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!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Sleepless in Orlando
Is it early...or is it late? Sleep eludes me tonight. I is probably because there is so much excitement on my mind....the olde brain just will not stop spining! I am told that it is quite on the cold side in Scotland at the moment. It is actually quite on the cold side in Florida as well. I keep throwing more logs on the fire and I am quite content snuggles up on the couch rather than heading to the far northern regions (down the hall) to the bedroom)....I probably keep waking up because the fire keeps going out!
The bags are packed...I am ready to go. Well....I am never ready enough because I like to leave things 'just so.'....this time however, I did not manage...'just so.' That frustrates me, but pacing ones self has bexome more important as I grow nearer to .....old. Thank goodness for these trips with kids....they keep me young!
I will blog as often as I can....the adventure is about to begin.....I c an hardly wait to see all of the cheery faces....students and parents alike.....bright and early.
For now...I think I will do like a firefighter and pull on my boots....and doze until the bell rings!
The bags are packed...I am ready to go. Well....I am never ready enough because I like to leave things 'just so.'....this time however, I did not manage...'just so.' That frustrates me, but pacing ones self has bexome more important as I grow nearer to .....old. Thank goodness for these trips with kids....they keep me young!
I will blog as often as I can....the adventure is about to begin.....I c an hardly wait to see all of the cheery faces....students and parents alike.....bright and early.
For now...I think I will do like a firefighter and pull on my boots....and doze until the bell rings!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
International Flight ~ Upcoming
We are in the final count and it is time to resurrect this blog site! 2012 has arrived and the time is quickly approaching for the TMA J-Term trip to Scotland and Ireland. We could not be more excited! Florida has given us an extremely warm December so those of us who enjoy a break from the heat are looking forward to grabbing our coats and walking around in some brisk air.
Now, this might be just an illusion of coolness going on in my head, though I do enjoy cool more than hot. In reality, it is currently 72 degrees in our hometown with an outlook of sun all week. On the other hand, it is currently 43 degrees in Edinburgh (that is the high, the low is 39) with, can you believe it....little rain symbols all week. I believe our tour guide called it a frozen fog. Well, the golashes and Makintosh will come in handy! (That is a raincoat, not a computer)
This afternoon I will be reviewing some notes on how to shoot decent photos in the rain! I am personally excited to try out my new Techno-Gloves....a gift from my sister and this year's 'secret santa.' I love the Isotoners anyway but these are furry warm on the inside and have thin little tips with a bit of embroidery for texture...so you can use those digital buttons and touch screens without removing your gloves. Very handy indeed!
We have one last meeting...the kids and chaperones....before we have our early morning check in at the airport. The trip date at one time seemed so far into the future, but here it is, right upon us. Oh how time flies when you are having fun!
I am excited about the things we have to learn about our new destination. Our focus is literary and world view and my prayer for each student is that they will embrace the largeness...and smallness...of our world and use this time to allow God to help them define their purpose and their mission during their earthly journey towards their heavenly home.
As would seem normal, I am particularly excited to see the Book of Kells in Dublin. This is the first illuminated manuscript of the Bible...(Gospels)...and like every other masterpiece I have ever seen, it just is not the same when viewed in a book. So, rain or no rain, freezing cold or not....we will have a great time!
Latha Math
(pronounced laah mah - and meaning, Good Day in Scottish Gaelic)
Now, this might be just an illusion of coolness going on in my head, though I do enjoy cool more than hot. In reality, it is currently 72 degrees in our hometown with an outlook of sun all week. On the other hand, it is currently 43 degrees in Edinburgh (that is the high, the low is 39) with, can you believe it....little rain symbols all week. I believe our tour guide called it a frozen fog. Well, the golashes and Makintosh will come in handy! (That is a raincoat, not a computer)
This afternoon I will be reviewing some notes on how to shoot decent photos in the rain! I am personally excited to try out my new Techno-Gloves....a gift from my sister and this year's 'secret santa.' I love the Isotoners anyway but these are furry warm on the inside and have thin little tips with a bit of embroidery for texture...so you can use those digital buttons and touch screens without removing your gloves. Very handy indeed!
We have one last meeting...the kids and chaperones....before we have our early morning check in at the airport. The trip date at one time seemed so far into the future, but here it is, right upon us. Oh how time flies when you are having fun!
I am excited about the things we have to learn about our new destination. Our focus is literary and world view and my prayer for each student is that they will embrace the largeness...and smallness...of our world and use this time to allow God to help them define their purpose and their mission during their earthly journey towards their heavenly home.
As would seem normal, I am particularly excited to see the Book of Kells in Dublin. This is the first illuminated manuscript of the Bible...(Gospels)...and like every other masterpiece I have ever seen, it just is not the same when viewed in a book. So, rain or no rain, freezing cold or not....we will have a great time!
