Many weeks and months of preparation (even down to the last minutes – I removed a small bit of duct tape, 3 safety pins, and a few bandaids from my bag this morning in he name of shedding weight), culminating in a send-off of warm hugs and exuberant waves at a small airport in northwestern Germany. No matter the amount of preparations (or lack thereof – adherence to my regimented strengthening schedule set in May would get a stern glance from my physio), the final leg of the trip before The Trip is here.

Germany has treated me well. I’ve been welcomed by both a fireworks display and a parade – complete with heel-kicking, quickstepping, balloon wielding, feathered-hat wearing marching bands. 😄

As I sit on the plane, anticipating arrival in España, I am struck by the thought of an unseen loom that has somehow expertly woven all the events of my life and the lives of those I’ve encountered, however briefly, into a tapestry so vivid and broad. My wildest dreams never placed me on a plane with a German friend, off to traipse the Spanish countryside for 20 days, carrying our necessities (and fears) on our shoulders. Even now, it seems a faintly familiar tale penned on yellowed pages, a shelved tome shrouded in dust and waiting for someone to pull open the cover and sense the satisfying crackle of a freshly opened binding. Happy times, sad times, confusing times, coalescing and leading to this Coming Time. I am reminded that all things work together for good for those who love God – perhaps not every thing appears good at the time, but the summation of all things – the drab brown threads with the brilliant indigo, vermilion, and chartreuse fibers (even the names are exhilarating) – combine to make a story worth telling. Perhaps the Time that is coming is not all good. But I will take the opportunity to step back (and step back, and step, and step, and step…) and admire the tapestry thus far, knowing that every moment, new weave is being added.

I’m a bit overwhelmed. But every bit ready to dive in.

This is a life-changing trip. I can taste it (I can also taste stale plane cabin air).

Here we go!!