Prepare Me The Way

It is finished.  The packing that is.  Lord have mercy on me, a high-maintenance woman.  In all fairness all of those bags are not for me.  The biggest bag is totally baby stuff.  Thank you friends and family for showering the parents-to-be with much needed and adorable stuff.  The second largest bag is 70% baby and baby mama stuff.  That leaves me with the smaller duffle and 30% of the larger duffle. And the carry-on (emergency rations for a baggage fail) and my don’t-get-bored-on-a-10-hour-flight tote.  Hopefully a book of fiction, Rick Steve’s England tour book, a coloring book and pencils, my Kindle and my iPod will keep me entertained for the 10 hour flight.  No, I don’t sleep on airplanes….or in cars.

Luckily much that I take doesn't take up bag space - the prayers and encouragement of the folks at St. Stephen's, my DOK sisters, my card girls, and my life sisters.  I take with me the confidence that good leaders are taking responsibility for the many things that are important to me.  I carry with me my good sense knowing that whatever calamity may come my way with my good sense I'll get through it.  Riding deep in my heart is the knowledge that my life is lived in kairos and for God's glory and that I am filled with the grace of Jesus Christ in whom I call do all things.

I’ve had my last guacamole for a while, no way they can do it properly “over seas”.  I’ve trimmed my bangs (thank you Nancy+), had my nails done, waterproofed my new sneakers and printed off my boarding pass.  I’ve gone over technology with hubby so we can video talk for free.  I’ve gotten rid of everything in the fridge that I know he won’t eat and I’ve given him a grocery shopping tutorial.  I’ve watched five episodes of Tiny Houses and four episodes of Chopped….I must be ready. 

I’ve been further…Africa and Israel, but three weeks is the longest I’ve ever been away from home.  Ever.  Well not counting college but that became home.  I’ve dreamed of this jaunt forever.  Seriously.  A benefit of old age:  courage, time and finances finally come together so that we get to make our dreams come true.

I am going somewhere and, of course, this little ditty is playing in my head…..

Leavin' on a Jet Plane!!!