Circuit Riders Arrival Day
Going through Grand Rapids airport was a blur for sure. Everything happened so fast and I had plenty of time to just sit and try to relax. I knew flying alone as opposed to in a group would be different, even having some perks, but I did wish that there was someone I knew with me. I sat listening to music trying to calm myself. I turned on worship music to try to calm my post going through security nerves. Of course it went smoothly, but I just felt rushed and a little uneasy flying alone for the first time.
Both planes came on time so that was a major blessing. I did not want to miss anything that the school was doing. God provided on time flights for both of my trips on the first day. I went from Grand Rapids to Maryland, and then I went from Maryland to Los Angeles.
While on the plane, I tried to do a Bible study. Although the Bible study was short, I saw a prime example of someone dealing with fear of man. I have been learning of the importance of bringing every emotion to God. Jacob did just that when he was facing Esau in the book of Genesis. He was praying as he approached Esau and sent ahead goats, rams, and ewes. He essentially tried to ensure Esau did not want to kill him. His praying shows how we can go to God in prayer when we are in the midst of navigating fear of man. Jacob wrestled with God in his fear of Esau showing how turn to God can help us get through our own fear of man. Reading this and thinking through this helped me to see navigating the fear of Man in a new way. God wants us to fear him and have a reverance of him, but he also wants for us to turn to him in the midst of our struggles.
During my travels on the planes, I met some nice people and I was able to talk with them. I met two very sweet girls that were sisters and we were able to walk together to the next plane. They were both kind and funny. We walked together to the next flight. Then I met a couple who I sat next to. We had a good conversation about psychology and reading the Bible as well as our travels and our families.
Once I got to LAX, I was trying to figure out who was Circuit Riders. I saw two girls standing together who looked like they could have been circuit riders. It turns out that they were!!! I stood next to them as we were figured out our shuttle. While we waited we began talking with one another. At one moment, one of the girls asked me “Are you ready to let go of anxiety and give that to the Lord?” I began telling her about my struggles and how I felt like the Lord has been breaking through a lot the past few months and that I was believing for an even greater peace with God as I grow and learn in my faith the next week. I knew anxiety was present through the flight as I wanted everything to go well. Of course in the moments I did not have control, God was in control over how the day went. Everything went smoothly.
My first try of In and Out was pretty good. I was advised to get the animal style burger and fries. It was interesting but I would say it is kind of like any other burger place I have been to. It was good! The fries got cold quickly and I did not really care for them but I was blessed to be able to try it.
When finally getting back to my dorm, I met my roommate and we immediately got along. She was so awesome and I was so blessed to be with her throughout the week. I enjoyed our conversations and I feel we both grew so much through our experiences. I am glad we were able to room together for Circuit Riders. Day one was done and I was more than ready for bed. I was so excited to start the next day doing sessions. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow as I was exhausted from both the flight and the change in time zone.
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