Giving thanks...

What a whirlwind the last couple of days have been...packing...spending time with friends...spending time with family...repacking when I thought there was a chance it might not all be able to be checked.  Whew!  So the first leg of the move is done and I am sitting in the London Heathrow Admiral's Club enjoying a hot cup of tea and posting to my blog as I promised my friend Cindy I would.

As I sit here, I am thankful for so much that has happened during the last few days...

• thankful for parents that were willing to come and hang out with me and help me repack, just in case I could only take 3 bags.
• thankful that, even though I repacked my bags on Saturday, the man at the counter didn't even flinch when I told him I needed to check 9 bags.
• thankful that the man behind the counter only charged me for 5, when he could have charged me for 6 (I was to get three free already....thank you British Airways). After learning that I would be traveling to Africa, he said that all of the atheists should be gathered up and sent to Africa.  He believed that surely after seeing the people and the work being done there that their hard hearts might be changed for Christ.  Sweet thought.... 
• thankful for great friends that joined my parents at the airport to see me off.  This was a special time of laughing (and crying) and praying before working my way through check-in and onto the plane.  These sweet friends and family helped me stay focused and didn't allow me to be a blubbering mess for too long!
• thankful for the shower that I was able to take once I arrived at London Heathrow and even more thankful for the friend that helped to make that happen!
• thankful for the many well wishes and prayers from friends and family that I found on Facebook once I was able to hit Wi-Fi again!

But most importantly, I am thankful for how my God has continued to be found even in the smallest details.  I have no doubt that he is the one that gathered that group of friends and family at the airport.  I have no doubt that he is the one that opened up the line that led to the man behind the BA counter.  I have no doubt that he is the one that sustained me and cared for me in the last few days, at the airport, on the first leg of the flight and even now as I sit in a very comfy recliner awaiting my next flight (did I mention it is 11 hours???).

I am so thankful for each of you that will be going on this journey with me (and if you are following my adventures, you are with me).  I have no doubt that I will have many adventures to share.....happy, sad, frustrating and rewarding....and I also believe that this adventure wouldn't even be possible without you!

So for now, I will say cheerio...I will relax for a little while longer....and prep for the next long leg of travel!  See you once I reach the other side of the equator!