Ready, Set, Jet!

Trip Start Feb 07, 2009
1
8
12
Trip End Feb 21, 2009


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Where I stayed
Hartsfield Jackson International Airport
(Atlanta hotels)

Flag of United States  , Georgia,
Saturday, February 7, 2009

Today is the day!  Erik and Lindsey just dropped me off at the airport, after my last American meal for awhile (Ruby Tuesday--yumm!).  They hugged me goodbye after making sure I had all my stuff, and left me along with anything familiar from my life.  I stood around with my new family for the next two weeks...Landa--the trip planner and Disciples pastor, Janice--her mother and retired school teacher, Dale--computer expert, Chris--science expert, Barbara--Disciples assistant to the pastor, and Pam--paralegal and karaoke singer extraordinaire.  I'm a little nervous about traveling with a group of people I don't really know.  Whenever I have traveled before I have had a good friend along for the adventure.  It's nice to have someone familiar to experience things with and share the memories and inside jokes with after you return.  But I am determined to experience this adventure to India and gain as much as I can from it.  I met my current travel companions at a dinner at Landa's two weeks ago, but didn't really get a chance to learn much about anybody.  I guess by the end of two weeks of travel we'll all be much closer First Flight
First Flight
 .

My emotions have been all over the map these past few days getting ready and preparing mentally for this trip.  There is always the last minute stress of getting it all together and leaving it all behind.  But now I can finally breathe because--for better or worse--my daily responsibilities are now behind me for two whole weeks.

I have also been overly joyful and relieved to learn of the birth of my baby niece just yesterday--February 6th at 2:55 pm.  She shares my friend Sara Beth's birthday.  She was born at home and everything went smoothly.  At a healthy weight of 9 lbs. 1 oz. and 20 3/4 inches long, she's a big girl.  I'm still waiting to hear her name, but already I feel like a proud Aunt.

This morning I got pictures of the little princess, and fell in love with her instantly.  It seems so strange that you can have such a strong emotional tie to someone you have never laid eyes on and who only recently came into this world.  Already I am anxious to get home and meet her face to face.

At this point in the journey I can hardly believe that I am actually on my way to London, then India Pilgrimage II
Pilgrimage II
 .  With all the craziness that has preceded this day, I am just so grateful that this adventure is finally happening.  Sitting at gate E 14, waiting for our 6:25 pm flight, I finally felt that sense of calm and peace wash over me.  Even surrounded by a group of near strangers who are quickly becoming my travel buddies, I can feel nothing but a release--of tension, anxiety, fear and any other troubling thought.  All the preparations, disappointments, or stresses leading up to this were all worth it.  I am at peace, and although I know with this trip will come exhaustion, frustration, overwhelming conflicting emotions, but I still feel that it will also serve as a spiritual retreat where I can rest from my typical duties and take in a renewed spirit, the presence of God, and the world with a whole new sight.
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