Arrival

During the eight-hour flight from Charlotte, NC to Munich, Germany I had time to reflect on the last month of getting ready for the move to Albania.  I have assembled my thoughts into a top-ten countdown of sorts.  My list is not arranged by popularity or frequency but by actual quantity.

10 - the number of hours (thereabouts) spent in the air traveling to Albania.
       Raleigh - Charlotte
       Charlotte - Munich
       Munich - Tirana

  9 - the number of boxes packed, shipped, and on their way to Tirana.  Megan has reassured my that fitting my life and nine years of teaching into 9 boxes weighing less than 200lbs was quite a feat.

  8 - the number of times I was stuck in order to receive the immunizations necessary for travel.
       Hepatitis A - x2
       Hepatitis B - x2 (although I still need one more)
       tetanus - x1
       MMR - x2
       Flu - x1

  7 - the number of trips to the dentist required to get my teeth ready for travel.  My understanding is that dentistry is somewhat less than what we are use to in the states...and probably doesn't involve Novocain (yikes).

  6 - the number of teeth that were worked on in order to get me ready for travel.  Kids, go to the dentist regularly.  I don't and that's why I had 6 different teeth worked on.  (ouch)

  5 - the number of weeks I stayed with Megan after vacating my apartment.  Thanks again, Megan. It really was kind of nice to have a roommate again.  I hope I was a pleasant and considerate housemate.

  4 - the number of carloads of stuff I took up to church for the Youth yard sale.  This includes one very large load that they came to pick up.  I hear the yard sale was a great success.  I am glad I could be a part of it.

  3 - the number of siblings I have left at home.  Their love and encouragement have been so wonderful during this past year, and always.  Andy, Beverly, and Bruce, I love you all so much.

  2 - the number of bags I packed.  Did I pack everything I need?  Who knows.  Only time and experience will tell.

  1 - the number of Gods I serve.  He is sovereign, loving, powerful, merciful and faithful.  He has set my feet on this path and I will obey and follow.  I am so excited to see what He has in store for me, now and in the future.  Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him!!

My dear friend Melinda putting                                                            
my name on the inside of my                                           The first view I had of Tirana,
bags...just in case.                                                            Albania from the airplane.