The first 48

My husband and I started our journey to Qatar on the evening of  sept 15th, 2014, at 8 months pregnant it was the very last day my doctor would approve international travel.   Not only were my husband and I traveling to a country we had never been to before, we brought our two chiweenies, Nola and Pip. 
  We left out of Knoxville, Tn after spending the summer in my hometown with my parents and brother. This made leaving more difficult because we grew so close over the summer.  Family meals became very special to us as my mom prepared country style feast almost every night followed by nights of "upstairs" conversations between my husband, brother, and me that never seemed to have a beginning or and end but would always just pick up as one of us walked into the other's room. Sundays were extra special because we got to go to church together, worship, learn, fellowship with our new found spiritual family, and reflect on all the blessings God so generously gives us.   We knew even  our daily workouts in the heat on my childhood basketball court were going to be missed and lifting weights together in the basement with the praise music playing. Oh,  and there was no doubt Nola and Pip would miss the never ending supply of  love and treats they were showered with from the whole family as well as having a huge back yard full of critters to chase. Then, last but certainly not least, we knew this meant  our family and loved ones would not to be present for the birth of our daughter, Jincy Rose.  As a first time mother, this is not only sad to me but scary as well.  
  Many people would quickly say we are crazy for leaving the comforts, joys, and perks of all of this to move to a foreign desert surrounded by dangers of war and terrorism, especially 1 month before having a baby.   I would have to agree with that statement, we are crazy...crazy about Jesus and being sold out to trying to do His will, not ours.  
  Even though my husband will be playing professional basketball  this season for Al Rayyan Sports Club we both know in our heart's that this opportunity is so much bigger than basketball. It's an opportunity to glorify our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, in a land that is new to Christianity. So for us, this is a mission trip for Him to be magnified and glorified and we are just thankful to have a small part in His plan and kingdom building.  We have learned over the past few years that His plans are so much better than our plans and trust in Jeremiah 29:11 that says "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, to give you hope and a future." 

    After approximately 24 hours of traveling that included stops in Washington, Dc and Frankfort Germany we finally arrived in Doha, Qatar. 
We have taken many international trips but this one seemed extra long and grueling. Probably because we brought Nola and Pip in the cabin with us on the flights (that was borderline torturous for them to be contained to those small bags for so long), I'm 8 months pregnant  in full waddle, swollen feet, and must pee every 10 minutes mode, and we had to fly the long way from Germany to Doha due to the current air strikes in Iraq. 
    When we finally arrived and made it through passport checks we were scolded for allowing the dogs to walk on leashes through the airport and were made to put them back in their bags and then were stopped by customs because they detected glass bottle in my husbands suitcase that they thought was possibly alcohol. Thankfully, this quickly turned into a laughing matter when they realized it was just his beloved hot sauce.  Once we were allowed to leave we were anxiously looking for our pick up contact who we assumed would be holding a sign that said Dominic Wright but found no one. Then we realized the guy standing there with the "Qatar Vet" sign for Nola and Pip  was our guy who had thoughtfully stopped by the vet to get their pet import permits to make sure we had no problems brining them in.  He kindly escorted us out of the airport into the parking lot when our excitement and anticipation of breathing in fresh night  air got a sudden reality check by the wave of heat we were hit by to let us know we have arrived to the desert.    
     We were taken to a temporary apartment while our place is being prepared and were very thankful to feel the AC blowing strong. Exhaustion and swollen feet led me to stay in while my husband ventured out to find us dinner. He soon returned with two of my favorite things on earth, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Baskin Robbins Ice Cream. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, not just because of the food but because I was taken back by knowing that even though he was completely worn out he still wanted to take care of me and put a smile on my face. And to me, that's what this trip is all about, the little things that will make us stop and realize that we are so blessed and be encouraged to be a blessing to others however God leads us.

So here we are now in Doha, Qatar safe, sound, and sweaty.    We are still adjusting to the time difference and trying to get settled as we start this journey together for the Lord. We appreciate the  prayers of all our loved ones and hope this blog will  be bless you. 


A couple of verses that our on our hearts: 

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." -Matthew 5:16 

  "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of The Lord  Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." - Colossians 3:17