I’m still testing positive for COVID but the doctor at the hospital wrote me a note that I hope will allow me to enter the US. I’m feeling better than I have all week and never had fever. I’ll still mask and do my best to keep others safe. Thankfully, the airline I am flying home on still requires masks.

I’m on a midnight flight to Frankfurt. There I catch a direct flight to Houston. If all goes as planned, I’ll be home tomorrow afternoon.

I did a last drive around Keflavik, my little Iceland home, before I did my final packing up. Everyday I’ve had some (not so) little unexpected gift. This evening, I soaked in all the Iceland beauty one last time—mountains and sea and birds.

New wildflowers have started to bloom, and I stopped to enjoy them.

It’s turned bitter cold, so I am back to layers with my coat and hat. It seems strange to think of the opposite weather I’ll be experiencing, I hope, tomorrow.

I’m still processing all this trip had taught me but what I am sitting with now is the reminder to expect twists and turns. I know that God will be beside me, and actually, truth be, always going before me, often silent and inseen. I know that eventually things will sort out. One way. Or another.

Being alone and COVID positive in a foreign country, I am learning how resilient I am, AND how much I need other people—and we all need each other.

I got an official email from the Icelandic government telling me what health protocols to take. I am doing my best to keep others safe but without my people near, I have to leave isolation to get food and supplies. I can do this for myself, but it reminds me of how important other’s acts of kindness are.

I’m amazed at the delicious food I can find at the local Bonus grocery. So many delicious choices!

I’ve been able to set up a little office in my hotel room, and between naps, working via zoom using my iPhone and iPad. My internet connection is excellent, and I have easy charging stations next to my desk. I’m a bit slower than usual, and I’m finding extra time to pray for congregations and people I serve as I move through my work tasks.

How amazing I can be sick in Iceland and still work remotely.

I have a rent car, and I have learned to get about Keflavik. I can pretty much find every place I need without a map. I smile when I see the KFC (yes, that KFC) which is one of the signs I’m near my morning place to walk in quickly to get my coffee and morning roll. Everyday I find a new sight or item to enjoy. What Icelandic surprise will I find today?

I’m amazed that I’m being given the gift to “live” in a small town in Iceland for a week.

Every little text or email or phone call from home helps me get through the day. All sorts of people sending me kind words and offering prayers.

Why am I amazed at the difference those prayers and words make? They are not onlys (as in only a prayer or only a text)—they are tangible gifts of God’s love.

After nearly two weeks on the road, I had the hotel do some laundry. No laundromats in Iceland, it turns out. Folks have their own washer or share one in their housing unit. It was a great gift to have my neatly folded clean clothes delivered to my room.

Aren’t clean clothes amazing?

When I went to the hospital this past Monday hoping to get a “fit to fly” clearance, I prayed that if it were safe for me to fly (that is, not make others ill), I’d be able to leave. I’ll admit that I wept at what I believe was God’s answer—that I needed to stay away from others. I’m hoping for a “yes” tomorrow when I hopefully see a doctor. For today, I am thankful for the good gifts that God is giving me. In Iceland.

In Iceland!!!!