Final Destination

Both Monday and Tuesday were travel days.

Monday, we left the Loughridges around 10am and drove back down to Belfast where we caught a hopper flight to London that afternoon. The flight was uneventful and once we reached Heathrow, we waited for a bus to take us to a nearby hotel. I still wasn't feeling well, so I spent the afternoon relaxing in the hotel room that Steve and I shared. Our family ate an early dinner and I went back to my relaxing and tried to go to sleep early. Unfortunately, my sickness didn't allow me to sleep well and Stephen couldn't fall asleep for a long time so it wasn't the best night's sleep.

Tuesday morning, my parents and Peter went to a coffee shop nearby while Stephen and I slept in and got ready in time to meet them in the lobby at 9am. From there we took a bus, which took a very long scenic route, to the airport. We had a little trouble checking in, so a lady came to help us and eventually left to go finish the process at a different computer. We waited for quite awhile until the lady plus her manager came back with a bit of bad news. The flight we had booked was over-booked and they didn't have enough seats for all five of us. There was a later flight at 3:30 (about 5 hours later) that had enough room for us and they would compensate for the inconvenience with either a free round-trip ticket to anywhere or 40,000 mile points. After deliberation, we all chose the points, checked in to our later flight, and after going through security, found a starbucks to set up camp in. I didn't mind waiting a few hours for a free flight! :)
We eventually boarded our plane, which was then delayed 30 minutes, before finally taking off. In order to make a smoother transition to the time change, I decided to stay up the whole 11-hour flight and proceeded to do so by watching 5 movies and a TV episode. Our flight attendant was great but everytime he would come to give us food or drinks, Stephen (who was sitting next to me) would always have his head down or be asleep. At one point, I ordered him a coffee and sandwich so the flight attendant gave me the coffee for "my man." haha. Then at the end of the flight, when he was collecting headphones, he gave a concerned look at Stephen and asked me if he was alright. :) I reassured him that Steve was fine.
When LA came into view, I couldn't contain my excitement and couldn't wait for the plane to land!!! It's such an ugly city with so much smog, but it's home and holds so many people I love; and that is what makes it my favorite city in the world. :)
After collecting our baggage and making our way through customs and security, Mr. Martin was so kind as to pick us up outside the terminal. It was so good to see home, to see my room, and to see Joel who had been watching the house for us. It was so good to sleep in my own bed that night.

I am often asked what our favorite parts of the trip were. It's hard to choose a favorite city based on looks, but the cities we enjoyed the most were the cities in which we knew people. Spending a week in Germany, hanging out and helping with the wedding was such a blast. Spending time with the Glass family in Switzerland, Leanne in Scotland, and Andrew, his family, Adam and Gillian in Northern Ireland were also highlights of our trip.

As much fun as Europe was, 7 weeks was a long time to be away from home. It's interesting how you learn to appreciate things more when they are taken away for awhile. Things I appreciate more at home are:
-being able to speak the language
-having a car at my disposal at any time
-having a phone to call people with (altho it was nice to be away from it too)
-knowing what the culture expects from you
-my church
-my friends
-a routine
-my bed and pillow
-living in one place
-the CA sun
-and so much more.


Thank you for all the prayers and encouragement. I actually complete my goal of keeping a journal throughout the entire trip!! and that was mostly due to everyone's encouragement. :)

I am so thankful for such a wonderful experience, for such a wonderful brother who put up with me for 7 weeks (and if you are wondering, we are still friends and we still get along :) ), for a wonderful family who came to join us, and most of all, I am thankful for a loving, merciful God who provided for us, protected us, and blessed us with such a unique opportunity.

The other goal I had for this trip relates to my blog title. As we traveled onward through Europe, that we would also travel upward in our relationship with God, growing closer to Him and glorifying Him in our thoughts, relationships, and actions, and enjoying the world He has created.
Our trip through Europe has ended, but this goal doesn't stop here.

Wherever God takes me and whatever His plan holds, through trials and blessings, it will be my goal to glorify God as I live...Onward and Upward.