This morning, with a cup of Yorkshire tea, the smell of a blackberry scone browning in the oven, the view of the pavement outside becoming darker with the morning rain, I sat reflecting God's faithfulness. Let me take a step back to describe my journey to Oxford. My initial fears for traveling alone seemed absurd after considering how God continually revealed His presence. He brought me safely to Oxford, providing me with an interesting character to meet each step of the way.
When I left the arms of my Momma, I walked through security in the San Francisco International Airport. I turned, waved goodbye, and walked forward to begin the process of removing shoes and unzipping bags. I was now on my own, but not in reality. God was by my side. I passed through to my boarding gate in plenty of time. While waiting to board, I met a friendly, old man with a thick Italian accent. After learning a bit about me, he began slyly attempting to set me up with his son. I sort of laughed the whole situation off because the man was humorous. However, once on the plane, I noticed that his son just happened to be in the aisle every time I went to stretch my legs, so he must have been more serious than I realized. But it took his son four times before he actually said a word to me.
The next interaction came with the couple I sat next to on the plane. The man was from France and he was taking his Tennessee girlfriend to visit his family for the first time. They were very friendly, providing perfect plane company with many laughs at the other passengers we were watching. I was comfortable to be with these extroverted flying companions.
As I departed the plane, my heart beat quickened, knowing I had to find my way to luggage and then to a bus. What felt like a bit of a rush off of the plane came to a complete halt in the line for immigration. In the hour-long wait I met a woman from NY City who relocated to Los Angeles, working as a personal chef for an actor. This woman was sassy and proud. She reminded me of a person I would meet in my home church. Her company certainly entertained me as I shuffled my bag through the line.
After successfully collecting my baggage, I ventured to the buses. I was surprised at the ease of finding my bus. I had two giant suitcases to load onto the bus. An English gentleman offered to help me load them. I gladly accepted and blushed when he teased about my bright pink suitcase. I guess it does scream for attention, but it sure makes collecting at baggage claim very simple.
I sat next to the sweetest Irishwoman on the bus. Her accent was thick and her face expressive. She told me stories of growing up on the Irish coast. Of her sisters and their adventures. Of her favorite potato recipe and her guilty pleasure of sweet chocolate. She expressed her excitement for me to be in Oxford, and I soon began to realize I was excited myself. I was nearly there.
Off of the bus and into a taxi, then safe and soundly checked into my hotel. The entire process was dreaded in summer as I forced myself not to think about traveling alone. But I truthfully was never alone. God was always with me and always is with me. He provided me with evident individuals who helped to put my racing heart and sweating palms at ease.
I am amazed at the faithfulness of God. I cam across a verse the other day, which I now have taped in my room,
May you know that God knows the worries and fears you have, that God is continually by your side, that God provides, and above all, God is faithful.
All my love,
Gennavieve
When I left the arms of my Momma, I walked through security in the San Francisco International Airport. I turned, waved goodbye, and walked forward to begin the process of removing shoes and unzipping bags. I was now on my own, but not in reality. God was by my side. I passed through to my boarding gate in plenty of time. While waiting to board, I met a friendly, old man with a thick Italian accent. After learning a bit about me, he began slyly attempting to set me up with his son. I sort of laughed the whole situation off because the man was humorous. However, once on the plane, I noticed that his son just happened to be in the aisle every time I went to stretch my legs, so he must have been more serious than I realized. But it took his son four times before he actually said a word to me.
The next interaction came with the couple I sat next to on the plane. The man was from France and he was taking his Tennessee girlfriend to visit his family for the first time. They were very friendly, providing perfect plane company with many laughs at the other passengers we were watching. I was comfortable to be with these extroverted flying companions.
As I departed the plane, my heart beat quickened, knowing I had to find my way to luggage and then to a bus. What felt like a bit of a rush off of the plane came to a complete halt in the line for immigration. In the hour-long wait I met a woman from NY City who relocated to Los Angeles, working as a personal chef for an actor. This woman was sassy and proud. She reminded me of a person I would meet in my home church. Her company certainly entertained me as I shuffled my bag through the line.
After successfully collecting my baggage, I ventured to the buses. I was surprised at the ease of finding my bus. I had two giant suitcases to load onto the bus. An English gentleman offered to help me load them. I gladly accepted and blushed when he teased about my bright pink suitcase. I guess it does scream for attention, but it sure makes collecting at baggage claim very simple.
I sat next to the sweetest Irishwoman on the bus. Her accent was thick and her face expressive. She told me stories of growing up on the Irish coast. Of her sisters and their adventures. Of her favorite potato recipe and her guilty pleasure of sweet chocolate. She expressed her excitement for me to be in Oxford, and I soon began to realize I was excited myself. I was nearly there.
Off of the bus and into a taxi, then safe and soundly checked into my hotel. The entire process was dreaded in summer as I forced myself not to think about traveling alone. But I truthfully was never alone. God was always with me and always is with me. He provided me with evident individuals who helped to put my racing heart and sweating palms at ease.
I am amazed at the faithfulness of God. I cam across a verse the other day, which I now have taped in my room,
All we have accomplished, you have done for us.~Isaiah 26:12~
May you know that God knows the worries and fears you have, that God is continually by your side, that God provides, and above all, God is faithful.
All my love,
Gennavieve
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