Well, I made it! Safe and sound. It was a very hard trip, but still full of God's blessings. For example: on my first flight (from Nashville to JFK in NYC) I met a lady from South Africa who was traveling back. So we were able to help each other through the connections at JFK and the longest flight of my journey. In fact, she's the reason they held the plane for me when I got stuck in security. And she even stopped and got me a bottle of water and left it for me at the check-in counter before getting on the plane herself! (We're now FaceBook friends, lol!)
So after over 24 hours of traveling and dealing with stomach problems throughout the whole trip, I was more than happy to see a nice comfy bed waiting for me at my landlord's flat (apartment). My new flat (apartment) isn't quite done yet. But my amazing landlord offered me his apartment to stay in until mine is ready, hopefully next week. He's out of the country for several more weeks so it worked out perfectly. His family lives on all sides of me and they've been great helping me settle in.
But, after 12 hours of sleep last night, I woke up still in a fog. I couldn't really tell you what day of the week it is until just a little while ago when I figured it out. LOL! You know you have jet-lag when you walk into the same room three times and still don't remember what it was you wanted in there! LOL! But that will all settle down in time. So for now I'm taking it slow and steady, trying to get used to walking everywhere I need to do and the different terms and accents and money and measurements and so much more! It's a good thing I love to learn! Today, Jordan (one of the missionaries working with Merryfield) walked me around Plett and showed me placed I might need to go. Then she took me to a bakery/cafe place that had unlimited wifi for free! Amazing! This meant I got to call my mom through WhatsApp and actually hear her voice! That made my day!! Saying goodbye to my parents in Nashville was the hardest thing I've had to do, probably ever! So being able to communicate when them by text and now by phone has been a huge blessing!
I will say, it doesn't quite feel like home here in SA just yet. But it feels surprisingly comfortable. Most of the time I forget that I'm not in the US. And I think that's the biggest blessing I've experienced so far. I know I've only been here a few hours (counting the time I've been awake... Ha!) but it feels almost normal. And I can only credit that to God! Where He is, I am comfortable! And He is definitely here!
Thank you to everyone for your kind words of encouragement and your prayers!! I checked my phone as much as I could (wifi access being limited outside of US) and I was constantly surprised at how many people took the time to like my posts on FaceBook and Instagram or who commented or texted or emailed! It lifted my spirits so many times along this journey! Thank you ALL!! Keep me in your prayers as I continue to adjust and please pray for the directors, Steve and Julie, as illness has been passed throughout their family for several days now. And let me know how I can pray for you as well! You can email me or comment below and I'll be more than willing to pray for you!
I love you all and I thank God for you often!! God be with you and bless you!
Love Always, Kristin
Comments