[01.23.2013.AZ0115.AMS-FLR] As we lifted off the ground for our final flight, the snow covered tarmac turned into fields of white, which blended into the grayish purple haze in the distance, hiding any distinguishable horizon from sight. Above the haze, the orange glow of a winter morning sky was visible. Soon we were in the haze ourselves, with only the soft gray-purple clouds around us briefly. We emerged to hover above an expanse of calm white clouds as far as the eye could see, merging into the waking sky along the horizon. There is something about the final flight of a journey that creates a prime time for reflection. Perhaps it is because I know the concerns of daily life and new transitions will consume my mind as soon as I arrive, or perhaps I’m just too tired to do anything but reflect. Either way, with my husband of one week and 4 days asleep beside me (yes, he actually slept on this flight), I took a moment to pause and just reflect on all that had happened over the past two months and year.
My heart has changed. I am still and will always be a global nomad, but my heart is no longer just my own, but also his. And his heart is mine to cherish. On January 12th, surrounded by precious friends and family, we promised ourselves, our whole beings, our futures, our dreams to one another. The celebration was more beautiful and perfect than I had imagined, and we left our wedding feeling filled and spilling over with joy and love. This is not at all where I imagined I would be a year ago, but it is exactly where I want to be, where I need to be, where I am. We felt an outpouring of God’s love through the many words of blessing and encouragement and congratulations that were given to us. God is good. All the time. I am amazed by His love and the new depth of His love that I get to understand and experience through marriage.
Traveling is something that Kyle and I are both very experienced in and enjoy very much, but we are used to doing it alone...or at least without the other. On our trip home, one would have been humored (as we were) to watch us gently “correct” or “advise” the other on the “best” way to... go through security, get your bag out of the overhead bin, navigate through the airport, [fill-in-the blank]. We are learning to set our own “old” ways aside and learn new ways together. We are learning to love life together and to share with one another. We know that there is a long journey ahead, likely with many bumps, but we are cherishing this time of establishing a new life together and we are having fun. We plan to stay in Italy with Kyle’s job until the end of June, at which point we will return to the States. We don’t really know much beyond that, but we are prayerful and excited about the many possibilities being considered. Your prayers in this matter are appreciated as well!
To close, I leave you with a precious poem written by Gary Williams, a dear friend who officiated our wedding and read this to us before many witnesses on our wedding day. We believe it was Spirit-inspired.
From Many, One
For Kyle and Elizabeth, by Gary Williams
In the fullness of time – which God saw from the start,
He provided, guided you to each other’s heart.
When you both were content to fly solo in life,
He then gave you a husband and gave you a wife –
Revealing how his unending grace and surprise
Works throughout our lives more than we can realize.
He equips and prepares you for what is to come,
Creating with you now, from your past, a new home.
So many languages, faces, places, meetings!
So many addresses, embraces and greetings!
From many companions, you’ve each chosen one friend
To journey beside you in this life to the end.
Many hearts with yours now on this one day rejoice
To affirm and to witness your beautiful choice!
And you’ll someday discover the love you now know
Is but yet a mere shadow of how it will grow.
One melody, formed in your symphony of love
Because you live in harmony with God above.
So many stories merging, blending into one!
Cherish one another, and now have lots of fun!
