February 1, 2013
God was EVERYWHERE today!!!
The moment my feet hit the floor this morning I felt at peace. All the anxieties and worries that I had felt over the last couple of weeks had disappeared.
We arrived at the Asheville Airport at 5:45 and began unloading our crates and luggage. Jeff hauled all my stuff to the Delta counter where Kelly was already waiting. We said our goodbyes (which are always hard) and he rushed out to move the car and head off to work. I stood in line filled with excitement and a bit sad from our parting. I few moments later Debbi arrives and behind her are her sweet hubby Michael AND my hubby!!! It was just what my heart needed a second goodbye!
As our troops started to arrive one by one and the crates and luggage began piling up there was a man waiting behind us, we offered for him to go around but he was happy to wait. It turns out that he had been visiting Camp Kanuga in Hendersonville and he himself ran a camp in Washington. It was a pleasure to talk to him as we were processing our things.
One by one we weighed our trunks holding our breath that they were the required 50lbs. God's hands were on the scales and our weigh in was successful. We had planned to have to pay $45 each for our second checked baggage. The night before Jim found out that because he is 'special' he can check in with up to 8 guest and they do not have to pay the fee!!! What an exciting savings!!! Kelly was flying stand-by and got THE LAST seat on the flight to Atlanta...another whoot whoot for God!!
One of my little fears that I had was that I was going to have to try and lift my luggage up to the overhead compartment. By the time we boarded our plane in Atlanta there was no more room in the overhead compartment....cha ching....I left it at the door for it to be loaded under the plane!!!
I just felt like God was carrying me through every phase of the journey thus far the peace that I woke up with continued to follow me through the morning. As I walked down the aisle searching for my seat I heard someone call out my name...as I searched to find the source I expected to find one of my team members who had boarded earlier but to my surprise there sat Jim & Julie Nelms!!! Jim and I had worked together at State Farm over 10 years ago. Jim is who introduced me to Grace Community church and he and Julie now serve on one of the islands off the coast of Honduras. I was so excited!!! I could not believe that they were there!!! My heart was already happy but it almost exploded! Thank you Lord for such a wonderful gift.
Big Sigh.....EXHALE....GRIN....Smile....Awesome God!!!!
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| (L-R) Mary Dean Beland, Me, Jim Nelms, Jlulie, their son & Pastor Jim |
