AND happy trails to you...

Well, as of now I am sitting in the airport with Chris and Ben. The night went by WAY too fast! When I got my wakeup call this morning at 4, I was pretty confused. I proceeded to get ready in my zombie-state. haha (for those of you know know me well know how that goes :P) Anyway, checking my bags in went well! My bag weighed 49.5 lbs. so I'd say the parents and I did a pretty good job packing everything in there! Chris had a bit of a struggle getting through security. He left his laptop in his backpack, and had entire bottles of mouthwash and toothpaste. Some very kind lady behind him heard the security yell, "Bag search!" And she proceeded to tell him, "Yep. Now your bags are going to be checked. Get with the program." At that moment, a little tear trickled down his cheek. Poor kid. Hahaha. Seems like she had been taking one too many grumpy pills this morning. Well, we're gonna go get some quick breakfast before we start to board. Next stop: Newark NewJersey!

Well, here we go!

First off- here is my check in bag! All vacuum-sucked to fit as much as possible!


Currently, I am in my very own hotel room in Omaha, Nebraska... about to get a good "nap" in before I start my journey! I feel so old.... Its crazy to think about. It really doesn't seem real yet, but I'm SUPER excited. I fly out of Omaha at 7:30, then arrive in Newark, NJ. I then have a 7 hour layover :/ and fly out for Barcelona around 7:10 at night. I will then arrive in Barcelona around.... 11:30 in the morning on saturday (their time) and finally reach Granada at 1:30 PM! What an adventure I have in store :) I'm ready to just BE in Spain, rather than have all of these ideas as to what its going to be like. Saying goodbye to the family was tough, but we all made it through. My dad's very "wise" last words to me were, "It takes some balls to study abroad... love you sweety." hahaha. wow dad. thanks. :P Love him! Mom was being her "mama bear self" making sure I had all of the last minute items, such as vitamins and plenty of warm things. - what a loving mother. :) (love you mom) And as for the boys, I think its going to be tough for Nolan and Clayton to not have the 'life of the party' at home anymore, but they'll deal :P. I'm so excited to see them already! Time is going to fly... I love you all, and will be thinking of you during my trip!

Packing, still.

Dutch. Gonna miss him. :)

This has nothing to do with europe, buuut. I thought it was hilarious.

...Hope...

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."

"When you say a person or situation is 'hopeless', you might as well shut the door in the face of your LORD."

"Hope is the flame of the candle... without it, you will never get to where your dreams lie."

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Today has been a whirlwind of different thoughts, lessons, and events. Isn't it crazy how sometimes, everything can feel so right... like the world is finally spinning upright, on its axis again? One of the most essential lessons I learned today was the power of hope. I had never really pondered what 'hope' really is before. Hope is one of the most essential components of the human life. Without it, there is nothing to live for. We as Christians live for the hope that someday we will be reunited with our heavenly Father, with hope that He will come back and rescue us from this broken land. ... What would life be like without hope??? I cannot even comprehend what it would be like... to not have anything to live for... Within these past few weeks, I have began the process of fully beginning to TRY and understand myself. I have NOT accomplished it fully, and do not think I ever will... but I am getting there. I'm beginning to search what is most important to me in my life... What are my goals for myself? What do I want others to know me as? What do I want my identity in? How can I love others more, and be a 'slave' of Christ? Even though there is not a definite black and white answer, I think that self-reflection and meditation is becoming more and more essential to my growth. Anyway- back to my topic of hope. I've realized... that I'm SO young yet, and I have the world at my fingertips. If I don't have my own dreams and desires for what my future holds, I ultimately do not have hope for my future. Without hope, I would be living a life that has no direction... an empty, shallow life. This relates to many aspects of my life... relationships, personal goals and aspirations, and my character/relationship with God. If we feel led to do something or act out in some way... the FIRST thing we need to is reach out to God and SEEK HIM. Once we have confirmation from Him, then we can carry on with confidence. What a beautiful thing! Our God answers prayer! He gives answers! He's alive.... so alive.... We cannot just shut Him out, or not listen to His call just because we may feel uncomfortable, or are too lazy to take that step. HE is the great author, and we will just introduce an ugly twist to the story if we try to take things into our own hands. So for now, I'm going to HOPE that the Lord has the perfect plan for my life.. that he is orchestrating it according to HIS plan, though it may be uncomfortable at times. I'm going to HOPE that while I'm in Spain, things at home will be fine. I'm going to HOPE that relationships will become stronger because of my absence, and draw me closer to those I love. Anyway, enough with that stuff- as far as my "Europe things" go... today I did NOTHING. Tomorrow I'll need to hunker down, and get that stuff all ironed out: keep packing, go to the bank? Who knows what God has in store... 4 more days left in the U.S! Thanks for checking in :)

...Restless...

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Today was yet another day, where my mind wanders from thought to thought, thinking of different last minute things I have yet to do! There are so many little details that need to be addressed. I haven't really made any more headway on the packing... through this, I've realized something about myself. Generally, when I am overwhelmed with things, I become a bit apathetic and just try to ignore the situation. NOT always the best way to deal, ya think? ;) haha. Oh well... everything always seems to get done one way or another. However, today I did book a hotel room for the night we arrive in Granada. I am fortunate to room with the lovely Shayna Jacobs. :) I'm getting more and more excited to start experiencing my new journey. God has SO much in store for me... not only just seeing the world and the beauty and power it exemplifies, but also getting to know GOD'S people, of different lands... isn't that what our lives are supposed to be about? I hope that throughout this blog, you all will be able to read/see more than just 'landmarks.' - But even more importantly, life lessons I'm learning, and how others are impacting my life. The preparation for this experience just seems to drag on and on... I just want to be over there already. The day will come sooner than soon, however. Until then I need to have patience and continue to trust in the Lord in so many different areas of my life.

---"Trust in the Lord, with ALL of your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct your path." --- Something that really struck me with this verse was how the word "all" is used. This is a really challenging concept... because often times, we find ourselves leaning on God in those times of hurt or confusion. We should be seeking Him and trusting in Him in those times of our lives that seem "oh so perfect." Why not praise God for feeling confident and secure in our lives as well? Through this time of preparation, I am trying to seek Him with my thoughts, and put all of my trust in Him. Yes, I am a bit nervous about leaving the country for 4 months... but i have confidence in knowing that HE will direct my paths. That is what keeps me going, and gives me the strength and courage to pursue this dream of mine. If you all could lift some prayers for me, that I will constantly be reminded to seek Him in those times of desperation, as well as times of utter joy--- I would appreciate it beyond words. :)

***Here are some pictures of my "flip" so ya'll can see the adorable print that I got! If I could promote one product, the flip may be it! :) Also, here is a photo of my new shoes. I needed to get a pair that wouldn't scream "I'm American!" I think these will do the trick. Thanks for checking in!

Packing + The Introduction to the "Flip"

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The process of packing is quite the task! I'm still not sure how I'm going to fit my life in a suitcase, but it'll all come together fine. I have so much to do in less than a week, but I know that it will be all worth it. :) I'm getting more excited than anything! Thanks for checking in!

P.S. My new "flip" video camera is going to be one of the best/most crucial parts of my blog. I'm so excited to show you all everything that my own eyes see! :)