Excitement and Tears

Two weeks ago all our plans changed (seems like God is good at doing that).  An opportunity for Hannah to go to Spain ahead of us opened up, and after much discussion and prayer we moved in that direction.  This is Hannah's senior year in high school and much of the bonding and activities begin at the beginning of the year.  Add to the picture that she is taking AP Calculus, Honors English, and Spanish IV and we knew getting there as soon as possible was needed.

So plans were made and excitement grew around our house.  After 18 months of planning and preparing,  one of us is on their way to Spain.  Today she gets on an airplane and begins an experience of a lifetime!  She will travel to Newark and then on to Madrid, arriving on Thursday morning (4:00 AM our time).  She will live with another missionary family who also has a senior daughter named Hannah.  She will begin school on Friday, only one day late.

I am excited for her.  I cannot wait to hear that she has landed and how her first day of school goes.  I can't wait to hear about her new friends, classes, and how the retreat goes next week.  More than that, I can't wait to join her in Spain.

Today is going to be filled with emotions on both ends of the spectrum - excited for the journey ahead and sadness as we part for an unknown period of time.  I expect today will be filled with laughter and tears.  I expect tonight will be filled with lots of restlessness until I hear that she has arrived safely.  I think today will just be "one of those days."

Pray for safe travels for Hannah.  Pray that she goes through immigration and customs with no problems (this is the one piece of the journey that makes her nervous).  Pray for Scott, Alex, and I as we say goodbye.  Pray for her grandparents as they know this is the first of some big goodbyes.  Pray for Becky (Hannah's best friend) as they part for several months.

Pray that we join her quickly.  We need about 10% of our support before we can leave.  Pray that partners step up quickly.  (If you want information about how to become a partner, send me a note on the "contact me" tab.)  Pray that the excitement of what is ahead rules today.  Just keep us all in prayer today.