Latha Math
Friday, January 21, 2011
Journals
English teachers read student work. They read it a lot. I have been blessed this week to have had the privilege of reading the travel journals of our students.
Observations......
*Some have amazing thoughts to share...and it is worth the deciphering of the handwriting....but GLORY, where were the teachers who taught penmanship? I did ask for 'creative' journaling and some of that handwriting was certainly 'creative'....no wonder these kids text!
*Creativity...Some jounrals are so creative with their scrapbooking styles...they have a knack for concise but insightful posts. (Did we used to call scrapbooking "posts?") I love seeing the bits of 'memorabilia' that they saved along the way.
*Memories....I loved reading about the memories of the London trip and the expectations for the Italy trip. Some of the students were fortunate and got to travel to Europe TWICE during their high school years. It made me feel wonderful that it was a great experience for them. It showed me that the investment of my time was well spent (the planning time!)
*Repeat visits.....In London, the kids were constantly finding Starbucks. Not so in Italy...I don't think we EVER saw a Starbucks.....but they found a new stop....GELATARIA....the place you go for Gelato...and no, the American version is NOT the same. Looks the same. I wonder how much Gelato was consumed by this group.
*Addictions....we asked them to avoid the energy drinks. I was thinking of those things in cans. It never occurred to me that espresso and cappuccino would entice them .....and keep calling to them. I probably did not think of coffee as addictive since I do not drink it. But they found a new love for Italian coffee. I wonder if Starbucks will satisfy them now.
*Architecture...I was quite pleased at how much they appreciated the architecture of ancient days...and also astounded that they were amazed that it was still standing. We live in such a temporary world...building gets out of style, we bulldoze and rebuild. Europeans embrace what has stood for centuries and take care of it. (Well, they put a lot of graffiti on buildings and don't clean it off, but if you skip the ground floor view....)
*Future...it was wonderful to read about some of their spiritual insights and how so many of them hope that international travel will be a part of their future. I hope they let God make an impact on their life no matter where they are or what they are doing.
*Sweet...there were even some 'thank yous'...that was unexpected. I guess there is a reason I drive an hour each way to spend time with TMA students. They are great kids and I know that I have great expectations for what God will do in their lives!
Follower ?.....If the blog has not bored you to tears yet, then remain a follower, or add yourself to the list, or delete. I will probably post every now and then when I have a moment or a reflection...as I go through the 20GIGS of photos. I promise not to post all of them!.......but most of all, if you are not a Follower of the only one who really counts (Jesus Christ)....then I hope you will think about doing that today. I promise that it will make all the difference in the world in your life.
Observations......
*Some have amazing thoughts to share...and it is worth the deciphering of the handwriting....but GLORY, where were the teachers who taught penmanship? I did ask for 'creative' journaling and some of that handwriting was certainly 'creative'....no wonder these kids text!
*Creativity...Some jounrals are so creative with their scrapbooking styles...they have a knack for concise but insightful posts. (Did we used to call scrapbooking "posts?") I love seeing the bits of 'memorabilia' that they saved along the way.
*Memories....I loved reading about the memories of the London trip and the expectations for the Italy trip. Some of the students were fortunate and got to travel to Europe TWICE during their high school years. It made me feel wonderful that it was a great experience for them. It showed me that the investment of my time was well spent (the planning time!)
*Repeat visits.....In London, the kids were constantly finding Starbucks. Not so in Italy...I don't think we EVER saw a Starbucks.....but they found a new stop....GELATARIA....the place you go for Gelato...and no, the American version is NOT the same. Looks the same. I wonder how much Gelato was consumed by this group.
*Addictions....we asked them to avoid the energy drinks. I was thinking of those things in cans. It never occurred to me that espresso and cappuccino would entice them .....and keep calling to them. I probably did not think of coffee as addictive since I do not drink it. But they found a new love for Italian coffee. I wonder if Starbucks will satisfy them now.
*Architecture...I was quite pleased at how much they appreciated the architecture of ancient days...and also astounded that they were amazed that it was still standing. We live in such a temporary world...building gets out of style, we bulldoze and rebuild. Europeans embrace what has stood for centuries and take care of it. (Well, they put a lot of graffiti on buildings and don't clean it off, but if you skip the ground floor view....)
*Future...it was wonderful to read about some of their spiritual insights and how so many of them hope that international travel will be a part of their future. I hope they let God make an impact on their life no matter where they are or what they are doing.
*Sweet...there were even some 'thank yous'...that was unexpected. I guess there is a reason I drive an hour each way to spend time with TMA students. They are great kids and I know that I have great expectations for what God will do in their lives!
