Because the travel to training camp was epic on it’s own, here’s a recap of some of the incredible stories I posted on social media —
This is us at the airport at 6:30 am this morning, with 3 hours of sleep (lots of packing and repacking and packing again), waiting to board a flight that I wasn’t initially supposed to be on (booked less than 12 hours ago), and on the phone with American Airlines to change a connecting flight that I know a little in advance that I’m going to miss. As it’s looking now, I won’t arrive to my final destination until around midnight (of course there’s lots of time for those plans to change too). Full day of travel ahead. Maybe flexibility is one of the first lessons He has planned for me. Y’all would not believe all of the hoops I’ve had to jump to make this trip to training camp happen. I’m being tested for sure. But here’s me, still smiling. Not having a meltdown (yet). And trusting that God has a most perfect plan already set aside for me.
Shoutout to my mama who’s been the real MVP the past few days. She put me in place yesterday as I was expressing lots of concern about training – worried about food, amount I can pack, cold showers, etc. She looked at me and said “Jess, this trip isn’t about you. Don’t forget why you’re doing this.” I shut up. I teared up (y’all I have been extra emotional). And I have my eye on the prize in my heart. Don’t know what I’d do without you, mom!
YOU GUYS!! Remember that flight that I was never supposed to be on? I was wrong. Was definitely meant to be on that flight.
With 3 hours of sleep, I was ready to pass out as soon as I boarded the plane. But nah, He had different plans for me (lately sleep has not been a part of those plans). His plan included Debbie, the lady I sat next to on the flight. We talked from takeoff to landing. She’s a God fearing woman, who just recently took in a homeless 23 year old. She gave me so much wisdom during the 55 minutes I had with her. She was on the way to Alaska to meet her grandson who was born just 2 weeks ago. She told me so many stories but my favorite was this – she said “If you came into my house and dusted for prints, you’d find my fingerprints everywhere. The same is true with God. He lives here on Earth. He holds the whole world in His hands. And His fingerprints are everywhere. You just have to look for them.” I knew right then that she was God’s fingerprint on my life in that moment. So this is her, placing a fingerprint on the window in our row, right after she took my hand and prayed for me. Can’t stop smiling about how good He is.
Finally made it to Georgia! If you follow me on snapchat, you know I had a great flight 
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??, then unexpectedly met 2 of my squadmates (hiii Nathan & Josh!) for the first time ever at the airport, had a 30 minute convo with the sweetest man from Pakistan on the way to my hotel, got lost while trying to find my room, then opened my bag to find a gift from the best brother ever that included this. 
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What an eventful, awesome day. So thankful. It’s a bumpy road but I know I’m supposed to be on it.
It’s time for bed y’all. Tomorrow’s gonna be a good one.
Next stop — GAINESVILLE!
