I'm finally here!

Okay, shall I recap all that has taken place so far?

I left Kansas City on Friday the 15th and flew to Denver, Colorado. There was a really big rain storm that kept us from landing for 50 minutes. When we got in to Denver, I had to "book it" to make my connecting flight to San Jose, California, but I made it! In the back of my mind, I found myself hoping my two checked bags would make the plane too, but then put it out of my mind.

When I got into San Jose, it was 11 at night, I was tired, and my Auntie Irina was waiting for me to take me back to her house where I would spend the night. At the baggage claim, I found that my worries were warranted. My bags had not made it. I shed some tears thinking I would never see them again but the attendant assured me they would make it to Hawaii, just a day later.

I was praising God Lisa and Jessica Anetsberger had urged me to pack a change of clothes, toothbrush, and anything I couldn't live without in my carry on. I was also thankful to have an address to give the airline for where I'd be staying in Hawaii.

I went back with Auntie Irina, saw Justin and gave him a big hug, and then got a couple of hours of sleep before I woke up. Auntie, Uncle and I drank some tea and chatted a bit before they took me back to the airport to catch my plane for Hawaii.

What a blessing it was to see the Buzz Stegners and have a safe and comfortable place to catch a couple hours of sleep before my long plane ride!

I passed out for several hours once I got on the plane, woke up and listened to some music, nibbled some food, and then talked to the couple sitting next to me. They told me about their experiences on the islands and I told them about my plans to live there even though I had never visited before. They were both very sweet.

When the pilot announced we were coming in for a landing, I drank in the sight of Hawaii and it felt like my heart would burst. I was finally getting to see a place I have dreamed of for years!

Once we had landed, I poured over the sights out my window. Palm trees, black lava formations, the mountain in the distance with its halo of clouds. I probably needed someone to pinch me :)

I stepped off the plane onto the stairs and immediately took in a breath of fresh Hawaiian air. It felt good! The airport was all outdoors and something I have never experienced before. The mynah birds were singing from the trees and several of the brightest yellow birds I had ever seen flew down from the trees. I'm still not sure if they were canaries or yellow finches. It doesn't matter though, they were beautiful!
I went and picked up my rental car and then drove towards my hotel. I still could not believe I was actually in Hawaii!

I drove around, stopped at WalMart and picked up a bathing suit, grabbed a bite to eat, and then checked into my hotel.

I put on my bathing suit and then just sat on the breach, breathed, and tried to let go of all of my stress and worries from the past couple of days.
I went to the grocery store and that is where I met my first friend, Cindy. I asked her how to pick out a ripe pineapple and then we got to talking. I gave her my phone number and we set a time to meet.

Fast forward to today. I slept like a rock and woke up at 8am to an air horn of all things. I had to chuckle a bit.

I was feeling pretty lonely and discouraged because I didn't have any real connections here, when Cindy called. We chatted on the phone, found out we are both believers, shared our testimonies, and then decided to meet up with her daughter at a tide pool.

What a blessing and answer to prayer!

After that, I got a call from my airline telling me my bags had made it to Hawaii.

Another PRAISE GOD!

Cindy offered to drive me out to the airport. We picked up my bags and then she treated me to lunch at a local health food store.

I felt like I was in heaven and shed some tears as I sat there enjoying my food and her company.

Cindy also gave me the greatest gift of showing me how to hook my Mac up to the ethernet. Now I don't have to walk down the street to the lobby to check my emails, facebook, and twitter, but can sit in the comfort of my own room!

Tomorrow, I'm heading over to the University of Nations to start trying to make some friends and connections. Cindy has already made some calls to friends she has at the U of N and I will hopefully get to meet them tomorrow.

I am already missing all of my friends and family back in the states but I know I'm where I am supposed to be. Please be praying for God encounters, open doors, and that I would be able to discern between what is important to get done during my stay here in Kona and what is not.

I carry you all close to my heart. All my love!