I am sweaty, out of breath, not sure what time it is…
My heart is beating out of my chest, did I say I’m SWEATY? and…
… I’m totally covered by God’s grace.
Because God’s grace is the only way I can explain that I made this RIDICULOUS connection. (God would still be good if I hadn’t made it; I’m not saying God gives grace because a good thing happened. I’m just saying that He gave me some major favor today!)
So thank you for praying and covering me…because as I write this, I am MIRACULOUSLY in my seat on a flight to MALAGA!!
(Sweaty and crazed-looking, but I am here. So is my passport, phone, and most of my brain. Wait… ok, yep. I am here.)
Here are some tips I have for ridiculous travel, like this one.
(Making a 35 minute connection…. landing in Madrid, going through passport control, a 5 minute train ride to anther terminal, going through security, and SPRINTING to LITERALLY THE LAST GATE in the entire airport. Got my cardio in, running with about 30 pounds of stuff on my back.)
1. Tell people you’re trying to make a connection. Most people understand and are helpful or will let you go past them in lines. (And if not, just do it anyway. Ain’t nobody got time for this. But everyone was nice to me.)
2. Look crazy and run with a purpose. People will get out of your way and look at you like, “Wow, I’m sure glad that’s not me.”
3. Get a carryon bag that moves well (I.e. Backpack, side bag, etc.) or those suitcases that roll standing up. Practice running with it. Literally.
4. Wear hoes that are easy to take off for security and easy to run in! (Also, keep laptops, liquids, and other things you’d need to take out of your bag in a really easy-to-reach place.
5. Don’t go to the bathroom or stop for any reason whatsoever. Period. Ever.
6. Pray literally every second. Anxiety is a lie. God can do anything.
7. Then give thanks when God does the miracle of getting you there…
8. …and give a yell for joy (I suggest, “GRACIAS, DIOS!!”) like a crazy person with the two other girls who also showed up sweaty and crazy, running onto the plane.
(And if you don’t make it, chill. It’s not the end of the world! You’re okay! There are other flights! Two girls in my class missed our flight, but they’re still on their way 🙂 God’s got this! Find opportunity in a bad situation)
9. Plan ahead. Only worry about moving around the airport. I feel like that’s obvious, but still: check in ahead of time, print your own boarding passes, check your checked bags all the way through if possible, download important info to your phone (I even download airport maps and my flight numbers ahead of time). Bring snacks and water so you don’t have to stop for it, let people know your travel plans ahead of time so you don’t have to stop to be on the phone or get wifi, dress comfy cute so you can move! Keep important documents or necessary items in an easy-to-grab location, know the weight & size requirements for carry ons, look up connecting flight info beforehand or ASAP when you land.
10. Aways just ask people for help or information!
11. Wear deodorant. Duh.
12. Rock your travel day! (And apologise to your seat-mate for being a sweaty mess. But secretly fist pump because you freaking made it.)
13. If it doesn’t work out, it’s still gonna work out! God’s just got a different journey planned!
Thanks, God! I kind of think He stopped time for a few minutes, just for me.
Now, we roll into a gorgeous place over deep blue waters, white and cream colored brick buildings nestled into a valley of wise mountains. And I breathe deeply in the love and grace and the unbelievable reality that God has entrusted me with so much….I exhale all the greats and anxieties about what is to come, who I will meet, what I will become, what I will do, how this whole thing will play out….
He goes ahead of us.
He is the wind in my sails.
I’m just saying yes to the voyage.
I am still about $600 shy of my first semester’s tuition here at G42! I am so excited to learn from and with such an amazing group of leaders, who truly prepare each intern for a LIFE of service to those in need, bringing God’s Kingdom, going after the dreams and desires of their hearts, creating community, and recklessly loving people. To support my first leg of this journey and join my team, click HERE. (Select: “Intern” and put my name in the “Appealed By” box. THANK YOU to those of you already on my team!!)
