And so it begins...

UPDATED with photos!

Well friends, we've done it. After a lovely time with our family in Portland, we left on a jet plane today, en route to Rwanda! 

On the drive to Portland, excited for the adventure ahead!

But do not fret, we know when we will be back again. And, in full disclosure, we've only made it as far as San Fransisco. 

With three checked bags (weighing in close to 150lbs), four roller carryon bags, three back packs, two brave big girls, one wee one in a stroller, and much help from above mentioned PDX family (love you guys!), we conquered our first airport, long security line and all. Things did get a little dicey (read: The Wee one screamed and cried real tears) when the TSA agent confiscated Paci and Yoey (the Fischer version of a lovey).

Mama Cow Yoey...very dearly loved but an
obvious security threat!

Such things must be scanned or x-rayed appropriately; never mind that my child was just sucking on it and/or gripping it like her life depended on it. Safety first, friends!

The next leg of our journey, San Fran to Istanbul, is the longest leg, at approximately 13 hours. I know, right?

Re-checking our bags in SanFran

Pease do pray for us, for The Wee one especially. That's a lot of plane time!

Our next layover is hardly an hour (maybe shorter if our Istanbul flight leaves late as is currently predicted), so connecting to our next flight is also a point for prayer. 

We miss our family, friends, and church already, but excitement for what lies ahead (minus the 13 hour plane ride) is the leading emotion at present. 

Cuoram Deo - The Mrs. Dr.