Now that things have settled down a bit I feel like I can post about my crazy adventures to England. I'm here, I'm safe, and we have a place to live that is perfect for us! Now on with the fun stuff.
Let's go back to Saturday September 18th. I was in Spokane, packed, ready, and waiting on the UPS man to deliver my much anticipated UK Visa, and my passport. My flight is scheduled for 12:30 to Seattle, and everything was supposed to run smoothly. (We had paid 80$ for it to be overnighted to us and arrive by no later than 10am) Well 10 passed, as well as 11. My mom and I were frantically calling UPS trying to figure out what on earth had happened. The UPS agent told my mother that she would refund the 80 dollars and she could promise us that it would arrive my noon. That would do no good, because it was at least a half an hour drive to the Spokane airport from the Thorson home, and my flight was at 12:30. But there was nothing we could do but wait.
At 11:50 the UPS truck arrived at the Thorson home. We met him in the driveway and signed for the package. We were going to try to make it to my flight. If not we would go from there. We hit every traffic jam and construction sight known to man. Sadly we didn't make it for my first flight. We arrived at the airport at 12:20 and they wouldn't let me check in. However there was another flight leaving at 1:45. We scheduled my flight and checked me in. I gave Jesse's dad a hug and told him if he didn't hear from me that was a good thing and I made all my flights. That man really is a life saver!
I survived my first flight,and got to the baggage claim at SeaTac and grabbed a cart for all the giant bags I got to transport. Then I headed to the check in desk for IslandAir. By some miracle the "Mark" I was supposed to meet was working and remembered my situation. By another miracle I made it on the plane. I had to check my carry on luggage and pay for the extra bags. I really didn't care, it was better than buying a whole new ticket. And then I ran for the gate. I had to, they were checking people on as I ran.
By some miracle they had to stop boarding for a problems with the toilets. (For a 7 hour flight I am really glad that made sure those were working properly.) I sent a quick email to the school that I did made my flight and I was needing a lift from Heathrow. I also shared that I probably wouldn't be able to check my email until I landed in London. So I only prayed I would find them. Then I boarded the plane and thanked my lucky stars that I made it.
I now know why my plane ticket was so inexpensive. You have to buy anything you want to eat, and the only thing for free is the soda. But still I made it!
Landing in Heathrow was fine, and getting through the airport security was fine. I had to run around the baggage claim to find all my bags, and then I headed towards the exit. Then there was yet ANOTHER miracle. With hundreds of people around me I found the University of Kent people and knew that I would make it at least as far as campus. My only concern at that moment was finding Jesse, Kathleen, and Annie.
Again, another miracle.. they were right there at the school where the school dropped us off. I was finally here, with my friends, and we were all safe. I thought that would be the end of all the craziness, but little did I know that was only the beginning.
** I will post the next update soon, my hand is cramping, and it is close to lunch time! I love you all and hope you are well!
