Saturday/June 21, 2003
We begin ~
We gathered at the airport at 6-ish. First challenge - after sacrificing package space in order to bring computers (donated by Eric's workplace) we learn that we cannot take boxes! Leeann and Lynn ran for an emergency shopping trip - two duffle bags later we only have to leave behind, for another group, the monitor.
Chapel - DFW ~
Donna brings us the devotion from "My Utmost for His Highest" about abandoning ourselves and depending on Him; beginning by praying for others.
After a couple of hour's layover, we board a jet for Miami, going due east to end up southeast is an interesting approach to travel. Many of us skipped lunch anticipating a "wonderful" bistro meal in flight . . . wrong! A bag of pretzels is the fare and probably no time to grab a bit before the next flight! Hmmm - I'm thinking fasting doesn't "count" if not voluntarily ensued. I doubt we will notice a missed meal except as a slight dent in our conspicuous consumption.
The air is anticipatory. They are announcing connecting gates; the destinations sound so cosmopolitan. To me it seems surreal! After all the burritos and waiting and planning, we are almost there.
After a 2 ½ hour flight to Miami - we sat on the plan 1 ½ hours waiting for a gate, everyone is being very tolerant - (not just us). We literally ran thru the terminals; the boarded plane had been waiting for us an hour.
We are tired, hungry, but still enthusiastic. There is a rumor that there may be a Pizza Hut on our way to the seminary. One good thing about waiting so long to eat; as Donna says we won't be too picky.
Ask Neal and Kayla about piloting our plane . . . Ask Eric how he can eat everything in sight and stay so slim. . . Ginny is devouring the new Harry Potter book . . . The group is already melding well.
After waiting an hour for us, we still sat on the plane for 30 minutes for
take off - with no explanation. The flight was uneventful; except the landing
was HARD and we had to wait for the police to board to take care of an unruly
(drunk) passenger. This passenger was next to Ginny when we boarded and invading
her space somewhat. I insisted on my seat, which was next to her. He and his
friend asked about our shirts. When I explained the purpose of our trip they
chose to quickly vacate their seats; it seems they were on only a completely
different type of mission.
Immigration was a breeze - just the hassle of waiting in line. Our luggage
was swept away by locals. Watching them load it on top of our bus was interesting.
They waited patiently until Charlie tipped each. It's a good thing I'm not
in charge of tipping; I'd give all the money away. I am already impressed
by everything Charlie has to know and anticipate to lead this trip.
We stopped for a hardy BURGER KING meal on the way to the seminary. It was great! (Prices about the same as USA)
After unloading and struggling (ourselves) up the hill with our entire luggage, we are divided into groups and are assigned a dorm room. Those younger than 50 go for a swim and it sounded like they were re-capturing their childhood as I kept hearing "MARCO" "POLO". Interesting, but adequate plumbing (does the term widow-maker mean anything to you?) and do NOT drink the water.
