Finders Keepers

I found this in the journal that I was going to try and keep while I am here...the journal part hasn't worked out. I figured I might as well type this up!

Monday, January 4th, 2010

Today is the day I have been planing and preparing for so long. It was so difficult to say goodbye to my family and Drew. We had the Waechter family Christmas this past weekend. I knew it would be tough because I had to say goodbye to my whole family and my sisters and Dad (Tony and Drew were at the airport). I went up a night early and got to hang out with my Daddy and Uncle Rodney. They took me for a delicious steak, We also went and saw "the Blind Side" at the Algona movie theatre. They both opened up to me a lot. I felt like the most loved girl in the world. I got to stay at my Dad's that night. We had such a good time. We both woke up a little early so we sat and talked for awhile. I really love him so much and I love to be around him when he is acting all goofy because it gives me hope that he is truly happy. I wish I got to see this side of him more. He told me that he thinks about us kids a lot and he really does miss us. It meant the world to me. We had such a blast at our family Christmas. My dad was blessed with 8 brothers and sisters. So even though it gets a little crazy and full, I love love love our big family. My uncle Rodney gave me the nicest card. Goodbyes were extremely hard. Seeing my family cry is not easy. Especially my dad..(he will pry deny that he cried when he reads this). Drew and I drove home. I was so happy to have him there. Sunday morning I sang at church. I had lots of people come up and tell me how proud they were and how much they would be praying for me. It felt so good to hear. I finally feel like I am doing something right. The flights were amazing!! I loved taking off and landing. And the airports really aren't that confusing. When we landed in Japan we did not have long at all to get onto our next flight. Hallie and I were sweating our butts off cause we went from Iowa weather to Japan weather. It was so pretty in the sky though. We flew over Alaska..GORGEOUS. I didn't sleep much on the airplanes mostly because of excitement. It feels like your getting fed all the time too. As soon as we landed in Taipei, we got our luggage and met up with Grandpa Ted. It was so exciting to finally meet him! We survived his crazy driving to the Home. Hallie and I ran inside and there were babies EVERYWHERE! I was so overwhelmed! I gave Gramma Bev a hug and picked up baby Naomi (Gwo) because she was crying so loud. We got our things and went up and slept. I don't think it has really sunk in that I am truly here.

-Jes