When you walk with Jesus, life is an adventure! The amazing thing is that Jesus doesn't send us on ahead - alone into unknown territories, to "figure things out" on our own. No, He is with us each step of the way. So, you may feel like you are venturing into what is strange, different, unfamiliar, difficult or stretching, but you are never, ever alone. And, if He is with you, everything is okay.
God showed me this throughout my time of preparation to leave Uganda, traveling 30 hours, and now readjusting to being back in America. When I needed a suitcase, He told me He'd take care of it. And, He did - providing a quality bag for a very reasonable price from a friend. When I didn't know how I would get to the airport, He prompted good friends to take care of all of the arrangements and I had the incredible blessing of being escorted by two good friends. When I "needed" coffee and water on my layover in London, God provided them free of charge - a funny story, but I was again assured of His presence.
These may seem like small things, but for a single woman, they meant so much.
Upon arriving back in the states, I spent an amazing two weeks with my dear sister in Pennsylvania. During the first week, I tagged along as much as possible around the Bible school campus where she lives and works. This included a Sunday trip to New York City to watch the students present a service - very fun!
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| Summit students presenting a service at Times Square Church. |
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| Leah and I in Times Square Church during our evening walk. The city was amazingly bright at night with all of the illuminated signs and buildings. |
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| The ice skating rink and the Christmas tree being assembled at Rockefeller Center. |
In the second week, Leah and I ventured on a 1700+-mile road trip. In the space of four days, we traveled through 10 states - Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio - through some beautiful country and reconnected with some amazing people. I had the blessing of visiting 10 different people whom I first met in Uganda and many who had been on the island. I thank God for His protection and the great weather we had for most of our journey.
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| The Wolfer family graciously hosted us during our time in South Carolina, for a great time of fun, food, fellowship, and lots of laughter. :) |
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How amazing to reconnect with Delaney, center, in SC after having the blessing of her presence on the island this past summer. She was an awesome tour guide, showing us around the beautiful campus of the University of South Carolina, and great company for a fun evening afterward. :)
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| The stunning USC campus. |
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| After two nights in SC, we headed north again, this time traveling a bit west. A stop in Marion, North Carolina gave us a chance to see the Wise family - Mark, Michelle and Josh, whom I first met in Uganda. We enjoyed a delightful lunch before hopping back on the road, headed north for Ohio. |
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| Leah drove most of the many hours on the road. There was a weird correlation between my driving and her getting sick. Weird. ;) |
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| Traveling essentials: Triscuits and gummy bears, as well as chicken nuggets from Wendy's and lots of cups of coffee. :) |
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Driving through Kentucky on Wednesday evening. We passed through some beautiful country and by so many tourist and historical sites. But, because of our tight schedule, we had to just keep driving. :(
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All of our driving, however, took us to more amazing people, like my friend Mindy, in southwest Ohio. We crashed at her place on Wednesday night and had a wonderful time reconnecting.
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This stop in Ohio also yielded my first visit to a Chick-fil-A. It was a delicious success!
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We saw more snow on the ground in Ohio than anywhere else during our travels. Thankfully, no snow fell while we drove.
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| Beautiful Ohio farmland. |
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We joyfully returned to Pennsylvania on Thursday night, grateful for our fun adventure, but glad to be back "home" and our own beds.
Before flying out to Oregon on Saturday afternoon, I had one more full day with my dear sister on Friday. Some dear friends treated us to a day at the spa at The Hotel Hershey, an early birthday gift for Leah and a nice change from four full days of intense travel. We had to get used to walking around in bathrobes, but enjoyed a delightful and restful day of swimming, a delectable lunch, and pampering with manicures and pedicures. :)
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| In our very comfortable robes at the spa. |
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Our fun Friday ended with a surprise birthday party for Leah, hosted by her wonderful housemate Bethany. So many people came out to celebrate Leah and the blessing she is!
It was with mixed emotions that I boarded the plane in Pennsylvania on Saturday afternoon, sad to be leaving my beloved sister behind, but looking forward to seeing my parents and so many dear friend and family members on the West Coast.
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I believe my adventures in America have only just begun, but I am so far very grateful for God's protection, provision, and the incredible people and blessings He has put in my life. I'm looking forward to what else is in store - only God knows! :)
