Big Girls Don't Cry...

Well...I cried ALOT when I left on Saturday! My mom, sister, josh, grandma, and steven took me to the airport.
I lost it in the check-in line. It was getting too real. We all waited around for a while and then steven took me to the security check point. We just held each other and cried. I was so sad. I did not know how hard it was going to be to leave. Especially leaving him. He prayed for us and then off I went. He stayed until he could not see me anymore. I was sobbing. The security guy said, "It will get better!"

I sat at my gate trying to keep it together. Our flight was a little delayed. I looked up and there was Steven!!!! He had gotten a pass to come see me at the gate (not allowed anymore due to security reasons!) But, someone saw him really upset and asked him if he was ok and when she heard the situation she gave him a pass to go thru security to see me off! AHHHH...it was so good to hug him a little longer.

I flew to Chicago and then to London. I had a 12 hr. lay over in London by myself...awesome. Then I headed to Jo'Berg (South Africa) and arrived Monday morning and flew into Maputo that afternoon. Only one of my bags did not make it! I am hoping it shows up b/c it has all my school stuff in it!!

I was very overwhelmed and emotional when i arrived. I was on the verge of crying the whole weekend. Imagine, never living more than 4 hours away from home and then going half-way across the world for an extended time! Ya, you would cry too!! haha.

I live with an OMS missionary couple from Pittsburgh. They are church planters here. It is like a condo-it has a gate w/ 24 hour gatekeepers/guards. It is located in the city. Maputo is the capital of MOZ. and has about 3 million people! It is also on the coast!
There are 4 levels:
ground floor- w/bathroom, office, storage
1st floor-living room/dining room/kitchen/balcony
2nd floor-4 bdrm/2 bath (where my room is)
3rd floor-master bdrm/laundry room

I have my own room! It is very nice considering we are in a 3rd world country! I will post pics soon!
I started school today! I have six 2nd graders. I just shadowed the teacher who has been covering for me today. I will be on my own tomorrow! There is alot of work to be done! The kids are a little out of control, and unorganized....but there are just 6 of them!! I will also post pics of them and the school soon!

This post is getting too long so i will end it here....I am adjusting to life here in Africa. It is hard. I miss home very -very- very much. I am trying to stay strong. Please continue to pray for me and my time here. That God would show me His purpose for me here. He has brought me this far...the journey continues!
I love you all! I can't wait to hear from you! Please write, comment, email, text, or call!!!! I will have skype soon!