Plane Rides and Surprises

5:45pm September 15, 2009
Hello to my family and friends,
I am currently sitting in the JFK (New York Airport). It has already been a remarkable trip. Amazing enough, I have already seen God at work. Three exciting and remarkable things have already happened today as I started my long journey to Budapest. When I first arrived at the airport (with my mom, dad and Gus) we ran into an old neighborhood friend which was very exciting. Once I got into the airport we ran into another Piney Grover, Liz Boykin who was flying to Ohio for business. Therefore, my anxiety subsided and I was able to go through the gates with Liz and her fellow co-workers. We then proceeded to our gates and coincidentally her gate was right next to mine. Therefore, we had some quality time together!

When Liz had to finally leave for Ohio, I went to sit at my gate. Now one thing you might all know about me is that I am a pretty outgoing person. Those of you who have traveled with me also know, that the airport does not stop me from being well, rather nosey. I sat down beside a girl that looked about my age (on purpose) and said "hello!" Her name was Annalenia and she was headed back home to Scotland and would be traveling with me on the plane ride to JFK. She would not be flying out of JFK until 7:55 that night (my plane leaves at 8:05). Therefore, we promised to grab dinner together and she even invited me to come visit her some point in time. Who knows what God has in store for me while I am there!!

Thirdly, when I got on the plane to go to New York I sat beside an older lady. Whenever I am in the airport, I am always curious to where people are going and why they are going to these certain places. I asked her where she was going and she told me, "Africa." I told her that two of my friends, both named Jessica had been going to Kenya for a couple of Summers now. She then proceeded to tell me that she was a missionary from Raleigh and that she was very excited about going. She told me about the ship that they have where women that have been cast out of their villages (because of many different reasons) come to them to get medical treatment. The ships have doctors and nurses that provide assistance to their medical needs so that they will be able to go back to their villages and at the same time, learn about God. What a wonderful story and also, what a heart-felt woman. You could tell she had a passion about the people that she was caring for. The same exact passion that lead me to go teach English to these children in Hungary.

I have been gone for only 8 hours and look at what God has already done for me. I will be leaving here at 8:05. Pray for Annalenia and her long flight to Scotland. Pray for Betty Ann as she had 2 more days of traveling before she could even make it to the ship in Africa. Also, pray for Betty Ann to help some of the African children and families and to show God's love through her.

Until then, take care!
Love,
Jessie