Wednesday, June 22, 2016
After our morning gathering at the church checking in, packing the bus, getting our tour water bottles, t-shirts, tour booklets and having a prayer send off, we loaded the bus, the two vans and hit the road. Our veteran bus driver Paul Lopez (who drove us last year to North Carolina and also on our Canadian tour) navigated the road to Ohio with ease. Today was a traveling day, covering many miles. Every day there will be a rotation of kids who will take turns riding in the vans or on the bus. The realization that the van had to make frequent stops (because there was no bathroom like the bus has) and the unfortunate lack of air conditioning on inclines made for a “team bonding experience,” as cited by Helena Colborn. Thanks for having such a positive outlook Helena! Tom Baldridge explained to our new participants that every day he will be choosing Greeters to give everyone a welcoming hug and introduce themselves to the entire bus. It’s a long standing tradition that assures everyone gets to know their fellow tour members. Everyones names are put into the “Bag of Fire” (think Goblet of Fire from Harry Potter )and two names are chosen. Today's Greeters were Rose Hulcher and Austin Mollard for the morning session. Our afternoon Greeters were Marin Williams and David Hembrough. The day included napping, book reading, listening to music, games and other ways to pass the time as w counted down the miles.
We arrived at Maumee UMC in time for a quick pizza dinner and change of clothes. Back on the bus we headed to Genesis Village, a lovely assisted living facility. Our first concert was a success! There was smiles, clapping and a few tears.
The kids loaded the bus and headed back to the church where they immediately threw on their play clothes and headed out to the field for a robust game of Ultimate Frisbee or to the gym for basketball.The kids will be using their sleeping bags to sleep on the floor. Do you think the kids will be rested in the morning? This could be viewed as their first test in the Tri- Wizard Tournament! We will keep you posted!
Click here for Pictures from Day 1
Click here for some video of the Concert on Day 1
Click here for Pictures from Day 1
Click here for some video of the Concert on Day 1
God bless Paul.
ReplyDeleteWhat is Christian Youth leader that happen to also be a bus driver!! Loved your video.