In Transit

All night flight to Boston, all day flight to London. Now to find transportation to the hotel for the night since there is only a morning flight to Kiev.

We are not only checking our usual rolling duffels, but we were asked by Young Life to bring 80 pounds of tee shirts for their growing custom tee shirt business in Chernivsty.  With seven bags, taking the city bus to our hotel 10 minutes away is out.  So….a taxi is the ticket.  We should all be taxi drivers in London.  Our fare to and from the hotel was more then the cost of the hotel!

After we checked into our hotel, I had time to WiFi in the lobby.  Nowadays, rarely does one not find an internet connection in most countries! Before long Alex, Greg and I were texting through Gmail.  Alex is preparing for an interview with Halliburton in Denver, Greg just got back to his apartment after the evening out and I am dealing with jetlag.  US, Ukraine and England.  The world is connected!

We are now on our flight from Heathrow to Kiev.  Greg left in the Young Life van before we got up this morning, he will meet us at 3PM.  An evening out, a day of sightseeing in Kiev then south to Chernivtsy to start our holiday, (and deliver the tee shirts!)

 

 

Leaving Heathrow Airport

Preparing for our trip to Ukraine and Russia

This international adventure will be a bit different then others I have posted.  Rather then doing dentistry, Gloria and I will be visiting our 21 year old son, Greg who is taking a year out of his college education to volunteer with Young Life International,

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Young Life, they are a Christian organization who’s primary focus is teenagers all over the world.  Outside of the US they usually have a “storefront” where neighborhood kids can “chillax” (relax/chill) enjoy food, games and a safe place to be.  Through time, as friendships are made, spiritual questions naturally come up. 

During summer months, camp is the focus.  Kids can leave the big cities and continue friendships and inquiries.  Through time, kids with no homes, families, education, direction, faith or peace find these essentials through Young Life.  It is a powerful tool to not only introduce kids to the Gospel but to also equip them to share with and support others with that same life-changing message.

So….Greg, as a theology major, who loves music, kids, summer camp and chillaxing, decided to take a year away from his studies to learn from Young Life how they are changing not only kids but countries.