Liz Ortiz
- Oct 6, 2018

Goodbyes and Stepping onto the Plane

As I exited my car Sunday morning, I had the bittersweet awareness that this was the last time I would be walking into my church for a long time. The following Sunday, I would be on a plane for West Africa. After over a year of planning, Togo was finally happening, and I was excited to be soon on my way. However, it was hard to say goodbye to friends and family. At the end of the service, my church prayed for me and commissioned me for service in Togo.

The next week was a blur, filled with more goodbyes, last-minute Visa challenges, desperate praying, packing and repacking. On Thursday, my mom and I drove to Pennsylvania to stay with my brother’s family and enjoy them for a few days . We had fun together and even got to go on a coal mine tour!

Sunday seemed to come too quickly, and it was difficult to say another goodbye to family. However, the time had come, and I was excited to get on the plane and be officially on my way to West Africa! The 10.5-hour overnight flight went fine, although I barely slept. As I exited the plane, the African heat enveloped me into my new reality.

My guide took me grocery shopping in the capital city before making the three-hour drive to the mission. I was relieved when I arrived at my new home and found a comfortable bed awaiting me.

Six days have passed since I arrived in Togo, and I’m so happy to be here. It is hot and humid, and I’m still jet-lagged, but I know that this is where God wants me to be. It has been fun walking around the compound and meeting everyone. I’m excited to start working on projects. Thank you for your prayers, support and kind messages. I appreciate all of them and each of you.