New Jersey!

I have finally made it to New Jersey! What a journey!

I had been so nervous about this trip for some reason. It all makes sense now!

2 cancelled flights, being rerouted to an airport that was farther away, and finally giving in to staying at a hotel for the night. I don’t think I have ever been so happy to leave an airport (other than arriving in Haiti, anyways...). As I said to my mom – my travel smile was starting to fade, and that has never happened before.

It’s been a long and difficult 2 days. And 2 months. And year. Thankfully, Haiti is just the work/rest I probably need to get energised for this next year.  When you think and pray for a country and people for so long without much communication, it is hard to be satisfied. And maybe that is what I need to learn. Philippians 4:10-13 reads:

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Maybe I need to learn this secret of contentment. Because I haven’t been very content lately. And I was certainly not content with this whole flying situation.

I am really not sure what else to say right now. I am so so tired. And sore. I think I brought too many books with me, so my backpack and guitar case are really heavy.

This area of New Jersey is gorgeous! It reminds me of Vancouver Island a bit. Green and humid and MUCH warmer than the last 2 weeks of my life! Big old trees and hills and cute houses. Good food (my first actual, real meal in about 40-some hours) and cuddly dogs.

I am so so happy to be among friends. I am excited to see “my” New Jersey team and catch up. I am excited to see a bit of New Jersey (and maybe New York City?!?!). And I am excited to be one step closer to Haiti.

I am so thankful for friends like Kaitlin, and her whole family too. Her dad drove 2.5 hours one way to pick me up from the airport.  Kaitlin and her fiancée were willing to spend all night driving as well, just to pick me up. Wow. Sometimes I feel like Americans like me better than Canadians do! (Truthfully, only Americans have REALLY SEEN me in Haiti. That’s the best version of me, so what’s not to love?? Hehehe!)

And I think that is all you really need to know right now.

Thank you, friends, for all your support, encouragement, positive thoughts, prayers and patience with me. I appreciate you all more than you know.