We left billings at about 11 on Monday morning and landed in Atlanta, GA by 7 that night. We were met by a lively crew in Atlanta. Christi, Kari, Paulette, and Janice were waiting just outside of the restricted area. I'll tell you what, it was great to get off the plane and walk around for a while.
Our bags arrived quickly in the baggage clams. In fact, they probably beat us across the airport. The Georgia heat was hot and balmy when we got outside the doors. The kind of heat that draws the sweat right out of your body. We had a short ride out of Atlanta to Christi's house where we spent the night.
Her husband DJ made us some great hamburgers when we arrived. The rest of the evening was spent visiting about the upcoming trip, and Michelle was able to catch up with DJ and Christi. (She met them at EMBC last summer.)
After a good night of rest, we headed to the church where ISF (International Sports Federation) is based. There we met up with the other members that we would be accompanying to Portugal. That is when the most awkward two hours of our lives began. At least that's what they told us. We didn't really know anyone. We ate lunch and then moved to a lounge while we waited for the other team members to arrive.
Michelle and I ended up playing ultimate frisbee in a large room in the church. It was a blast. We played for an hour or so. Let me tell you what...we got sweaty. All of us. Dripping.
Did I mention we had just changed into the new shirts we were given for a picture before we started playing? Most of us had done that very thing. We were a bit sweaty for the picture. That's alright. It's a sports thing anyway.
The rest of the afternoon we heard more of the story of ISF. The heart and team behind it. We had time to get to know the team we would be traveling with as well.
The Portugal team has 17 people. The team members come from all across the United States. The time we spent training helped us connect and get to know each other better.
Day two of training left us all feeling quite connected. It seemed to me that we had all known each other for a long time. Before lunch we had been talking about cultural awareness. When we arrived at lunch, we got a little taste. A room ha been prepared with three eating areas. One was a tall table with two immaculate meals set on it. A table that allowed you to reach while sitting on the ground had plates, silverware, and cups. There was also a bowl of rice and a bowl of beans. The third was a large mat on the floor with about 15 settings. In the middle was a pitcher of water, two cups, and a big bowl of rice.
It really made me think of how lucky we are to live in America where food is readily available.
Wednesday night Michelle and I went out to coffee around 10 with Kari, Paulette, and Amanda. It was great to visit about life with them. As Amanda told us a few stories of her life. I was amazed to see how God has directed her throughout the years.
Thursday we headed to the airport. We flew from Atlanta to Philadelphia. In the airport there, I met a scientist who is studying pediatric diseases to find cures. He and his family are planning to go to Kenya soon to help a hospital and hotel get going out in the bush.
After Philadelphia, we were on to Lisbon, Portugal at about 9pm eastern. The trip went as well as an overnight trip can go. We got plane food and slept. The plane landed in Portugal at 8:45 local time. The fresh air was a gif from God as we stepped from the plane. After making our way through customs, we were greeted by the missionary Sarah. She took us out to the car where her husband Mike was waiting. They took us to the hostel (basically a college dorm room) where we will be staying for the week. Shortly after, we stopped by Mike and Sarah's house for much needed coffee and banana bread. Their house is only a few minutes walking from the hostel.
We spent some time in the afternoon looking around the mall and getting lunch. Later we headed up to the school where we will be helping put on the camps. As is the European way, we walked to the school. It was only about a mile, but it seemed much longer as tired as we all were.
After praying for the camp and taking a look at the school, it was time for supper. Nothing better than good ol' pizza when you're tired. With full bellies, we headed to bed. Hopefully making ourselves stay up all day will help us adjust to the time change more easily.
Looks like we might get some rain tonight. The clouds are rolling in.
Prayer requests:
jet lag would be minimal
Praise God for a safe trip so far!
No comments:
Post a Comment