Monday January 9th my parents, sister and I all headed to Buffalo, New York where I would be catching my first of two flights to Madrid, Spain. With time to spare before my 1pm flight from Buffalo, we decided to do a little shopping around, before heading to Panera Bread to grab an early lunch. After ordering I logged onto the wi-fi, to check that my flight to JFK had, had any changes. What I didn't expect to see was not only had my flight changed, it had been canceled. In a disbelief and panic we all quickly packed up our lunches and headed to Buffalo airport hoping to get some answers. My flight couldn't be canceled, I had to catch another flight later that day to go away for 6 months! Once we arrived at the airport we were told that I had been rescheduled for the next day, except I couldn't go the next day, I needed to get through today. As the airline looked for any possible way of getting me onto another flight that day, and we all prayed for some kind of airport miracle. God answered our cry for help, and it came in the sentence of "Oh it looks like we had a cancelation for the next flight, would you prefer the window or the asile seat?"
This was just the beginning of a crazy day, but God used this to show me, even something like a flight (which seems so small) was something I had to completely surrender to Him. I know for myself that I often take for granted how easy situations are supposed to be, organizing details and completing them carefree, is just part of my day to day life. What I often forget is that ultimately it is God's flight, His details, and we need to trust Him in every situation no matter how "normal" it is to us.
With my flight figured out and the appropriate changes made, I got to spend what was my last few hours with my family, in a airport bar, laughing and enjoying each others company for the last time for a few months.
Soon the hours few by and it was time to say my final goodbyes. (or "see you later!" as I prefer to think) With teary eyes we parted ways, and I started the journey that would be my next 6 months. After making it through security, finding my gate, waiting through a 40 minute delay, we finally were boarding on route for JFK airport in New York City, New York.
After a hour and 30 minute flight (30 of those minutes being circling the airport waiting for the okay to land) we finally touched down. After getting off the plane I rushed to grab my bag so I could recheck it with the other airline. With both my carry on, my big suitcase and a giant tote I started out to find the Delta check in desk. After being direct to two of the wrong areas in the airport, and after a solid 30 minutes of power walking, I finally found the Delta check in. With sweat dripping down my back I got my bag checked in, and I was off to security. After getting through the unorganized security line, I finally found my final gate and the other girl in my program, Rose.
Together we waited anxiously for our new chapter of life to begin. And soon after a long day of complications and delays we were finally boarding our flight to Madrid, Spain. Six and a half hours later we were preparing to land in Madrid airport. It was now 9:30am on Tuesday January, 10th, and with only two hours of sleep we started day one of our next six months.
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God is good! A year ago I was just applying to the STEP program, I am now writing this blog post from Spain and have started the program. This past year has really taught me to rely on God for all things. Over the course of this year He has shown His provision in providing the total funds to come on this trip, as well as the spiritual support needed to keep me going. Thank you to everyone who has felt lead to support me financially and through prayer. Without your help this journey would have never happened. I hope that you enjoy these blog posts from Spain over the next six months!
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