in an adjoining country for ten more days. On our return to the country that had sponsored the contest, we were advised to depart immediately because of a political situation. But a strike of all airlines had just been instigated by the government, and no planes were allowed to leave. We immediately went to the consulate of a neighboring country for visas enabling us to cross the river by boat, enter that neighboring country, and then fly out.
While my husband did other business, he left me at the appropriate office. I filled out the form and presented it with our passports. The official at the desk told me it would be three or four days coming through, and to return then.
As I sat there, awaiting my husband's arrival, the prospect of three or four more days in this situation suddenly alarmed me. Funds had terminated when our teammates had returned home, and we were alone in a strange country.
