Travel Days

Monday/Tuesday Jan 13-14, 2025

Becky and I were up early, maybe in some ways too early. We both got ready and then just started doing random things around the house, many most likely did not need to be done, but they are done now.

Roy Swatzell picked us up and drove us to the Birmingham airport. Checkin and security were a breeze and before we knew it, we had our last Chick-fil-A and were at the gate. The flight to Atlanta was a quick 40 minutes and then we had a nice 5 1/2-hour layover. We spent most of that time walking between terminals to kill time and stretch our legs before we headed across the pond.

We grabbed a bite to eat and then went to the gate. When we arrived, there were already some of the students waiting. Soon we had met the ten students who were on the same flight as us. We all boarded and were on our way.

It was Tuesday morning in London when we landed. The flight was very uneventful and with not much sleep, but that was expected. Getting through boarder control and gathering bags all went with no problems for anyone. Soon we were in the terminal and met up with Tom Crosby the Daniel House Program Director. We also had to wait for the other six students who flew in on different flights. Only one had a problem with her luggage arriving. She was told they would find it and send it to the Daniel House.

Then it was out to the carriage/bus to load up and ride to the Daniel House. Everyone was so excited, and the energy level was great. We unloaded and hauled bags up and down stairs till everyone was loaded into their rooms. There are six floors to the building and no lift/elevator, so some bags were a bit to get to their locations.

Later we had our first orientation meeting and then we were taken by Tom on a short walking tour of the area. It was getting dark, due to the short-day light hours here, but we did get a feel of the place. Most of us came back to the house where there was pizza ordered, and we all had dinner. It was not very late before the effects of traveling for 2 days and the crash of emotions hit everyone, and bed was calling all of our names.

We have all arrived safely and are so very excited to be here.