The Eagle Has Landed

"We are experiencing technical difficulties."

This announcement greeted us aboard Flight 1203 with non-stop service from Charlotte to

Antigua.

"But everything had been going so smoothly!!!!" While I made every attempt to remain calm (you know, for the sake of morale for the troops), I have visions of Jet Blue's NINE hour delay with stranded passengers held hostage on the plane while the gate was within eyesight danced through my head. My blood pressure began to rise and I was doing my best to keep my claustrophobia in check. Meanwhile, US Airways took good care of us while grounded and two hours later, we took off for an uneventful flight for Antigua.

Needless to say, all is well... we are tired and ready for some sleep... but more importantly, ready for our adventure! Bring it on, God! We are ready!

Ready or not... Here I come!

I know it looks like a horribly rough place to go on a missions trip, but people need Jesus all over the world and let me be the first to sign up to spread Jesus to the island of Antigua!!! Tony and I head out tomorrow on a 8-day trip to the BEAUTIFUL island nestled in the Caribbean. Tagging along on the ride will be 13 teenagers and one other adult.

Allow me to be honest for a minute... I am really looking forward to this trip (this will be Tony's third trip to the island for missions work and my first). No really, I am looking forward to it.

Yes, this is partially my mind trying to convince myself that I am excited and partially my mind reminding myself that before me lies the adventure of a lifetime with my God as my tour guide!

I am at the juncture when anticipation meets reality.

For months I have been anticipating this trip. For months I have spiritually, physically, and mentally been preparing for this trip. However, here I am on the precipice of this adventure and I look ahead with reservation. Fear?

I am not sure exactly what I am feeling.

It has hit me this week... I am leaving my babies!!! I am by no means a "helicopter mom". I am truly raising my kids (the best I know how) to eventually be self-sufficient, self-reliant and self-confident. But apparently here is my first test! Yikes!!!

Are they ready?

AM I READY?!?!?

I have no other choice.

This is the mission my Tour Guide has laid before me and far better to obey your Tour Guide while in a foreign country than make any attempts otherwise!

So God, with Your help and Your help alone... I will go.

Jaykob, Addi and Ella- I love you with ALL that is in me...EVERY last drop of me loves you and Mommy and Daddy will see you soon!

Luke 9:61 & 62 (The Message)- "Then another said, 'I am ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home.' Jesus said, 'No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put God's Kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.' "

READY OR NOT...HERE I COME!