And she's off!

The morning of Sister Little's departure for her mission was fast-paced, and a bit miraculous!

She was scheduled to depart in the afternoon, meeting up in Atlanta with several other missionaries on her way to the Sao Paulo Training Center.  Well - we woke up to Tropical Storm Bill making it's way our direction.  Projections were that it would be arriving about the time of her departure.  Greg made some phone calls to church travel, and they got her on an earlier flight to try to get her out of Houston before the storm arrived.  However, that meant our leisurely morning was out the window and we needed to leave NOW!  She hurriedly stuck her remaining items in her suitcase, threw her hair in a braid while we woke up the boys, and we were off to the airport!

As we stepped off the elevator into the terminal, the elevator directly across from ours opened, and out stepped another family with a well dressed daughter.  The two girls immediately threw their arms around each other.  It turns out that one of Ashley's friends, who was leaving for the Peru Training Center, was booked on her new flight and the two would be traveling together.  Total relief for our sweet girl!

This brother hug was the hardest for me.  3 years before these two see each other again.

We said our goodbyes, and then she was off!  The plane departed on time, giving her plenty of time to make her connection in Atlanta.

*As a side note, pesky Bill DID end up delaying her original flight substantially.  So grateful for the Lord's tender mercies that day!