Departure Day

Well, today is the day of packing and more packing, and tomorrow is the day of departure. It has been a wonderful summer with a trip to Honduras, celebrating a 100 year anniversary of my home congregation, road trips, playing with Oliver, and visiting with family. I will leave my hilltops and country roads and set off for a city of over 12 million people! This is very intimidating for a country gal who grew up in a small town of less than 12,000 people. It is funny how when I first went to China my biggest fear was going to a huge city with masses and masses of people. I guess I’m facing my fears head on!

I will leave Friday, August 12th bright and early. Less than 24 hours later, I will arrive in Shanghai. Hopefully, all my travel arrangements will be a success, and there will be a helpful person to meet me at the airport. I’m a bit anxious about the trip and my new chapter in my life. I know I will be okay because I have Him beside me every step of the way, but it doesn’t mean all my fears disappear.

Your support means so much to me! Please, don’t forget this girl who is far away. I always want to keep family and friends and brothers and sisters close to my heart. Even though there is great distance between us physically, I don’t want there to be an absence of love, support, and friendship. You must know I miss you when I’m away. It is funny how you get torn between two complete different worlds. I think that is the way He intended life to be. We should have connections to people all over, and we should miss our brothers and sisters when we are away. We should feel torn between two worlds are true home and our pilgrim home.