Up till this morning, I have not been nervous at all about leaving for 11 months. I have had peace and excitement. I have felt like this was just the next step and that it was only natural that I leave today. I woke up this morning, showered, and packed up the rest of my belongings. I am all ready to go and I yell at my dad, “Hey daddy! You about ready?”. As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I instantly felt like I was going to pass out. I became so overwhelmed with nerves, that I was just ready to get in the car and leave.
On the way to the airport, my dad was talking about my trip and giving me words of encouragement about all the things the Lord was going to do in me, and through me over the next year. However, the whole time he was talking I was just wishing he would stop because I thought I was going to throw up! I eventually had to admit to him that I was feeling nauseous.
We are almost at the airport and my dad insists that we eat at Waffle House… Not a good plan. I ordered a waffle and bacon, and ended up only eating one bite of my waffle and 2 pieces of bacon. I wasn’t wanting to take any chances.
I get to the airport and my dad and I pray together and tell each other goodbye. It was happy but sad at the same time. Ya see, I have not been nervous about the trip; I have been preparing for a long time. I got nervous about leaving my family, as they have been going through a hard time. I am leaving the country, trusting the Lord with my family. I know He doesn’t need me here to make things better for them. He is BIG enough!!
After I got to my gate, I noticed there was a church group there waiting for the same flight. I have the honor of sitting next to some of the church members. I was just beginning to journal, when a man, Blake, touched my shoulder and asked if he could listen to me talk. 🙂 So, I began telling my story and sharing my heart with this stranger and brother in Christ. He listened and asked questions and spoke life into me. There is another church member named Miranda sitting near me. She listened to my story and shared how she has been through some of the same family problems in her life. She also spoke life. I then got to hear their stories: Miranda has struggled with OCD, triggered by her family life. She is leaving today for her first mission trip in 10 years, trusting that the Lord will sustain her. She is ok with not being able to wash her hands and trusting that God will heal her if she does get sick…. What faith. I got to pray for her.
Blake is currently on drugs because he had his appendix removed YESTERDAY!! What faith to be headed to the Dominican Republic anyways. He shared about his past life of living in sin and the beauty of the Lord’s mercy and redemptive work. Blake is walking proof of the gospel. I prayed over Blake’s ministry.
Blake and Miranda then prayed over me, my family, and the upcoming year. Is God not amazing?? He always gives us what we need. Today, I needed a friend to talk to. I needed encouragement. I needed prayer. Today, the Lord answered. I cannot think of a better way to begin my journey.
In Him,
Kaitlyn
