Arrival

Lots of fog on the drive to Atlanta

     In the car on the way to the airport, I spent most of my time staring out the window. This is my last look at America for a long time, I wondered to myself. I haven't been out-of-country since I was a toddler, so that in of itself is a new experience to me. I wasn't sure what to expect. I had packed plenty of things to do in the plane, and my suitcases were about as full as they could be (while keeping safely within the weight limit). I thought about all the things that didn't fit, and I wondered how much I might regret my packing choices. I have yet to need anything I left behind. It is only a few days into my 6 months, but so far, so good, ay?

   My last night in America was spent in a hotel room not far from the airport. We (my dad, my sister, and I) woke up early the next morning to get to the airport several hours early. I was nervous about checking our baggage and about going through security, but everything went smoothly. With one final hug, my sister and I said goodbye to Dad just before heading into the security checkpoint, but I guess we were too preoccupied to be overly emotional about parting.

Our plane. It looked so big!

   Things were going well enough when we boarded the plane... Except when I was trying to put my carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment, I lost my grip on the bag -- one of the handles broke and the bag tumbled down, nearly hitting another passenger on the head! I hastily retrieved the bag and stuffed it into the compartment, then moved on to my seat. The flight was uneventful after that -- uneventful, but very long.

   About halfway through the flight, I leaned over and closed my eyes, a prayer of gratitude and wonder flowing through my mind. Yes, there the tears finally came. Just a drop or two, too quiet in the sleepy plane to be noticed by anyone. I wondered at how strange it was for me to be on a plane to South Korea. Me! Little shy homebody that I am, traveling across the world to a place I've never been before, to teach in a country where I do not speak the language and most don't speak my language? It sounds absurd, and I laugh about it sometimes. But here I am. And I am so grateful to the One who set me on this journey, who has guided me every step along the way, and who has never once abandoned me or left me without provision. Even to the point where He didn't send me alone, but rather in the company of my sister. What a comfort! He is faithful!

   I have repeated this to myself countless times throughout this journey: He has guided me thus far, He will guide me unto the end.
He has been faithful even when I was faithless, He has opened one door after another. He has given me calm assurance of His nearness, He has granted me joy in seeing Him work, He has filled me with hope for what is to come.

   I know this won't be easy. It is so easy to be nervous, to be anxious. How will I be able to communicate when I know so little Korean? Will I be able to teach the students effectively? Will I be able to make friends here? Sure, it is easy to worry. But each step along the way, it is also a little easier to not worry, as I have ample reminders of God's sovereignty. He has every base covered, I have no need to worry at all. Yes, it will be difficult! Yes, I may become utterly exhausted, make many mistakes, and have plenty of embarrassing moments. But that's okay - it is all worthwhile in the pursuit of God's will.