My wakeup call came at 6 AM - all the way from the Space Center. Thank goodness my husband is an early bird...well, he was up all night fighting fires and saving lives....so he called me at the END of his work day! A frozen tundra is what I recall thinking about as I was getting dressed. Just like the wisest of firefighters, I had everything LAID OUT and ready to jump into! Good Plan!
It was nice to arrive very early, in that I am not all that much of a morning person. My son-in-love has the most wonderful WARM seats in his car. It made daybreak so much nicer!
Everyone arrived in just minutes of the appointed time of 8:30. YEA! Good job, team!
I was ever so pleased with the staff at Continental Airlines (United)....efficient, pleasant, quick fixes where needed!
Security...this is always the adventure....but we waited patiently and pleasantly and imagine this.....they opened up an extra line and shot most of our group through it! I think only one person had to wait due to power bars wrapped in foil. One never ever knows what to expect at TSA! Whew!
Spencer and the group from the Italy trip were so helpful in directing the kids to the next location. We were in a different terminal, and guess what...they are not the same! But ....Spencer found the chapel and directed everyone there....great training, these trips. He took command of the situation while the chaperones were still in security and watched for everyone to get through. I love watching the kids take the lead and showing such leadership....especially our young men...oh how America needs more of this today!
After we "counted off"...Mr. Corey had a sweet time of prayer. Yes parents, we are praying for you as well, because as much as you miss your children, we know that you wish to be with us!
Off to the shuttle..(not the blast off time...oh, we have no more of those!).....We made it across with hands in the air, roller coaster style. I can already tell that this is a really fun group! After we found our gate, and that the plane is delayed 35 minutes...until 11:50 AM.....we let the kids go get food and beverage....we can always count on the fact that someone will need refreshments!
Right now it is lively behind me. The terminal is rather quiet...most of the tourists have returned home....a marching band just came in from New York, headed to Disney for a performance. Imagine how I love that!.....every once in a while I am startled by a rousing cheer....or awwwwwww! The corner holds a group of kids playing UNO. Good plan...again!
As you can see...traveling with young people can keep you young. You have to stay young. I am particularly thankful today for laughter. I love the sounds of children, middle schoolers, and high school young people when they are laughing. They are enjoying the life God gave them. They are enjoying the blessings of friendships and travel. They are enjoying the adventure that God has placed in their path.
Our guide is on his way from Gatwick to Glasgow by train...pray for his safety and that we will have a great week together. I have quite enjoyed the correspondence with Terry over the last two weeks. How the internet has changed our world! We have a great team behind us at EFTours and I am delighted to be traveling with them.
Packing up now....hopefully we will board soon ....and this will also be my last trip via laptop! Compared to that new ipad.....this is a dinosaur.....and yet, I will always have a love affair with my MacPro!
I will try to check in again when we reach Newark!
New depart time is 11:55 AM.
Cheerio!
Your husband is a good man, as is mine. He always gets up for my early morning things to make sure I am ready. :-)))
ReplyDeleteAren't cards grand for keeping a crowd happy during a wait?
Love the anticipation.