Arrival in Belfast

Quite amazingly, we are here (!). We arrived safely, pretty much on time, in spite of an arduous and taxing ordeal. Our host youth worker, Gillian, was there to greet us. Only trouble is, all our checked baggage is most likely, still in Chicago. Some of you are aware of the adventure, for those who aren't, here's the story. . .

1. found out Sioux Falls-Chicago flight was delayed 3 hours; we would miss our flight to London.
   
2. our travel agent booked us on an earlier flight, which we found out about roughly the same time we needed to leave; we were able to round everyone up, including dragging a couple embarrassed students out of class.
   
3. making great time, we arrived at SF just after the flight left.
   
4. 1.5 hours later (when we were in the process of re-booking and reserving a hotel in Chicago since we'd have to fly out the next day), low and behold, the plane had not left. They had de-planed due to some trouble, but it was leaving in 20 minutes. In a mad rush, they checked our bags to Chicago since we'd have time to re-check them to Belfast.
   
5. we then sat on the runway for an hour.
   
6. we arrived Chicago 15 minutes before our London flight, sprinted like track stars through O'Hare, and made our flight. Our baggage, of course, did not.
   
7. we arrived London 30 minutes early, made our connecting flight with no problems, and put out the request for our bags. Knowing what we now know about the other flights to London, the quickest possible we'll get them is Sunday at 11 am. But we aren't holding our breath.
   
8. We shopped for necessary items, most importantly towels for everyone since the hostel doesn't furnish them. It is a bother to be sure, but I don't think too many will worry at church tomorrow when we show up in our same traveling clothes.
   

Gillian, EBM's youth work coordinator, has been a lovely host along with her sister Jennifer. We've talked a bit about the mission, had a look around, and have consumed large portions of 'fish 'n chips.' We have checked in to the hostel, and look forward to turning in early. . . I think everyone, in spite of their tiredness, is eager to experience more of EBM's ministry, Belfast culture and life in Northern Ireland.