This last week started full steam ahead. I only had two days to pack and get everything done. Thankfully, I was able to accomplish everything and borrow Leona’s car when I needed to buy another suitcase.
Packing took me longer than usually since I had double what I originally arrived in the States with. Being in the same place for almost three months really gives you time to buy more than you need. Amazingly, both of my cases were at the perfect weight and all my books were able to fit in my hand luggage!
Before leaving the States, I was stunned to learn that I had won another book giveaway! I don’t know why or how I keep winning, but it always occurs at quite an inconvenient time. I’m happy that I was able to get at least three of the twenty-one books, but feel bad that I’ve had to leave Jacque’s parents to deal with all the others.
I was thoroughly spoiled in the last two days of my stay. Hehe. On Monday, the Smith’s took me out for sushi and a movie. There were six of us for dinner and ten for the movie. Then on Tuesday, my adopted grandparents took me out for Italian.
Monday was a quieter day since the weekend had been really busy. In the morning, I went to my last chiropractor appointment and then drove home to make German pancakes with Leona. At home, Justin and his two friends had just woken up so we all ate together and then, once Steve had arrived home, played a game called Imaginiff, together.
After a highly entertaining game, we all fancied eating some sushi. As a result, we all bundled into the car and drove to a really nice sushi place. While we were waiting for our food, I went over to our waiter and asked if he could do something special for Leona and Steve since they had both forgotten that their anniversary was that day! Before we left the restaurant, our waiter brought out a delicious piece of cheesecake, Steve’s expression was priceless!
Once we had over filled our stomach’s with sushi, we decided that the night was still young and should go to a movie. After sending a couple of texts to friends, we arrived at the theater with a crowd! Haha.
The movie we went to see was called La La Land. If you haven’t seen this movie, it’s definitely another must see! It was incredible! I’m currently obsessed with the soundtrack.
On Tuesday, I started packing and even had time to go on an adventure with Justin’s Korean friend, Min. She and I drove to Walmart, Barnes and Noble, and the mall. We had a lot of fun, though there were some blonde moments along the way.
One of those moments happened when I parked at the mall. For some reason, the key wouldn’t come out the ignition, so I called Leona to ask her what I should do. Long story short, I hadn’t put the car in park…Whoops.
After doing all the packing I could that day, I went out for dinner with my adopted grandparents, Kenny and Sue, for one last time. From day one, Kenny and Sue decided that I was going to be their adopted granddaughter while I was there, and I didn’t complain. We had a nice time at the Italian restaurant, though our waitress was quite slow. I’m very thankful I got to have one last night with them since we’d gotten close over the last three months.
The rest of the week is a bit of a blur. To be honest, I still don’t know what day it is. From Wednesday onward, I was unable to keep up with time as I went from plane to plane and then night to day. My journey home was smooth going, though I was questioned in London before boarding my last flight to Israel. Thankfully, other than that small setback, all my flights went by quickly and without any other delays.
Being home has been wonderful. My bed is just as amazing as I remember and being back with my family is such a blessing! I was welcomed home with open arms and no one has let go of me since.
However, I’m only going to be home for a couple more days since I’ll be flying to Britain with my dad on Wednesday! This year is definitely going to be a year of traveling for me. Who knows, maybe I’ll be able to get every page in my passport stamped.
On Friday, I was surprised with a visit from Jeremy’s mom, dad, and little sister. Jeremy’s mom and sister have been in Israel for over a month, while his dad only flew out for a short visit and to take his little sister, Grace, home. I’m pleased I was able to spend some time with them before I go on my next adventure. We had a really nice evening together, Grace even helped me unpack!
It was a great visit with Jeremy's family, but they couldn't seem to stop talking about him. I think one of the main reasons for this was because he's scheduled to fly over to Israel this coming Saturday. It's funny, we seem to be two ships passing one another and can never meet up. The entire three months I was in America, I didn't see him, and now I'll be leaving before he arrives and won't be back until after he's gone home. Hey, at least we don't have to have an awkward encounter. I just hope my mom will be nice when she sees him and my papa won't say something embarrassing.
I’m praying that this next trip to the UK will be a good one. Three weeks on the road with my dad is definitely going to be a challenge. By the end of it I know I’m going to be sick of eating curries and will probably demand a salad or something not Indian.
I’m also hoping that my body will understand all these time changes, as I am extremely jet lagged at the moment. I didn’t think I was going to be since I was getting a good night sleep every night, but last night I woke up at 2 am and couldn’t get myself to go back to sleep until the early hours of the morning. Today was definitely a longgg day.
My prayer for this week is that I will have enough time to get everything done. I need to be preparing for this coming trip with my dad, creating the daily scriptures for his ministry's social media, and I also have another article for Crown of Beauty Magazine that I’m trying to work on. I’m really excited about this upcoming article because it’s based on Queen Esther and I think I’m going to present it in a really neat way.
Stay tuned to hear more about my latest adventure in the UK. Who knows what’s going to happen on this trip! All I know is that I’m going into it with an open heart and a readiness to be lead by the Spirit!
Isaiah 40:31, “Those who wait on YHVH renew their strength, they raise up the wing like eagles, they run and are not weary, they walk and do not faint.”
Matthew 5:13-14, “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.”