Flying Up Up and Awayyyy

Well, I made it through check-in... initially a little over and a little under weight... but was able to get my suitcases evened out. So from 76.1 pounds to 69.5 was quite an accomplishment, and all it took was moving some tortillas and some puff paint!

Christine and Heidi dropped me off this morning. 3am came awfully early after not getting into bed until around 12:30. Then, even once we were in bed, I realized Heidi and I had picked up some Snickers ice cream bars and I HAD to have one before I left. 'Cause what if they don't have Snickers in Brazil?!?! 

I feel like I keep back tracking from this morning, to last night, to yesterday, but I'm going to keep going anyways...

I had an absolute blessed time with all of my family and friends yesterday out at my dad's farm. We ate good food, we played some ladderball (or "testicle toss" as my dad liked to call it...haha). The photo shoot(s) were also pretty awesome (can't wait to see all the pics on FB soon! Don't worry, all ya'll will get tagged). It really was the best send off I could have had. I am so thankful I was able to have each person there!!

It was really cool, at the Solid Rock~Generations conference the speaker Leslie Vernick spoke with so much encouragement and helpful words. One thing that really stuck with me was when she spoke about externalizing your emotions instead of identifying with them. The example I found stand out in my life as of today and yesterday and this last week was identifying with anxiety. I would say "ya, I am really anxious, and mostly about flying... or about packing... or about pooping...". She tells us to think about your emotions as not part of you. So instead, I chose to say, "I am feeling anxious, but God, I really do desire your peace, your protection, and pure excitement!!" 

So, needless to say, I am excited. Thank you, Lord for this opportunity. Thank you for loving friends and family. Thank you that all of my stuff fit in my luggage (and that I get 70 lbs!). And that I am now embarking on an amazing adventure of a lifetime. 

XO