I think this new journey is actually going to happen!  Tuesday started out with a bad sinus infection and inner ear infection.  I can now add Vertigo to my list of unpleasant experiences!  Just go slow and stay near a wall at all times when walking.  Thank God for antibiotics, specifically those magical shots of Rocephin, the most powerful antibiotic I've ever experienced.  Between that, Augmentin and a steroid shot, I finally started feeling better yesterday.  Nothing like battling sickness in the midst of planning a three month journey across the Atlantic pond…

Many thanks to all my sisters who have held me up in prayer and walked beside me as I prepare for a radical new direction in my life!  I just keep telling myself "give it two weeks and if you don't like it, just come home".  No pressure, no worries.  It's all good.  I still haven't decided which coat to take; my wonderful Columbia with zip out liner and numerous pockets in a nice navy blue, or the new dark grey parka with fur lined hood.  Both are great, though the Columbia is much more versatile.  And no, I refuse to take two.  Over the years I've learned how to pack light.  One doesn't start out packing light; it's something that is learned through many travels.  I believe Gary called the people with 3 suitcases each the "occasional packers" because they pack for EVERY occasion!!  LOL!!  Gary always did have humorous comments.  Probably still does, the self proclaimed "eternal optimist".

Last night was a really special night for me as a sojourner and a mother.  I took Jackson and Wyatt out to Mar Vista for dinner and it was great.  I love spending time with both of them.  I'm so proud of their accomplishments and future goals.  The three of us sat outside around the table talking about the three different directions we each are headed at the moment.  I would call it a momentous occasion, last night.  I'll always remember it and pray we three look back and a smile comes to our faces as we recall our conversation of hopes and dreams.  I'm heading into a totally new venue of ministry using my numerous talents and gifts I've acquired over 25 years; Wyatt is heading west to Idaho and spend some time with Ric and Cindy Downing, possibly getting a job for a while before he heads to Alaska for summer salmon fishing season; and Jackson is heading back to Tallahassee to give it the final push for his degree in whatever it turns out to be, then likely head for Colorado to enjoy God's beautiful country in the mountains.

This past Christmas, Jackson and I went to Denver to spend Christmas with my brother Scott, his lovely and delightful wife Rebecca and their super precious daughter Rachel.  I still kick myself for waiting 20 years to spend time with them.  I had an absolute blast and it was one of my all time favorite Christmas' ever!!  Jackson headed to Colorado Springs with two of his buddies who moved their this past year and snowboarded his heart out!  They were kind enough to bring him to us in Denver for Christmas, then get him back to the slopes.  He really deserved that after all his hard work and some mistakes he paid dearly for.  I had a wonderful time with Scott, Rebecca and Rachel as we put together 3 different 1,000 piece puzzles!  I love puzzles of all kinds (I think being analytical and a bit OCD makes me a good puzzle solver).  The day after Christmas we spent the entire day talking, laughing, working on the puzzles and enjoying one another.  I got to experience a healthy debate between Scott and Rachel.  It was good for me to see it.  I personally don't like conflict and generally run for cover, but it's important to be able to share one's thoughts and learn from others without fear of retribution or rejection.  Bravo Scott, Rebecca and Rachel, and thank you.

It's now 12:30 a.m. and I'm half way packed.  I have everything staged and just need to finish putting the rest of the items in a suitcase.  Thank you Deb for letting me borrow your extra large one.  I normally travel with one suitcase and a carry-on, but for three months I need more.  And who knows, I may go to Italy for a month or two after I'm done in Greece.  A friend text me a good suggestion, but I replied "my brain is fried and I'm done".  If I forget something, I'll get it in Greece.  I seriously feel cross eyed.  Tomorrow I fly from Sarasota to Atlanta, then grab a flight to Rome, have a 5 hour layover before making my final destination of Athens.  I thought about spending a week in Rome but decided to do Italy AFTER Greece, when I'll be adjusted to the time.  For now, my adopted Greek son Steve (the nice 27 yr old guy who is handling my flat rental in Athens) will be collecting me from the airport and depositing me at the flat where he has kindly stocked up on staples such as coffee, cream, bread and other basics while I will give my body as many days as necessary to adjust to Grecian time.  I call it a hibernation period.  Jackson and Wyatt are happy to know there is someone to help me, and if Steve gives me permission, I'll post his handsome young face on my blog so you can see how good God is to provide me with a Greek son.

Tomorrow's a big day!  Time for this gal to turn the lights off and snuggle in for hopefully a good night's sleep.

If there is anything I can pray for you about, please let me know.  Prayer is a privilege and a gift. I'll leave you with one last thought…God has given us the gift of repentance.  Without repentance, there is no forgiveness, and thus no eternal life with Him.  It all starts with getting right with our Creator, admitting what a mess we are and our need for His cleansing.  I've been such a mess and it amazes me that He wants to clean me up, not condemn me.  So I let Him…and He does the great exchange…He turns my ashes into beauty.  Wow.