It was about five in the morning…
The stars were out in troves that night. They shone timidly in the early morning skies, flickering their final goodbyes from their perch above my house. Breathe in, breathe out. The air was crisp and fresh inside my lungs; the last few tastes of New England before the great departure. Bodies rushed in and out of the fragmented patches of light being cast from the kitchen, resembling a sort of strobe light effect. Last minute trinkets, questioning, double checking, squabbling, triple checking, hurrying out the door…
At last, there are the five expected humans, correct luggage plus canine situated inside our chariot, the Forester. A rush of excitement courses through me as I realize this will be the last time for a long time that I'll be exiting this driveway. The World Race was about to start.
We thanked the Lord for the incredible opportunity He had set before my family and I. Thankfulness brimmed to the ceiling as we drove to Bradley airport, filling the car with the our conversation with God. Blessings fell upon each member of the family, the most uplifting feeling: to care about others in such a way that we bless not ourselves in the light of change, but them. Love communicated to each person: a most perfect send off.
Step back out into the chilled environment. It's time. Photos 1-17 accomplished. Hug it out. Good bye, good bye, good bye. I love you so much. God bless you even more than that. Hug it out one more time. Final wave… No turning back.
Wait in line, flight information seeping into the cracks on the back of my hand. Time creeps by ever so slowly as the bag finds its way into the airporter. Time to fumble for the wallet, stuffed down somewhere in my day pack. Shell out USD for one year's worth of luggage. Tickets in hand. Walking. Waiting.
Boarding, now. The classic confined seating greets me with expectancy and added anticipation. We then sail through the atmosphere to Philadelphia, skimming along the surface of clouds evocative of Heaven itself. Sunshine congregates on their silver linings and in the corners of my mind. Up and away, I now embrace my title of intentional vagabond, living not for myself but for those whom I am about to serve. Anticipation welling up inside, driving forward towards refinement, intentionality and love like never before.
Down, pause, up again. This plane is far smaller; feels a little homey, almost. Washington DC comes up faster than expected, iPod gone untouched. The pavement feels animated beneath my Chcao clad feet, springing with life immeasurably, nearly taunting me that North America still has a hold on me for these next four days. Hello, IAD. Hello, Holiday Inn. Hello, Launch.
World Race, it's time.
