Here begins the first leg of the journey! Things are finally coming into full swing now as my arrival in Japan thunders down to less than 48 hours away. Yet, still, it's barely sunk in. Does that mean there may be a severe shock when I get there? I sure hope not...
So last night I left my sweet little nephew, sister, and brother in law behind in Omaha. They dropped me off at the Greyhound station and said goodbye. It'll be a year+ til I get to hug them again, and who knows what little Westley will look like then! They'll send pictures, though. Here's one for now.
The Greyhound ride was relatively enjoyable, as usual. This is my third time riding them, and the bus drivers all seem to have a nice sense of humour. Justine very generously gave me a Kindle for a going away present (can you believe it?!), and it came in soooo handy all night. Not only did I have something to read (Water for Elephants), but she even got one with a case that had a perfect little booklight! So I could read all for hours without disturbing the person next to me trying to sleep. As for sleeping, I got a little myself, in just about every scrunched up position you can think of for a bus seat. My bare arms and feet were cold all night, but morning finally came, as did Chicago.
Next came the trickiest leg of the journey, lugging my 4 bag, ~160lb. luggage around Chicago. It also wasn't encouraging that the only review for that Greyhound station online said that the person got mugged. Ugh! Yet, when I got there, everyone along the way was incredibly friendly and helpful. I know that there are bad people in the world, but I seem to never run into any of them! (or if I do, am happily blind to it) God has so faithfully kept me safe in every shady situation so far.
At 1 our Pre-Departure Orientation started, and I learned all about the flight and other things, and we all ate dinner together. Now time to turn in get rested for the flight tomorrow!
