The first day in country. You'd think that after these long, travel-filled days I wouldn't have much to say. I am tired, and so tonight my musings will no doubt fall on the side of brevity, but even so I am so filled with joy to be here.
We landed in Wales much later than expected but landed safely this side of the pond. We sailed through customs, visas in hand and were met with a warm, Welsh welcome. Well, a Warm Welshish World-Witness Welcome. Dottie met us at the gate and after converting our cash to pounds and settling up with the parking robot, we made off to Wales. I must confess, I was a bit unconscious when we made it to the bridge, but my female companions were kind enough to wake me for the crossing. I had forgotten how beautiful this place was.
The car ride was picturesque, and filled with good conversation that only helped to encourage and excite me more and more. Soon we made it to tonight's home. Paul and Sarah's. Dottie dropped us off with Sarah and we chatted while we waited for Paul to get home. Tonight was one of those nights that you always imagine could be terribly awkward. But it was not so. It was a crazy amount of fun. We ate delicious Welsh food, played board games (all of which I lost- though I performed admirably) and chatted the time away. I am so grateful for all of the wonderful people who are ministering to our needs even on this first day. The hospitality, fellowship and encouragement has been such a blessing. Transitions are hard, so they say, but the way I have been blessed today by God's people I wouldn't know it.
And I have a new phone! But if you aren't in Wales then you won't be hearing from me on it. And if you are in Wales then text me. We pay by the minute. It is my first flip phone and it reminds me of middle school. It is about 1/3 the size of my monstrous, armored-up EVO 4G, but it will do the trick while I'm over here. I have been spoiled with touchscreen keyboards. I'm roughin' it big time.
But now, one long-needed shower and a Pilot blog-post later, I am so wiped out and ready for some much needed rest. Tomorrow is a big day of training and ministry. We hit the ground running here in Wales. I'll fill you in about the G-bus at my earliest convenience.
