Leaving on a Jet Plane

Since leaving Wenatchee on Tuesday morning, I have seen the Lord working through my travels to protect me, comfort me, and keep me! For instance, before I even left Pangborn airport, I decided to read some letters that I had been given by a few friends. Stupid idea! I was fine while I sat there waiting for the plane but as soon as I started reading the kind words that my close friends had written me, I lost it. I left to compose myself but, when I returned to the boarding gate my puffy eyes gave my emotions away. A lady who was sitting behind me turned around and saw that I had been crying. I didn't say anything to her but she just looked at me and said, "I know how you feel. I do it every year. It get's easier." This was so helpful to hear and I boarded the plane without a tear in my eyes. Sure enough this kind lady was sitting right next to me on the plane. God is so good!

Flight two, Seattle to Minneapolis... I only cried once when, "Leaving on a jet plane" by John Denver played as my ipod was on shuffle. If you've never heard that song, look it up and you'll understand. Instant tears. I sat next to a girl who had just graduated from college and was flying to London by herself as well. Striking up a conversation, I quickly learned that she was a foreign exchange student to France when she was my age. We had a lot in common and sitting by her helped me to get excited for my time abroad. God is so good!

Flight three, from Minneapolis to London... I sat next to a grandfatherly older man who has flown to England three times a year for the past 30 years! He grew up in England and told me all about the customs process that I would encounter upon UK entry, which I was nervous about. His help calmed my nerves. God is so good!

I landed in London. Walked right up to the customs gate without having to wait in a que, because if you enter the UK as a student, you have your own line. The border patrol guy who checked my passport and documents was super nice. He even asked what my future plans were when I returned to the States! Everything went smoothly and I am so thankful!

It's one in the morning, and I fear the time change is going to be difficult to get used to! But tomorrow will be a very exciting, jam-packed day of sightseeing, and I know I will have many stories to share afterwords...

God is always good!

Beginning the Adventure...

I leave for England in 6 days! Nervous? Yes! Excited? Also yes. I plan on using my blog to share my stories, experiences, challenges, and of course, adventures! I can't wait to see how God uses me over there, and changes me into a greater servant for His kingdom! I started packing today and I realized that it's going to be difficult. Nothing I can't handle however, there might be some sitting on the luggage to fit it all in and some definite praying that my carry-on is actually allowed as such. It's harder then I thought it would be because I don't know what to expect. I've never lived in England before. With limited room at the school, I have to really make sure that what I bring is practical. I can't bring all of my coats(I have a thing for winter coats in case you didn't know) and I can only bring one pair of heels. Heartbreaking, I know. I started packing, and I didn't get far. As you can see, I got a little distracted...

Side note- I've always wanted to own a cute vintage boutique! I had a lot of fun with this... (It's supposed to be ridiculous, if you didn't catch that)

These are things that I'm bringing to England with me. I got the rain boots and the luggage for my birthday so now I'm set! I'm really glad that I know my parents love me because I can't think of many other cases where giving your kid a set of suitcases for their 18th birthday would be considered an act of love. Thankfully, in this case it is! I know that as I leave the country I go with the prayers, encouragements, and blessings of everyone back home. This picture shows what I'm taking with me but, it doesn't show what I'm leaving behind. Even though I'm excited for my adventures abroad, part of my heart, a big part, will always be at home with my family, friends, at The River Academy, and with everyone who has been involved somehow in my life! If you fit into this category, which if you're reading this then you probably do, know that I will be thinking and missing you as I'm away.

This is a quote from the amazing book on the ground in the picture. "The human side in us fears the unknown, Lord. Give us the faith we need to step out of our dim caves and into your guiding light." -Corrie Ten Boom 'Each New Day'. I would covet any prayers over the next week as I seek this faith mentioned and trust in God for all I need.

And that reminds me, I still have to pack!