Overwhelmed! February 6, 2009
That about sums up my main feeling in the past week or so. Wow, it is crazy to be on board the ship now. We arrived on Sunday and it was so amazing. To pull up and see the name of the ship right before my eyes was crazy. How many times have I uttered that word or seen pictures of it? Too many to count. And now here I was…with it right before me. Words cannot describe that feeling. Pair with that the hundreds of people standing on either side of our bus with their national flags, cheering for our arrival. Definitely one of those memories that will stay with me forever. So you jump off the bus into a throng of people, none of who you know, but all of who are smiling. Then you walk up the gangway and encounter more people. You’re led to your temporary cabin and sit for long enough to take a breath and then it’s off again. We are still going through some training and do not know our jobs yet so we don’t feel quite a part of the ship yet, but we are slowly but surely meeting new people and getting acquainted with ship life. There are definitely some amazing people on board! We are in cabins just for this week because there are people moving off the ship and we will be taking some of their places. So in just a few days I’ll finally be able to unpack (after 4 weeks) and settle in. I’ll know who my roommates are and know what kind of job God has placed me in for the next year. It’s hard being the new kid but I’ve been able to spend a lot of time in the Word and God has definitely encouraged me. I’m in Isaiah right now and the “my ways are higher that your ways” verse always helps me when I’m feeling a little out of place or lost.
This ship is very small but cozy. I kind of knew to expect that so it wasn’t a big surprise. It is confusing to make your way around. Especially at first. I’m feeling a little bit more comfortable now….I know just where to look for the boy’s cabins. Kidding, kidding. There’s no dating in the first year on board anyway. Not that I’m looking to. Although, yes, there are Asians on board. I knew some of you were wondering 
And here’s a little jewel (especially for you Hampton’s)…God has prepared me for the ship internet by “blessing” me with dial-up for the last three years at my parent’s casa. It is reallllllyyyyy slow! Facebook is so bad there is almost no point. So don’t be offended if I don’t comment back to you. I’ll try to get some photos up at some point because I’m sure you’re interested to see what’s been going on. We sail in less than a week so I’ve got my sea sickness bag ready…though I’m hoping I won’t have to use it.
Tomorrow night some of the previous Children of the World kids are coming to visit. I cannot wait!!! It will be so good to see them. That’s all for now. Aye Aye.
YAY! i’m so excited that you made it and you’re on board! i know your internet may be slow, but at least you have it.
know that we’re praying for you.
and just think, when the children of the world kids come, you’ll know some of them. everyone will be amazed that the new girl has connections!
When I picture all the people clapping with their national flags, it’s almost how I picture all the people clapping when I get to heaven. Like everyone you’ve ever known standing at the gates and welcoming you home. In a way you are home there. I know you’ll make the most of it and I look forward to some photos!!