A Good Beginning

Though my journey to Zambia truly began the day I said 'Yes' to God over a year ago, today reality sets in as I actually get on airplanes, eat pretzels, and fly far far away.  God has been so faithful throughout every moment of planning, so why I am I suprised that He shows up in vivid ways in my last moments in the States? 

While packing, I had to do a lot of 'downsizing.'  Two 50 lb bags just wouldnt fit everything I had hoped to bring along for my 2 years away.  At the very last minute, I decided it would be equally as cost effective for me to pay the extra $100 for a third bag since eventually someone would be paying for shipping or bringing along these extra ministry tools in their own luggage. May as well be with me from the start and have the money come from my pocket.  With some extra thought, prayer, and lots of reorganizing, I had three 50lb bags ready to go. 

Early in the morning with both mom and dad, we began the check-in process. 

"How many bags do you have?"
"Three."
"You're only allowed two."
"Yes I'd like to pay for the third."
"Looks like that will be $200."
**gulp***... not what I expected or planned. Thoughts of reorganizing all three bags into two flashed before my very tired eyes... and with one last measure of hope,
"Any chance you could help out a poor missionary?"
(I was trained by the best missionary trainers: it never hurts to ASK!)
"What are you going to be doing?"
"Teaching at a Bible college for two years."
"Well then, of course I will."
And without blinking an eye, Jackie my angel from Jet-Blue, gave me a free third bag as well as the extra 10ish lbs of weight in my other two.  After that process was over, she looked at my parents and said, "Would you like to say goodbye at the gate?"
Astounded, we all said YES! Of course. Something we never knew was even possible anymore.
It didnt end there.  Jackie bumped me up to the front of the plane for my flight to JFK and gave me her personal phone number in case I ran into any problems in my travels. 

Jackie explained to me that every morning she prays that she would have an opportunity to do something small to be a blessing to someone.  There was nothing small about this blessing.  She was the biggest answer to prayer for me today, not to mention the many people in Zambia who will now have some gifts.  The last hour or so of sitting with my parents and getting a good long goodbye was the most meaningful part.  Each one of us were so touched by her generosity, and God's faithfulness.  I was able to give her a prayer card and my very last thank you note- I knew I shoved it in my back pack last minute for a reason!

Jackie sets an example for us all. To have open eyes to the ways that we can use our gifts, positions and abilities to be a blessing in one persons life.  It's a ripple effect possible only by God's grace.  Whats your random act of kindness for today? 

So far, its a good beginning.  Can't wait to see what He has planned next :)   Currently I'm looking at my next airplane. This will be a long one hopefully involving some much needed sleep.

Almost there. :) 

At my gate, happy to have some more time together :)