i made it!

i am getting ready to leave on my first day at the orphanage, and want to give everyone a snapshot at just how blessed this trip has been already (I might even use the word luck here)...

-I just happened to have a beer at the airport in Atlanta at the TGI Fridays on Terminal E.  The bartender, Naomi, used to be a pediatric nurse, and is retired and now works a few days a week there.  She is by far one of the most energetic, positive people I have ever encountered and although I am sure the hospital was sad to see her go, airport travelers like myself are glad she is there.  Naomi was my last hug before getting on the plane, and I felt she channeled everyone I wasn't able to hug before leaving.

-I was in the very last row on the plane (a 2-seater row because it was so far back that the plane was slimming down) and sat next to a 20-year old guy from UT who was visiting his sister and her family in China.  It was fun sitting next to him, and I thought so much about all my brothers (Sloan, he is your age!) and the adventures they are going to be taking in their lives. What a great age and fun time in life.

-I left my entire purse-type bag on the plane (I know, I know...), but the security at Siem Reap airport was so sweet to go back on and get it for me, which gave me the opportunity to observe that the Siem Reap airport is actually, pretty.

-As i was waiting for my bag, a different security guy was walking around with 2 small keys for luggage locks that had been found on the plane.  Uh, yeah, those were mine too.  BUT - i got them back and I can get to all my clothes.  :)

-I was welcomed and kept company in my room last night by a little gecko.  Seeing him when I first walked in the room reminded me of my childhood in Florida chasing them and wishing I could catch them.  This time, I just wanted him to feel comfortable enough to stick around.  They are good to help keep the mosquitos away.

-Shirley, who is the volunteer I have been talking with most, was supposed to leave today (Wednesday), but has decided to stay until Monday. Not only did she meet me downstairs to help me get checked in, but she brought me this amazing assortment of fresh fruit and yogurt this morning and has made me feel so incredibly looked after and taken care of.

Off to the orphanage now.  I am feeling more at peace every minute knowing that I am here for a reason, and I am going to do all I can the next few weeks to find out what that reason is.