The beginning of our new adventure

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 

Phillipians 4:11-13

I've heard the scripture Phil. 4:13 my whole life.  It always seemed to be an easy "default" scripture in any circumstance.  However, I don't ever remember reading or hearing the two verses before it, until my quiet time Monday morning. I was so grateful to read those words the exact day I needed them!  I love how Paul says that he "learned how to be content" in any situation and that is my prayer during this time of transition.  I want to be content with where we're at, our new home, new situations, new way of life, etc.  God is faithful and HE has covered us with HIS compassion and comfort the past few days and it is evident in everything we've done and experienced thus far.  

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Monday was the BIG DAY!  We spent most of our morning packing up our suitcases, then we had lunch with my parents, brothers and sister in laws, and all the kids.  Our last meal was sandwiches from Darrell’s-- you just can’t move out of the country without having a Darrell’s sandwich one last time.  My sweet family prayed over us before we left then we all said our goodbyes.  Wow-- that was heart wrenching.  My niece, Neve, was telling me bye so I picked her up to give her one last hug.  She gently placed her head on my shoulder, began rubbing my back, and whispered in my ear, “Lulu, I just want you to know, I love you!”  Oh my goodness-- talk about melt your heart!  She’s two and a half and her words filled my heart with so much joy that made me feel complete!  

After our tearful goodbyes, we loaded up my parents car with all our luggage and they drove us to the Houston airport.  Brooks had the chance to ride with his brother to Houston, where he was going to visit a friend, so they were able to spend some last minute quality time together.  We got to Houston early and pulled into a Chick-Fil-A to let Gavin run around and play and we had a little snack.  Gavin loved running around the playground and was up and down the slide like a crazy kid.  He laughed so hard, it was precious.  

We had my parents drop us off and we said our goodbyes outside the airport.  I don’t think anything could have prepared me for that moment.  Gavin was a little confused at this point since he realized his Captain and Kimmie weren’t coming with us.  After a few minutes, lots of hugs and tears, we rolled our luggage through the airport doors and thus, began our adventure.

There is another young couple who has a little boy Gavin’s age who we were traveling over to Saudi with and they were at the airport waiting 

for us. We all got checked in, grabbed a bite to eat in the First Class Lounge, then loaded ourselves onto the plane.  At this point, I was trying very hard to control my tears, however, once the gate agent took my ticket, I lost it.  I cried the entire way down the corridor, through the elevator ride (since we were pushing a stroller), and onto the plane while searching for our seats.  We were flying Business Class so immediately upon entering the plane we were offered beverages, hot/cold towels, pillows and blankets, Gavin was given a stuffed animal toy, we were brought pajamas, etc, etc.  Way too much was going on so I had to force myself to pull it together.  

The plane ride was 14 hours long.  All I can say is Thank you Jesus for Business Class. Our seats would fold out into a bed-- literally- a flat bed.  You could lay your entire body out and then move any part of the chair into ANY position you’d want it to go into.  This was nice for Gavin since it gave him a way to have a play area without having to get out of his seat.  It was wonderful for me too since my legs never had to hang down the seat.  My doctor prescribed me special leggings to wear on the flight to help prevent blood clots from forming incase my legs fell asleep or dangled too long.  Brooks had a rough flight, poor thing.  He ended up getting the stomach virus that my family has passed around for the last 2 weeks so he spent almost 10 hours of the flight miserable.  I did my best to keep Gavin content and busy so that Brooks could rest as much as he needed.  Gavin watched a few movies, ate fun snacks, and slept!!! Him sleeping a long time was an answered prayer! Our original plan was to have Gavin stay awake during the night to help get him adjusted to the time change, but once Brooks got sick and I was on my own with Gavin, that idea was thrown out the window.  

As we were descending and I saw the area outside the plane, I quickly realized we weren't in the USA anymore.  My heart starting pounding really fast and I was consumed with the realization of, we actually moved clear across the world.  At this point, Gavin was sitting on Brooks lap- he had to be harnessed to Brooks for take off and landing since he's under 2 years old and wasn't in a car seat- and I was by myself staring out the plane's window.  I LOST IT.  I balled my eyes out.  I think I cried more in that moment then I've cried the last 2 years combined over this move.  I sobbed like a baby (very quietly though) and let all my emotions come out.  By the time we landed, I was over it.  Or should I say, I was in control.  We had another short flight to get to Saudi so we hustled over to the First Class Lounge and grabbed a quick bite to eat before boarding. 

The next flight was very quick.  Gavin and Brooks slept, I read a magazine, and it was a breeze.  Before we got off the plane I got dressed in my abaya since we were now in Saudi.  We had to go through immigration/customs, which we’ve heard nightmare stories about.  However, ours lasted a total of 25 minutes and we were DONE! The worst part of that experience was attempting to go to the women’s restroom where there was NO toilet paper, NO paper towels, NO seat covers (absolutely NOTHING of paper substance in the entire place), EVERY single stall was flooded from the end of the toilet to the wall, not to mention the toilet seats were soaking wet due to the use of sprayers in the bathroom stalls.  I’ll post more about the bathroom situations later and prove to you what they are like. Needless to say, I’m pregnant, hadn’t gone to the restroom in 2 hours, and was unable to use that facility.  NOT FUN AT ALL!

We found our suitcases, had them screened at customs (um... yea.. I don’t think the worker even stood at the monitor as our suitcases went through), and were on our way.  We found our drivers and got our cars loaded up and headed to our compound.  We were here!  I was emotional once we got through the Saudi airport too realizing once again that we were here, but at that point, there were so many people around us that I held all my tears back just to stay in control.  

We arrived at our compound around 11:30 at night, we went to sleep around 1am, and were awake by 4:30am.  Jet Lag has been interesting, but seeing how long this post already is I better save that topic for another post.   

Thank you for praying for us the past few weeks as we prepared for this move.  We know this will be a time of transition and we are trusting the Lord will provide for us in every way imaginable.

Until next time, blessings to you!