Steps of Faith: Beginning in Australia

Good golly that was a lot of flying, just about 24 hrs total. It has been a day since arriving is Australia and I thought I had recovered, then my exhaustion hit me like a wall. It in fact doesn't take me 24 hrs to overcome jet lag, dang it! So this post will have lots of pictures and loads of details. So it might be boring if your not too interested in airport stories.

So I left home on Friday the 21st and guess when I packed for my 6 month journey, that morning. I seriously discourage ever trying to pack for such a trip the day of. I left what I consider 2 very important things, running shoes and my webcam. My stinkin webcam that I am supposed to be using to talk to everyone at home with. Arggggggg. So dumb. Not only that but I put more stress on me and my parents than was necessary because I was over the weight limit and had to take random stuff out of my suitcase. So I took things I thought I could do without, and I figured sheets were one of those because I can buy them when I get there. Today as I am sorting through my bags out I notice I took the fitted sheet out but not the loose one. Again so dumb. The one that is pretty useless without a bottom. So seriously, pack at least 24 hrs before hand. Or else you have to deal with the consequences. And this was before I even left.

Then I was hit by the realization that I was leaving for 6 months at the beginning of security, literally. When it was my last minute to see my parents for 6 months missing the big holidays and everything. It was weird.

I guess I did't let myself think about actually leaving, saying goodbye, or being here because what if I didn't go?! Then I had gotten my hopes up for nothing, and I had already done that to myself. I realized I was travelling internationally by myself for 20 hrs, to go to a country I've never been to, to people I have never met. That is a new kind of fear. I just prayed that God would give me some sort of peace or something, and texted people to pray for me. So thank you. I let myself get emotional on my flight to LAX, when I was seeing the last of the place that means so much to me. This is a picture of my last view of CO, the place that occupies my heart.

So the rest of traveling actually wasn't that bad to my surprise. The seat next to me was empty on the flight to Australia so there was space to stretch out, and I started reading an incredible book! "Kisses for Katie" has been so transformative to my heart already, seriously read it!

Alright I think this is close to the end now.

When I got to Brisbane, after a good amount of grief from my flight arriving in late, my cousin, her husband, and my 5 yr old second cousin were waiting for me. So heartwarming. Being with them has been everything I had hoped for and more! They have opened up their home, and could not have been more gracious and welcoming. If this is what it is like to be with family, shoot did I miss out growing up. It is so great we have talked about the next time we see each other before I have even left!!! I think Gods blessings on my life are so large that I am having a hard time truly appreciating it. What a great issue to be having. I want to write more about Australia and all the new things I am encountering already, but I am afraid this is already lengthy and boring. So here are some pictures!!!!