halfway!

Hello from what my computer says is 3:53 am but what is I think around 10 am in Brussels. I AM SO TIRED! I didn't initially realize that there was a layover in Brusels (refueling probs) and that I was going to kiiiind of be in Europe too! So far the journey has been very smooth and I am hoping that I can survive 12-13 more hours tonight on a plane and then another 10 hour layover before my last flight out. Needless to say, I already feel disgusting and am dying to shower. I have to hurry because my 6 Euro Internet sesh is going to expire here pretty soon. Special thanks to everyone who came to the airport and made an effort to call me to say goodbye, to pray with me, to see me off, etc. I am so excited to almost finally be here!! 


Some highlights from the past few days (I wanted to include my pics of these things, but I am running out of time and they keep making announcements for things like drink vouchers and stuff?)


-A weekend in Asheville with Alyssa

-A most delicious final American meal prepared especially from my sweet mama

-A visit from my pops

-About a thousand calls which have definitely made me feel super loved and slightly celeb status
-Only going $100 dollars over on overweight luggage charges. Respectable!

-The send off group at the airport and all the goodies and notes I got

-This deserves it's own category: The Sour Jelly Beans from Steph, which are sadly almost gone. oops!
-My final Starbucks frap

-The super friendly guy I sat beside on this first plane overseas who graciously invited me to stay with his family overnight for my extremely long layover (Don't worry mom I kindly refused), but he was being super hospitable and I appreciated that of course!
-The first ethnic meal I ate on the flight- and I could aaaaccctually kind of handle the spice! It was fruit, rice, some kind of smashed up bean sitch, wine and this really yummy bread-ish thing! I did it!

-The extremely presh flight attendants- they were way sweeter than American ones I thought! And were decked out in these official looking uniforms.


Ok... there is definitely more, but I have to bounce over to South Asia. The time has come and I can't wait! Talk to you soon!! Love you all!


abbreve of the day/morning/night/whatever time it is right now: Unfortch. Stephanie Gray special. Love it!


xoxoxo

bedazzle

The most recent packing hurdle I have been trying to jump over is how to minimize and pack my footwear.  You can probably imagine it being a challenge for me to narrow down my colorful and fabulous fifty (plus) something options down to a reasonable few to take with me to the third world. In the spirit of being natch, slightly crunchy and investing in a worthy cause, I decided to do something I have never considered before. AND NO THAT IS NOT CHACOS. I went to toms.com and perused the online selection. I figure they are comfortable, earthy, good for when the weather is a little cooler, and will match with most of my clothes. After spending some time weighing my options and oscillating between green and dark grey, this is the pair I obviously ended up ordering:



The perfect pair. Natch with a lot of sparkle- didn't even know that existed! I figured if I can't have a wedge, let alone a heel, then glitter is the way to go. Healthy balance? I think so.

Next post: Things I will miss. Stay tuned :)

preparation

'By our love' by Christy Nockels-

"Brothers, let us come together
Walking in the Spirit, there's much to be done
We will come reaching, out from our comforts
And they will know us by our love.

Sisters, we were made for kindness
We can pierce the darkness as He shines through us
We will come reaching, with a song of healing
And they will know us by our love.

The time is now
Come Church arise
Love with His hands
See with His eyes
Bind it around you,
Let it never leave you,
And they will know us by our love

Children, You are hope for justice,
Stand firm in the Truth now, set your hearts above
You will be reaching, long after we're gone,
And they will know you by your love."


The last few days have been very meaningful in terms of preparation for this trip. Saturday night I watched the movie "Trade," which, although it is extremely disturbing, paints a realistic portrait of what happens to girls trafficked into the US. It was hard to watch but I think that anyone interested in learning more about this issue should watch it. 


I have some pretty wonderful news. Called I am finished raising support! I can't believe how little time it took to come up with $20,000 and I am forever grateful and beyond overwhelmed at peoples' selfless and sacrificial gifts. It has been a challenge to really put myself in a place where I sent out the letters and trusted God with the response- but of course He has provided for me above what I needed and in His perfect timing. Thank you to everyone who is praying for me and for my experience in South Asia. Please keep these precious girls in your prayers- that God would give them hope and that IJM would be able to rescue them quickly and effectively. 


This is my last week at Lucky 32 and I am really sad about it! It has been such a fun experience (once I got through the rigorous training!) to learn a new skill and work a job that I have always thought would be perfect for me and my personality. The people there have been so friendly and fun to get to know and I am going to miss everyone :( 


Have a wonderful day!! 


Love love love, L