thoughts from the summer...

I thought I'd share some of what I journaled this summer. I'm not a great writer, but wanted to try and keep a journal about the daily happenings while I was away.

June 6th 2005
8am
This past weekend seems like a blur! With so many things to finish up, it felt as if there was no time to sit and relax before leaving. I even took a bath at 1:30am to try and relax myself!! I was able to sleep pretty easily after that, even though it was no where near long enough. I head to the airport soon. I am a tad drowsy - but I am excited about what is ahead of me - what God has in store for this summer.

12pm
Today I was detained at customs! Go figure! When I explained to the woman at the desk what I would be doing, she seemed a little skeptical. She put my papers onto a little yellow clipboard and sent me to the area where us detainee's go to have our fate determined. I was finger printed - with one of those digital index finger things - I stared into a camera, which seemed a little strange until I figured out it has something to do with the retina(sp?). And I guess that I can somewhat understand what those from other countries feel when they are detained - its a little nerve wracking!
Anyway, my confinement didn't last long. I was called to the main desk where another officer as me to explain exactly what I would be doing. I told him word for word what I had told the woman. His reaction/answer was this: 'Oh! That's no problem! You head straight out that door and have a wonderful summer. Good luck to you and your team!" His initial expression was one of 'why in the world were you sent back here?!' Then his face went soft and he had the kindest eyes. I wondered if maybe he was a Christian - I just finished praying for him.

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June 7th 2005
12:17am

3hrs and counting. That's how long I've been sitting in the Orlando airport. My flight arrived on time - yet there is no one here to meet me. Its very frustrating. What I really want to do is rant and rave, but I am trying to keep my wits about me. Minus a couple of choice words and some near frustrating tears, I'm not doing too badly!
Here is my guess on the situation, and its my own fault(partly) for not checking up on things before I left this morning. I think that Betty got the information mixed up when I told her over the phone. She sounded a little confused with it. *sigh*
I have called the office and reached noone. There is not even an answering machine where I can leave a message - annoying!!!!! The office doesn't open again until 8am...only 7.5 hours to go!

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More to come...

Blessings!