Today was my last day in Vancouver, and I spent all yesterday and the day before packing my bags. Early this morning at 7:30am, my mom, brother, and some of my church family were here to pray for me and to see me off.
Thanks everyone for coming!
While we were gathered around the statue before check-in, my pastor and some of my friends commented on the size of my bag. They were astounded to hear I had packed several books, including a brick-sized study bible (I already had a small one in my bag), among other things. I could barely lift the bag off the floor to haul it to the check-in counter.
It wasn't much of a surprise when, 3 hours later, I retrieved the bag with shoes and sleeping bag, which I had so carefully arranged and attached, hanging off the pack by the tips of clips and laces. The whole thing was humongous and heavy and unwieldly.
I found a corner of the airport and began rearranging my bag right there on the floor (I'm sure I already started my life of living like a hobo!) After what seemed like reconstructive surgery, I had finally extracted several shirts, tank tops, extra sunscreen and packs of tissue that I didn't need. I also took out my many books.
It's funny…I thought I had already narrowed down my belonging to the bare essentials. But when the need arose, I found I could give up more. It'll be interesting to find out what I would define as "essentials" by the end of the Race.
Mt 7 "Do not worry…about your life, what you will eat or drink…what you will wear. For your heavenly Father knows that you need them…but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