Follower ?.....If the blog has not bored you to tears yet, then remain a follower, or add yourself to the list, or delete. I will probably post every now and then when I have a moment or a reflection...as I go through the 20GIGS of photos. I promise not to post all of them!.......but most of all, if you are not a Follower of the only one who really counts (Jesus Christ)....then I hope you will think about doing that today. I promise that it will make all the difference in the world in your life.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Orto de Medici
This photo does not do justice to the hotel but I could not leave it out. This was the most efficient, most gracious hotel staff I have EVER worked with. I highly recommend this hotel if you ever go to Florence, Italy. It is down the street from the Accademia and a short walk to just about anything you might want to enjoy. (See link below)
But the awesome thing about this hotel is that it was once a palace....ever heard of the Medici's? (They were the ruling family who pretty much funded the start of the Renaissance) Good ole Lorenzo "The Magificent" resided here and had a fascination for Roman statues. He felt that painters were 'a dime a dozen' but sculptors were rare indeed. So.....patron of the arts that he was...he opened up his home to young people with artistic talent. They came in and drew the statues and eventually learned to sculpt their own statues as well. In hind site....this actually became known as the first art gallery and art school. I guess you can only imagine how very cool this was for me!
This building is of course, VERY old, so it was surprising at best that there was an elevator. It held a suitcase and a person. Or maybe two people and no suitcases, but it did beat climbing 50 stairs or more to your room! The ground floor is "0" and the next floor is "1" etc. It is a European thing, this ground floor numbering. Fun, yes? They provide ONE room key which must be deposited at the front desk every time you go in and out...but you do not want to carry it anyway. Those are HEAVY keys and rings....and they work upside down from ours. The rooms were just as quaint as their web site shows.
The best part, I left out....we had devotions one evening in one of the parlors. It did lose a bit in the transition to modern times because of the 54" flat screen tv, but hey...look at the ceilings and it will take you back centuries! Did I mention that one of the students in this art school was none other than the fabulously talented Michelangelo? YES! We resided in the same place where Michelangelo studied as a lad of thirteen. Seems that he did not fit in with the other kids, was bullied a bit, and found refuge here, with his great tutors who developed the amazing God-given talent he had been entrusted with.
So...if you think you don't fit in....if you walk to the beat of a different drummer....trust God for direction in your life. Only He knows what potential there is within you, but if you trust Him.....there is no telling where He will lead you and what you will be able to accomplish in his power. Can you imagine the world today if Michelangelo had just run to his room and pouted? As crazy as some of those Medici's were, I surely am thankful that they were patrons of the arts because the world has some great art because of their interests. See....you don't have to BE an artist in order to be a part of the art world!
Statues
I will start adding photos for your 'Trip in Review"
Statues....
We saw a LOT of statues. Michelangelo's work was of course by far the most impressive. Photos were not allowed of "David" but we saw Moses in Rome and so many more. Remember that Florence was the heart of the Renaissance and the Renaissance brought the re-discovery of the beauty and power of the human form. Therefore....fashion was not important for the majority of the statues. Therefore, few were TMA appropriate.
Creativity was important on the trip, so this creative group of students found a way to show you the statues and a part of Medici palaces and still be TMA appropriate. We had some funny shots and a lot of fun on that rainy day in Florence.
Remember also...and it was neat to explain this to students when they asked about the obsession with nudity. There is a great difference between the nudity seen in Florence and in what they are exposed to today. Today it is all about erotic nudity which is pornography.....that is what our society is exposed to in movies, tv, and all kinds of visual advertising. In the Renaissance it was about the rediscovery of the human form and the power and beauty of what God created. When you think about how the sculptors were able to form out of marble, and that it still stands today, shows how very important humans were, and still are, in God's creation. If people only valued themselves and others as so special and valuable, I wonder what kind of society we would have today. As we were in Florence enjoying the beauty of life....in only a few days we would find the horror that was taking place in America by a gunman who had no value at all for life.
I hope the students came away with a greater value of themselves and how precious they are to God, their Creator. I hope they never let someone take that from them.
Statues....
Creativity was important on the trip, so this creative group of students found a way to show you the statues and a part of Medici palaces and still be TMA appropriate. We had some funny shots and a lot of fun on that rainy day in Florence.
Remember also...and it was neat to explain this to students when they asked about the obsession with nudity. There is a great difference between the nudity seen in Florence and in what they are exposed to today. Today it is all about erotic nudity which is pornography.....that is what our society is exposed to in movies, tv, and all kinds of visual advertising. In the Renaissance it was about the rediscovery of the human form and the power and beauty of what God created. When you think about how the sculptors were able to form out of marble, and that it still stands today, shows how very important humans were, and still are, in God's creation. If people only valued themselves and others as so special and valuable, I wonder what kind of society we would have today. As we were in Florence enjoying the beauty of life....in only a few days we would find the horror that was taking place in America by a gunman who had no value at all for life.
