I made it! I arrived safely in Bosnia this afternoon after a relatively positive traveling experience. There is a lot I could say about this journey, because whenever you are alone with your thoughts for 24 hours (and sleep deprived) stuff comes up… but I want to share with you a part of it that I sense will be a lesson that I will need to keep with me.
After the first leg of my journey landing me in JFK- New York City airport, I had one of those tricky connections because I was also switching airlines which in the world of huge airports means A LOT OF HASSLE. So JFK has 8 terminals with a subway like contraption that takes you from one terminal to the next, but it also connects with the New York subway. You still following? Yeah, it is pretty confusing. So I found myself in the midst of JFK chaos attempting to go to a different terminal with way too much carry on luggage (which did serve me later!) and after I finally navigated this quagmire I approached the ticketing counter to find out that although I was on a United flight the operating carrier was Lufhtansa which is in a completely different terminal. AH! I am sleep deprived, in the midst of the greatest transition of my life, body hurting from carrying way too much stuff and then find out that I am at the wrong terminal. I approach the ticket agent frustrated and at this point wanting to cry. He calmly pointed out my mistake and then sarcastically quipped, “were you looking to get in some exercise?” A seemingly insignificant humorous comment, but it was such a huge moment for me because I was reminded of the healing that comes when we are able to laugh at ourselves. Because when those inevitable instances come when you are frustrated, uncomfortable, embarrassed, etc… you come to a crossroads where you can either laugh at yourself and get over it or cry and be self pitying. And who in their right mind would consciously choose to cry knowing that laughter is such a better alternative? Bearing in mind that I will be in a lot of situations in the next two years where I will feel all those negative feelings associated with the unfamiliar, I hope that a majority of the time I choose to laugh.
I did end up getting to my flight and the rest of the trip went smoothly. I didn’t get my luggage but because of my efficient use of the carry on options (shout out to those great people that gave me the carry on backpack as a gift!) I should be fine for the next week. I have a great place to stay and amazing people that have already so warmly welcomed me into this beautiful country. Got no complaints! Well, except the fact that I wish all of you could be here to enjoy this wonderful place with me! 
I will definitely keep you updated on what I am up these next couple weeks. So expect another post from me soon! Looks like I have a lot of details to get taken care of and just recovering from jet lag, but there is also some other church events going on this weekend that I will try to participate in as much as my tired self allows.
Prayers and Blessings!
