Driving to the airport at Chicago-O’Hare and looking out the window at the dark gray sky and lightening flashes amidst the clouds, I could feel all the stress and emotions from the previous 7 flights around America collect on my forehead and drip down my face. My heart was beating faster as I flashed back to the last storm I flew through and all the jagged bumps and drops that came with it. I remembered how white my knuckles were from clenching the arm rests and how sore my shoulders and neck were from tensing up after every bump. I wanted to tell my friend to turn around and take me back home. But she kept driving and prayed for me.
We said our goodbyes at the curb and then I walked solemnly by myself with 100 lbs of baggage to the check-in counter. Once my bag was checked and I was given my boarding pass, I was told that my flight was at maximum capacity and that I was not given, nor guaranteed, a seat on that flight. When I approached my gate, I saw a mass of people all waiting to board my 747 overnight to Frankfurt. I could hear many passengers telling the stewardess how important it was they get on the flight for work. I was immediately overwhelmed thinking of all the 360 plus passengers that had to get on the plane.
When it was my turn at the desk, I humbly told the stewardess that I was willing to give up my seat and remain in Chicago so that the others could have priority. She thanked me and told me to sit and wait until boarding was almost complete. I overheard people on their phones calling family saying they wouldn’t make this flight and had to wait for another. I thought for sure I wasn’t going to make it either. But I was so happy with that! I thought about how I could stay in Chicago another week and spend 4th of July with my family and get more baby snuggles and then I wouldn’t have to fly through this scary storm and surely the weather would be better for flying in a week!
I sat there and waited and prayed and pleaded with the Lord to work it all out so that I didn’t have to fly tonight on this jumbo death machine and let me stay longer in Chicago safe on the ground. I said ‘Let Your will be done Lord” as I started to text my family to say that I’d probably miss my flight and if someone could come get me. After all the passengers had boarded, I went back to the desk to get an update, totally ready to grab my bags and leave to airport, but instead she told me in a very excited and chipper voice that they were able to get me a seat after all since I was a single and the other people were couples and didn’t want to split up!
I almost cried as I brought up the rear and boarded the plane and the door shut behind me. As I took my seat, I just lifted up my little ‘thank you’ to Jesus, for I knew it was His perfect will that I be on the flight and head back to Rome. He had the perfect opportunity to close the door and reroute my steps, but instead He guided me all the way back to Rome, holding my hand through the bumpy flight and reminding me of His perfect love that casts out all fear. Besides, He had painted the sky for me with a rainbow right before we took off. I might not be able to see what the next few months hold for me but I do know I’m in the right place 🙂
“You will not fear the terror of the night….For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:5;11
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Praise and Thank-yous-
-I had the opportunity to fellowship and share a little about ministry in Rome at Calvary Spokane. We played a short video giving a glimpse into what we are doing as a church in Rome and ways you can become involved, as well as some statistics about Italy that you may not be aware of. You can watch that video here.
-Thank you to all who prayed for me during my time in the States. God kept me safe in all my travels and blessed my time and fellowship with many dear friends and family members. Although I was exhausted by the time I got back to Rome, I’m so thankful that He made a way to visit some of my best friends in different cities across the U.S.; friends who have been such an encouragement and faithful co-laborer these past few years. Whether through a hug, an encouraging word, a prayer, a laugh, or a delicious meal; God showered His love for me through many little things-even finding little treasures hidden in my suitcase and little sleepy smiles from my brand new niece!
-Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible from giving funds or miles; those dear saints that went above and beyond the call of duty to give of their time and resources to make me feel loved and welcome and not forgotten; those who sent me off with a little extra weight in my wallet. You know who you are and may God credit your heavenly account on my behalf. You made my trip a real treasure.
-Thank you to those who prayed specifically that my niece would arrive before my departure- God worked out the perfect timing and I was able to be in the right place at the right time to welcome my beautiful niece Nayeli (pronounced ny-ellie) into the world ❤ We had a few precious Auntie-niece days before I headed home.
Prayer Requests-
-Grace and strength as I integrate and settle back into my Italian home and culture and ministry; brain power to switch back to another language as well as more growth this summer as I spend time with Italian friends.
-Please pray for our young adult group and unity among us; to be unified as brothers and sisters in Christ and protection from the division and worldly drama; that each one of us would grow more in the image of Jesus and walk in purity and righteousness.
-Pray for the Lord’s provision for rent and living expenses.
-Please pray for the necessary provision needed to attend 2 conferences next month: the European Missions Conference and CC Rome’s church conference, both in Austria.
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The Broad Place 