Spring Break is Hard.

Flying over Nebraska!

Well, it's been a LONG day!  It started out at 3AM this morning when we got in the vans to head to Omaha.  After a two hour car ride and a much needed nap, we arrived in Omaha around 5am.  Then we went straight to the airport to check in before our flight.  Oh and did I mention, I have NEVER flown before this morning!  Well, you can imagine how much of a nervous wreck and curious fool I was in the airport, luckily my group knew what they were doing.  We went through security, with no pat downs (Thank goodness!) and waited for our plane.  After about hour or so it was boarding time!  We boarded the plane and waited anxiously for take off.  I had been warned about take off...so I waited in total nervousness.  Once they checked the plane we were ready to go!  I closed my eyes and hoped that those motion sickness pills would work! Well they did, somewhat.  I tried to sleep..key word tried, but just sat with my eyes closed for most of the flight.  But let me tell you something, landing is WAY better than take off! 

Cassie and I waiting for our flight!

Anyway, we arrived in Denver around 8am (9am Central).  That is one BIG airport! Once we got our luggage we headed for the rental car and then left Denver to go to Greeley.  On the way to Greeley it began to snow!! I don't know about anyone else but I thought it was supposed to be SPRING.  :/  Upon arriving in Greeley we picked up some last minute groceries at Wal-Mart and headed to lunch at Olive Garden.  Pasta was just what we needed!! :) Isn't it always?  After stuffing ourselves with pasta and breaksticks we headed over to the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) where we would be staying.  With full bellies and tired bodies we hoped and prayed for nap time, something children might not appreciate, but let me be the first to say naps are the best!  Unfortunately nap time would have to wait a little bit while we met the volunteer coordinator and discussed the work ahead of us.  Then came a well-deserved nap!  A well-deserved 2 1/2 hour nap!  From there we ate supper and had a group reflection activity.
And well, now I am here telling you all about the exciting, long, stressful, but oh-so-much-fun day that we had.  After only getting 6 hours of sleep in the last 48 hours and all the stress of traveling, I can say that Spring Break is Hard.  (But so much fun!)
Below are Some of the pictures from today's travels!

So this was the closest I have been to and airplane...until I got on one an hour later!!

Part of our AWOL group waiting for take off!

That view. :)

Spring Break is Hard.  So they took a nap!

The beautiful lime counters in our room. (yeah in the bathroom, and the kitchen!)

The view from our room in Greeley, Co!

Good night! and Lots of Love,
Ari

Whoops! My Bad.

 My goodness I forget to post the link to the blog for all four AWOL groups.  As you know the group I am in is going to Colorado to help with the flood relief efforts.  But there are three more groups.  There is a group going to New York to help with homelessness and hunger.  There is another group going to Costa Rica and working with sea turtles and environmental issues.  And the final group is going to Jamaica and working with children in poverty.  So if you would like to read more about any of these trips feel free to check out the link below.  I know some groups may not be as fortunate (or maybe even more fortunate?) than ours, but not all groups will have internet connection so they won't be able to blog as much.  But they will be sure to update when they can. 


http://bvuawol.blogspot.com/

Well, its that time...time for BED!!

Good night and Lots of Love,
Ari

The FINAL COUNTDOWN

28 HOURS until we leave for Omaha!  Our day starts when its not-so-bright, but oh-so-early on Saturday morning.  We will be leaving Storm Lake at 3 AM! Then flying to Denver from Omaha, and we should be arriving in Denver by 9am.  And after that we will get the rest of the day to settle in and prepare for a long week of service!  Each day we will head out around 8 and work from then until 4 or 5 at night.  We have already paired up for some group reflection activities after our day's work.  The only mystery at this point is what the work will include each day.  We won't know until we get there because there are so many other groups that came ahead of us and we will just pick up wherever they left off. So each day will be a surprise!  Who doesn't love surprises?!  But no matter what we will be doing, the best part is connecting and learning from the stories of these flood victims.  We all cannot wait to get to know these families and help them put their lives back together in any way we can.  So when you're praying for all of our safe travel, don't forget to pray for the people who really need your prayers, the flood victims.  They are the ones in need of a little extra support.  :) 

5 DAYS LEFT!!

5 DAYS LEFT!!

Well, all the waiting is almost over with and we are leaving in 5 DAYS!!!!  We had an AWOL meeting this morning to discuss some of those last minute details.  And although we do not know (and will not until we arrive) what we will be doing, I can't wait to get there and help these people out.  They have lost so much in the floods and its our turn to help pick up the pieces.  I hope to take time each day during and after the trip to share my experiences through pictures and stories on here.  So until then I better get to packing and see you all later!! 

  Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

Lots of love,
Ari