I hope the students came away with a greater value of themselves and how precious they are to God, their Creator. I hope they never let someone take that from them.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Return
United 967 was a really nice flight. (Rome to DC)
It was not one of the really huge planes...2-3-2 seating....so at times you could feel turbulence, but generally it was a nice flight. Many of the students appeared to get some sleep....I had a couple of nice naps, took a few strolls down the aisle and chatted with the attendants a bit.
If the students appear rested and energetic upon their return, I still caution parents not to turn them loose for a night on the town too soon. Jet lag affects everyone differently, but the goal is to get back to your USA schedule as quickly as possible. Getting to bed tonight well before MIDNIGHT on USA time should be the goal. Thursday should be spent resting, completing journals and printing photos.
The J- term grade will be based upon the quality of what is written in the journal. (Creative liberties are encouraged in writing styles and journaling.) We are looking for content of discoveries and such, not a time line of activities.
Each student is also to turn in his/her camera card(s) or a cd copy of the cards to Mr. Darnell by the luncheon on Friday. This is also a part of the academic grade and part of their contribution to the photo cd...mandatory.
Students are not to be on campus on Thursday.
Mandatory Luncheon on Friday...also part of the grade. You should have received information from the school and parents might have also been invited. Mr. Salerno does a great job with this activity, so be sure to attend. (This was optional last year ONLY due to the snow day and late arrival to the states.) I believe it is scheduled around lunchtime, so please contact Kelly in the school office to indicate the number of people that will be attending so the events class will be prepared.
By the time this posts, your young people should be home again. Most of them had some of their favorite American foods in the DC airport. Their new friends from Cornerstone headed off for their flight to Chicago and Jimmy was able to reschedule through Atlanta and is on his way to Dallas.
Customs in DC was an interesting experience and I could make some political comments about our borders, but I will use another platform for my 'hobby.' Let's just say that they were very thorough and the agents mean business. You do not cut in line and you do not argue with them. (We observed some who tried...not our group though)
Some of us experienced the new body scans in security and at least one had the pat down. Our kids look so dangerous, don't they? And we got to enjoy the drug beagle scout out my own luggage. (I was transporting a fresh cannoli). The humorous thing is that no matter when or where I travel...I get stopped for something. At least my bag was not dumped out this time, and I did not have to give up the canoli!
We all understand the importance of guarding your American passport as the precious and valuable document that it is......and though we loved our time abroad....it is really good to be back in the USA.
It was not one of the really huge planes...2-3-2 seating....so at times you could feel turbulence, but generally it was a nice flight. Many of the students appeared to get some sleep....I had a couple of nice naps, took a few strolls down the aisle and chatted with the attendants a bit.
If the students appear rested and energetic upon their return, I still caution parents not to turn them loose for a night on the town too soon. Jet lag affects everyone differently, but the goal is to get back to your USA schedule as quickly as possible. Getting to bed tonight well before MIDNIGHT on USA time should be the goal. Thursday should be spent resting, completing journals and printing photos.
The J- term grade will be based upon the quality of what is written in the journal. (Creative liberties are encouraged in writing styles and journaling.) We are looking for content of discoveries and such, not a time line of activities.
Each student is also to turn in his/her camera card(s) or a cd copy of the cards to Mr. Darnell by the luncheon on Friday. This is also a part of the academic grade and part of their contribution to the photo cd...mandatory.
Students are not to be on campus on Thursday.
Mandatory Luncheon on Friday...also part of the grade. You should have received information from the school and parents might have also been invited. Mr. Salerno does a great job with this activity, so be sure to attend. (This was optional last year ONLY due to the snow day and late arrival to the states.) I believe it is scheduled around lunchtime, so please contact Kelly in the school office to indicate the number of people that will be attending so the events class will be prepared.
By the time this posts, your young people should be home again. Most of them had some of their favorite American foods in the DC airport. Their new friends from Cornerstone headed off for their flight to Chicago and Jimmy was able to reschedule through Atlanta and is on his way to Dallas.
Customs in DC was an interesting experience and I could make some political comments about our borders, but I will use another platform for my 'hobby.' Let's just say that they were very thorough and the agents mean business. You do not cut in line and you do not argue with them. (We observed some who tried...not our group though)
Some of us experienced the new body scans in security and at least one had the pat down. Our kids look so dangerous, don't they? And we got to enjoy the drug beagle scout out my own luggage. (I was transporting a fresh cannoli). The humorous thing is that no matter when or where I travel...I get stopped for something. At least my bag was not dumped out this time, and I did not have to give up the canoli!
We all understand the importance of guarding your American passport as the precious and valuable document that it is......and though we loved our time abroad....it is really good to be back in the USA.
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