Good morning! First of all THANK YOU for all your prayers, support, and help while I prepared for and went on my mission trip to Zimbabwe. Our family has been genuinely overwhelmed by all that has been done for us. I am hoping to type my day by day journal entries on here within the next week or so that you will all be able to share in my experiences. Keep in mind, that there are 15 days of journal entries and some are more lengthy than others - so I will get them typed as I have time, however I SO want to share my experiences, thoughts, feelings and what the Lord taught me through this with each of you so I will get them up.
Sunday 9/12
Started the morning early at home with all those last minute things that come with any trip: toiletries, checking bags for weight, music on the mp3 player, etc.
Saying good bye to the kids was a little harder than I thought it would be. I have never left them for more than a week beofre and certainly not out of the country! However, we made it through and went to church.
Church was simply AMAZING! Although not perfect by any means - our church family at Bayfield is truly wonderful and supportive. Everyone was so supportive and encouraging, although I am not sure they knew what to think of Joel keeping the kids by himself for two weeks!!! I know that Joel will do GREAT and have no problems but they weren't so sure. Pastor Randy concluded the service with a prayer/commissioning for Tab and I. Once again I was overwhelmed by the love and support of our church. The prayers were heartfelt and sincere. I almost made it through without crying but when Dani prayed - my heart was broken. I know that she so wanted to go on this trip and yet I also know that God needed her at home for her kids and the baby on the way.
I must say, a HUGE part of me wanted her here too! I had envisioned this amazing experience with her, Tab and I but God is revealing more and more to me that HE is all I need and with Him , the life I experience is truly awesome! I am leaning on Him 100% this trip and that is how it should be!
After church, Tab and I said all our final goodbyes and loaded up in the car with Joel. We made incredible time, reaching Grand Junction at 4;00. Joel and I have never had real emotional goodbyes or anything but it was still a little hard not to have him coming with me.
At the airport, we met up with Tobey (Dani's Dad), Cynthia (16) and Katie (14). After checking in, we headed for security. I have flown plenty but going through security still gives me chills. Fortunately, with the exception of losing a ring (I dropped it) peanut butter and sunscreen being confiscated (Cynthia's and Tab's) - we all made it through fine!
The flight to Salt Lake was short and sweet. No real issues. However, it was during this flight that I experienced my first panic attack of sorts. I had learned that the reason I hadn't found the recommended medicine I needed was that I had accidently been told the wrong name. I also had the realization that this was REAL - I was going to another continent. Immediately, my mind reeled with all the worst case scenerios - illnesses, injuries, kids getting hurt, etc. Yet, as quick as these thoughts hit me - I heard almost immediately the still small voice of my Father "I am here and you are fine." The panic eased!
Salt Lake was certainly an experience - I have never had a 6 hr layover in an airport! We had fun though and made the best of it. We definitely got to know each other and the memories began being made. Dinner was a riot! Tab asking the waiter if the fries were "fresh" and Katie mixing up onions and mushrooms when talking to the waiter. After dinner, we met up with Judy (pastor's wife from Norwood), Dorothy (Tobey's secretary at church), and Dave (Dorothy's husband). Other things that we did included cards and wheel chair racing (me falling on my face)! LOL.
Monday 9/13
At last, 12:00 a.m. we began the boarding process for our flight to Atlanta. Although physically exhausted I was unable to sleep on this 3 hr flight. Tab and I talked some but pretty uneventful.
Uneventful that is until we landed! All of us had to gate check our carry-ons due to space issues. We had to pick them up at baggage claim. Everyone's was there except for Cynthia's. Talk about panic! Her medicine, money, contact solution, etc was in that bag. After waiting almost 2 hours we went to the hotel. I had already began the prayer chain by calling Joel and we prayed the bag would arrive.
At the hotel, we all got some MUCH needed rest. It was strange going to bed at 9:00 in the morning but my body was ready!
One thing that I woke up SO excited about was meeting and encouraging the pastor's wives. I am just so anxious to hug them and encourage them!
After sleeping and taking a HOT shower - it was back to the airport. Praises!!! Cynthia's bag was there waiting!
We again checked in and went through security with minimum issues. In Atlanta, we met up with Tim (worship leader friend of Tobey) who completed our team of 9!
Excitement was my biggest emotion as I waited to board the plane to South Africa! There was still some fear of illness but mostly an overwhelming excitement to be there and begin the work!
Now, I am on the plane for the long 15 hour flight and taking time to journal. Joshua 1:9 is our ministry verse and my verse for this trip - Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!
2 comments:
I have never had a struggle like this. I struggled the whole time you were gone over staying home and not being there. I know the lesson He is teaching me but I was on that trip the best way I could be!! Sorry about the mix up on the meds! They didn't spell it out for me very well!
You know what? The mix up on the meds was a growing experience for me and I truly believe it was God's plan. He knew that if I had the correct medicine I would have reliance on modern medicine and not the Great Physician! It was a wonderful lesson in trust!
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