The Day of Departure

My alarm went off at 5:00 AM and with it the reality that "this was THE day." After much anticipation, preparation, and discussion - Katherine was really getting on that plane. No, correction, THOSE planes! She would have FIVE legs to her journey: Chicago to Minneanapolis to Narita (Japan) to Singapore to Bali (Indonesia) to Sentani (Papua, Indonesia). She'd leave Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM and not arrive until Thursday evening!

Her good friend, Liz, was going to join me in taking her to the airport. Alex, Ben, and Deanna said their good-byes at the house.

While checking her in at the ticket counter I got talking to one of the agents about my daughter spending this last semester of her high school year in Papua. She helped us get checked in and then asked if I'd like to accompany her behind security. Wow! Yes! she said this wasn't normal, but would get us a special pass.

So Katherine, Liz and I found ourselves sitting at Starbucks sipping our drinks, laughing, taking a picture of their matching undies (long story), and saying our good-byes. I remember at one point looking at what she was wearing and asking her why, of all the T-shirts she owns, she choose to wear the one she was wearing. She said because she really liked it and it was comfy. Only later would we see God's hand, even in a T-shirt selection.

We walked to the departure gate, said our good-byes, and left a smiling Katherine!