Ash is safe and sound in M*A*U*I

Ashley has been safe and sound in Maui since last Thursday evening, and we are SO thankful for all of God's provisions.

We started off last Thursday (the 13th) at 7:00am to enjoy our last family breakfast; and let's just say we ate...we laughed....we ate some more...we laughed somemore...perhaps you see a pattern here???

Following breakfast we made the trek to the Minneapolis Airport through rush hour traffic, (and we were surprised at how fast the traffic was moving) arriving at the airport in good time.

It was interesting watching the guys pull all 3 suitcases out of our van...and pull them to the luggage check.

I don't know if this is good news..or not...BUT...my scale at home is accurate....or at least it's accurate with the airport scale. (And here I though my scale was weighing at LEAST 8 pounds to heavy...lol) We were having difficulty trying to get both of Ashley's checked luggages under the 50 pound limit!! We tried as we might...but nothing seemed to work. So, we decided to stuff one 48 pounds full (and free)...and the 2nd piece of luggage we stuffed to 69 pounds and only had to pay an additional $25.00 for being over 50 pounds. (Spending the $25.00 was a lot cheaper than paying to ship things to Maui)

The gal at the luggage check was so sweet with Ashley asking her questions about where/why/for how long she was traveling. Once she heard that Ashley was a first time flier...and leaving home for six months the luggage attendant graciously gave us passes to go to the gate with Ashley!! Let's just say, I was beyond THRILLED, as I didn't want poor Ash sitting at her gate for 2 hours. And then, throw in the fact that her gate was the LAST gate...at the end of the airport!

Now I've not flown since before 9/11, so it was very interesting to see the many changes that have taken place at the airport! Yet, I was very impressed with how fast we moved through security...shoeless..and all.

Ashley's flight was right on schedule, and our good-byes with her were precious. You may find this weird, or strange, but we didn't even cry!!! We had such a peace about Ashley following her heart to YWAM, and I believe that God gave us great wisdom in raising a Godly young woman who was ready to spread her wings a fly!! Now, how in the world could we be sad about that????

Of course, reality may set in...oh, let's say around her birthday in December...or around the holidays when she's not here! But for now, for today, God's been so faithful to fill our hearts with so much joy, and happiness for Ashley that there haven't been any moments of tears!!

So, for now, it's just my dh, Andrew, our dogs and I..and we are beginning to settle into a new routine. A routine that is without another driver to help run Andrew hither and yawn.....but after much talk, much planning, and some rearranging of our schedules, I think we have a system down.

We are also enjoying the interactions between Ashley and Andrew, now that Ash is gone! He's so excited to share with us a text message, or a phone call he receive's from Ashley....and I can tell...in him own quiet way....he misses his big sister!!!! In fact....last night he asked if he could sleep in her bed!!! Now HOW sweet is that!!!

Ashley's YWAM program began last Saturay night with a Welcome Reception, and Sunday morning they were to pack (ONLY) one change of clothing...and they are off...with their backpacks for 3 days!!!!

I'm thinkin' we are doing pretty well..since we've officially gone 52 hours without hearing from her!! Hopefully the 3 months of training when we do have contact with her often...helps prepare us for the 3 months when we may only hear from her once a month!!

Thanks to SO many of you...how have called, emailed, prayed, or sent well-wishes for Ashley!!! Praying that God blesses you for your faithfulness!!!!