Leaving on a Jet Plane...

I wrote this earlier... but I didnt want to pay for the connection at the airport...

Happy Birthday Dad!

What a great day so far! I was late leaving for the airport plus I had to stop to get my Dad’s present. I know… you’re thinking there is nothing like waiting till the last minute… but in my defense I was getting him Del Taco (they don’t have them in Texas) and that is a gift that is much better when it is purchased close to the time of consumption! So all three suitcases and a curbside check-in later I find myself with plenty of time to kill at the LAX airport. That is a good thing considering they changed our gate and it looks like it will be changing again soon.

Well last night was awesome! I went to the Campus Crusade for Christ meeting CRU 727. Last night was testimony night and three students shared how God is working in their lives. It was so cool to see how each speaker had a different story yet similar struggles – trusting God and giving it all to him! I think for some time I kept hearing testimonies where the person speaking had experienced struggles and had come to God and now their life was better for it. It appeared that was the end of the story and all that they would share – this pattern of it was hard and ugly but then I trusted God and now all is better. Is that the truth?Yes, it is better but is all better? I never connected with that. Yes, it was bad and ugly and now I have turned to God – but it is in no way all better. It is still hard for me. Moments in my life are still ugly (I know and trust that they will give way to something better). My life is the whole rose - thorns and all. I still struggle with completely trusting God. Last night it was a relief to hear that I am not alone in my imperfections. I was to a point where I felt like people kept mentioning to me that all my experiences, the hurts and joys, would add to my testimony and no offense I don’t want to wait to tell it I want to tell it now. I know that there is so much room for growth in my life and I am just thankful that I have been given this chance.

Oh another GREAT note!!! My friend Shyla was offered a Stint position in Japan for next year! I am so excited for her! I can’t wait to hear all that Japan has to offer her and all that she has to offer Japan. I think that I am going to hide things in Japan for her to find! Umm that might prove to be difficult but fun none the less! I am so happy for her and extremely thankful for her friendship.

People watching at the airport is incredibly interesting. There are so many differences among the crowd! It reminds me of the opening scene of Love Actually. Okay Boarding Call… I’m leaving on a jet plane…