Getting "there" from "here"

I learned my friends would likely not travel with me the night before I left. Monday night, I am packed and doing last minute things when I get the phone call. The shock and sadness was a little overwhelming but I was fairly certain I would not change my plans. I sought some counsel from friends who have done overseas work and I just knew that I would go. There was no reason not too, other than fear, and I knew I would regret not going. This was my opportunity to pursue a dream and it felt like this was God’s way of saying “do you really mean it? Will you really go?” It was difficult to change gears and expectations but it did not mean it would be bad.
The next morning, I woke up anxious. It’s one thing in theory to say I will go but now, I am putting on travel clothes and I have a timeline. Putting one foot in front of other, determined to not let fear get the best of me.
Sometimes, when I wake up in the morning, I have a song stuck in my head. I never know where it comes from but experience has told me it is usually a message. That morning it was “Holy Spirit” – “Holy Spirit, you are welcome here, come flood this place and fill the atmosphere.” Just that chorus over and over. While I was at the airport, my phone randomly opened iTunes and started playing this song. It happened two other times, even while I was on the phone talking. I don’t know how I feel about signs, but it was a much needed affirmation and encouragment.

I landed late last night – well, not that late – but getting a covid test upon landing (and waiting for the result) and immigration and lost luggage, it was late when I got to the retreat house where I am staying. It was pitch black so I couldn’t even comment last night on the landscape except that I could hear the waves crashing when I got out of the truck. It is a simple guest house but very modernized– running water, with toilets and showers, a kitchen with refrigerator and stove. Wifi. And blessed coffee. Oh and shopping! I once again panicked a little when I was alone but

literally talked myself through it.
Pastor Wesley and his wife, Hawa, picked me up at the airport. As we walked to the car, he told me his son, Champ, came along but had to wait outside the airport entrance. He explained that when your sibling has a child, that child is considered your child. Champ is his nephew and he really was just standing along the road waiting for us. They gave me a phone in case I need anything. They drove so far to pick me up and then almost an hour to the retreat house and then almost an hour home. About 15 minutes after they left, they showed up again with the coconut they had promised. After they left, I asked Nancy (guest house manager)how I was going to open the coconut as I was sure it required a machete or something, which it does. A new challenge to tackle tomorrow.
Prayer requests:
*Recovery from jet lag
*Focusing on the positive and the intentions of this trip
*Building positive and foundational relationships