To everything there
is a season and this season has come to an end. These three weeks have felt
like three months, but I've had fun and enjoyed myself. I was nervous yet
excited about starting this program and now I'm nervous and excited about what
comes next. We were exposed to so many ideas and received so much great advice
that I don't know where to begin. Although I have some much work to complete
I'm ready to pen my thoughts and experiences.
This morning we left
heading for the airport at 6:30am. I packed and showered the night before to
make sure I could sleep as long as possible this morning. I made the mistake of
not sleeping before the plane ride coming here and I planned to learn from that
mistake this time. We arrived at the airport early just in case there were
issues like long lines, delayed flights, or worse...cancelled flights. It's a
good thing we did because the airport was packed! We knew that we wouldn't miss
our flight but we knew we would be cutting it close. Fortunately, a
representative allowed us to cut the long line and go to the ticket booths to
expedite the process. After all the worrying about the weight of my luggage I
discovered that the gentleman didn't even weight it. He simply asked how many
bags we each had and printed tickets...talk about mad. I purposely purchased
another bag to lessen the weight of my suitcase.
We boarded our
flight on time but our flight still ended up being delayed, leaving us sitting
on the mat wondering if we would miss our connecting flight. The pilot did all
he could to make up the time in the air but we were still behind. We were
instructed to hurry off the plane and hurry to customs. After exiting the plane,
we walked down the hallway and turned the corner to see a line that zigzagged
around the room several times then wrapped around another corner. The entire
group's heart sank. Although the line was moving quickly it was a very long
line. On top of that I was informed that we still had to pick up our bags from
baggage claims, re check them, and go through security again before boarding
our connecting flight. Tired and frustrated I knew we'd miss the plane.
Our teachers never
gave up hope and stated there was still a possibility we could catch it. We
preceded through all of the requirements and got to security. The guy looked at
our tickets and stated that the flight may be gone. A teacher stated,
"We're hoping they will wait for us." I admit that negativity had set
into every bone in my body at this point. I realized it was no one's fault but,
I still was angry. We got through security and began running through the
airport. As if things weren't already complicated enough, our terminal was on
the other side of the airport. In his absence, I crowned myself “Dr.
V”
and led the group as if I was Moses fleeing Egypt. Powering walking with a
heavy backpack on my back, a heavy carry-on on my shoulder, and cramping in
both my legs, I found myself only making it off the idea of "maybe."
"Excuse me, pardon, pardon me..." spilled from my mouth constantly as
I made my way through the crowded airport.
Then, like the
Starbucks signs illuminated in the skies that I've grown to appreciate so much
on this trip, I saw the gate... "E-31" but I didn't see a plane
outside nor any passengers setting in that area. With sweat literally pouring
down I came to a stop and just stood there in disbelief of us being left. A
woman at the booth looked up at me and asked "Sir, are you part of the
missing group?" "Yes..." I replied. "Where are the rest of
them?" "All of them are right behind me, I ran to see if there was a
chance but I see that..." "Well hurry sir, we're waiting on ya'll."
she replied. I immediately turned around and motioned for the group to hurry
and everyone that passed me passed me all the same way..."bent over with
heavy bags, sweat pouring down from their faces, huffing and puffing, but all
smiling. We were going home, we were going home.
