The First Day, The First Nap

Hello all,

I am not certain how many people will be reading this, so congratulations if you are the only one--you have successfully found the next big thing. If I maintain this journal/blog, I stand to create the greatest collection of thoughts ever assembled by a Turner living in London on a VAIO laptop...post-9-11.

I want to start back at the airport in a time not too different from now...

It was yesterday that my parents helped me finish my packing (apparently, I use a lot of stuff because those bags pushed the weight limits). On the first attempt to journey to the airport, my mom--thankfully--realized that she (I) had left the folder containing my University of Westminster acceptance letter, my airplane ticket, and several other key documents on the counter at home. Five minutes and 38 "'Are you sure you have everything, son?' s" later, we were off on our second attempt. We left early in anticipation of traffic, both on the road and in O'Hare. This fact helped to calm me when, just outside of Malta, some trucker tried to backup some farmer's driveway. The two or three minutes that trucker stole from my life are not that important, but it did leave me thankful that I am going to college for something other than my GED (I'm looking at you, trucker. High school equivalencing, my eye. 90% of a high school diploma is earned by avoiding/giving wedgies from bullies/to dorks; you have earned nothing in my book). But the trip to the airport was quick and the security was a joke. The hardest part of it was saying goodbye to my parents.
To me, this process was a bit like attending my own funeral, but the rules only allow me to stay for a half-hour. Certainly, I could sit and reassure my mom about the situation, but perhaps--as in a real and normal funeral--the reassurances and support are best left to those back how with my mom. As for my own reassurances, I am entirely grateful to my folks for their support in my endeavors. They have done more for me than I would ever ask for. But that's just it, I didn't need to ask. I just told them about my aspirations, and filled out some forms.
And other family members have been helpful, as I have been on the receiving end of many good wishes and other supportive gestures. Friends, too, have encouraged me. I think of those at First Baptist who have been praying for me; I can say with great certainty that God is with me in this effort. Those not affiliated with FBC have been there for me in much the same way, lending helpful tips and tools for my trip.
Yet, what good would any of this be without God? I say that it would count for naught, were I without Him in this life-changing time. Earlier today, I crawled into bed for a quick nap, and all I could think was, "God is with me. " And that is the basest thing I require: the presence of a God who controls my world.
I want this trip to reflect many things--too many to list. But perhaps more than anything, I want to put into action Pastor Steve's message about getting off of the swingset in the backyard, and moving on to DisneyWorld.
Feel free to knick any of my jokes; there should be more in the next entry. By the way, the flight on American Airlines was great and I just walked around for a few hours today. Big Ben is not that big. I think they should just call it Ben, and let the individual decide for himself which adjective should be attached to it.

My Best,

Keenan Turner