Well, there is a reason that there is an old adage, that if something can go wrong it will.
Yes, I'm having a glass is half empty moment. There was a gate change for my connecting flight in JFK but it was not listed at the gate where I was waiting (the one it was supposed to go out of). They said they announced it. If they did I didn't hear it, and I was listening closely. Oh well. Long story short, the only flight they can put me on won't get me into Dulles until 5. The flight for South Africa leaves at 5:40...meaning I probably won't make the connection. It looks like the best they can do is fly me out the next day (5:40 tomorrow evening). I'll have to stay in DC for the night. My luggage however made the flight! So, I'll track that down when I get there.