in the munich airport

A post I wrote yesterday morning while still in transit (more to come in the next few days!)--

8.23.12

9:37am

I am sitting here in the Munich airport and my computer says 3:37am. I’m on my third cup of coffee though (they are smaller here, so I’d say I’m rounding off my first American cup), so I feel awake enough!

It doesn’t seem like I’m physically in Germany. Except when I purchased a bottle of water (I couldn’t find a drinking fountain anywhere!), the woman spoke German to me, and more than just a pleasantry and the price. I felt so American when I said “What?” I wished I would have said, “I’m sorry; I don’t speak German yet” instead. Apparently she needed my boarding pass in order to sell me water.

The airport is designed a bit like IKEA and there is unlimited free coffee on my airline. Free coffee and paying for water? That’s the opposite of what I was expecting. J

I’m still not sure what I’m doing once I arrive in Herrnhut, so I’m off to try to find a phone. My parents paid for an international plan, but I’m fairly certain that I’m roaming on my international plan, which could be extremely expensive. Mom, I can practically hear you saying “Don’t worry about the cost! Just make the call!” but I have two hours and walking around a bit looking for a phone couldn’t hurt… maybe I’ll even find the elusive water fountains!

I am about 70% done with reading Is that You, God? by Loran Cunningham! That was my project on the plane, in addition to reading a few letters from family and friends. Is that You, God? is the story of the founder of YWAM and how it came to be. I usually don’t find biographies riveting, but I absolutely love this one! It’s incredible to read about the miracles—yes, miracles—that have happened on Cunningham’s journey being obedient to the Lord. I’m learning all kinds of “principles,” as he calls them. I can hardly believe how much knowledge and practical application is in this book. I can’t wait to arrive to my YWAM base and experience this first-hand!

in the airport

Hello! I can't believe that today is the day that I leave the US.

As you may know, itown church is currently doing 21 days of prayer. I began my day at prayer, and the hour ended with the prayer team praying over me. Some sweet friends were there and we said our goodbyes. I wasn't planning on crying, but I was just so overwhelmed with gratitude for the past couple years at my church home. My mom introduced me to itown and my life hasn't been the same since (in the best way possible)! I have been so incredibly blessed by all of the sweet friendships that have developed from my time there. Thank you, Lord!

Here are just a few of the cards that I've gotten. I love how varied the messages are!

So, I have a word picture for you. Imagine that there are two cliffs facing each other, like in the cartoons. I'm jumping off one and planning to land on the other. At this point, I am practically off of the first cliff, but I don't yet have much to physically hold on to: I haven't quite reached the cliff I'm landing to. Physically, that's a bit how it is of flying overseas. But I feel like everything else in my life is kind of like that, too! Socially: I don't have any friends overseas yet! Life-wise: I have no idea what I'll be doing after YWAM! YWAM-wise: I don't really know where I'll be living, what country I'll be in three or four months from now, or what the program itself will be like. Honestly, I don't know much. But I still feel convicted that is the right move!

I'll miss you guys! I'll post again as soon as I am able. :) 

die letzten tage

...I think that means "The Final Days." At least, that's what Google Translator told me! I had a to do list for my last month in the US with "Learn German" on it, but I haven't been able to cross that one off quite yet. ;)

I leave for YWAM 5 days from right now!! How unreal is that? My trip consists of a flight with three legs (Indy to Philly, Philly to Munich, Munich to Dresden) and a bus ride (Dresden to Herrnhut). If everything goes as planned, my journey will span approximately 19 hours. Germany is six hours ahead of Indiana. I will be arriving at the YWAM base around 8am Eastern Standard Time on Thursday, August 23. I am so excited!!! Prayers for smooth, safe and linguistically comprehensible travel would be much appreciated. :)

These past few weeks have been filled with incredible blessings. God has provided in so many ways through the people in my life. I am incredibly thankful that I serve a God that cares about details! We talk about this a lot at church, but it has been particularly amazing to experience this provision first-hand. From prayer support to emotional support to financial support, and all the way down to specific items I had been meaning to purchase for my trip, I have been cared for and loved through all kinds of support. If nothing else, the tangible items that serve as proof that my God loves and provides!

Do you like snail mail? I do! I would love to be penpals with you (yes, all of you!!)! You can write me at:

Meghan Cross
JMEM / DTS
Untere Dorfstr. 56
02747 Herrnhut
Germany

Here are a few pics from a surprise goodbye party thrown earlier this week by some sweet friends!

Love and prayers!
Meg

i love the people

I love the people God has placed in my life. From my family to friends to co-workers, I have been blessed beyond imagine. What kind of workplace encourages you when you put in your two weeks? Mine did! I love the people in my life.

Honestly, I have never been happier with where I am at in life than right now. So how could I pick up and leave it all? My great longing for comfort has been trumped by a deep peace. A deep peace that I am going where I am called to be. And I know that the peace that I feel is from the Lord. This is the first time that I've felt called to do something and I couldn't be more excited to be obedient.

Chances are that if you are reading this blog, you are one of the people that I care so deeply about. Thank you for your support and encouragement! :)

Oh and one more thing--you can learn more about what I'm doing here: http://dts.mission-live.com/! I am doing the Justice DTS.