We're excited to be able to share our adventures with you all and hope that I do it justice in what I write. This blog will hopefully be a great way to stay in touch with those we love on the other side of the world, and show you what your missing to motivate visitors to come. We'll take plenty of pictures as well, and as soon as I figure out how to upload them I will, because, after all, a picture's worth a thousand words.
I will start at the beginning. A very good place to start. On Monday the 22nd of November in the year 2010 the Packer family embarked on their adventure to Europe. We first flew to New York City where we stayed for a four hour layover in the "extra special" part of the airport that most people don't know exists. It's a private area with a restaurant, computer room, lounges, ect. for the ultra frequent fliers in the Delta Club. Way nice, but way quiet. I think people were happy when we left and took our noise with us. As we walked into the tube thing leading to the plane Jarom reminded all of us that this was our last chance on American soil for a long time. Emma then smartly retorted "For the last time, we're not on soil!"
When we arrived in Shannon Ireland it was 9 AM for them, but the middle of the night for us, so we were obviously exhausted. The only car that could fit all six of us plus our ten massive suitcases was a nine passenger van. This one looks more like a shipping truck with miss-matched seats attached. Our hotel is nice, simple, and clean (thank heaven) and looks right over the Shannon River.
We didn't get to stay in this hotel for much more than a day, however, because our dad had business in London. How dreadful ;) so we packed up again and took off on Wednesday evening for England. It's like a Harry Potter version of New York pretty much. With loads of Double Decker Buses, old cobblestone streets, and bright red telephone booths. We also saw Wicked the play on Thanksgiving when we were there. SO GOOD! It absolutely lived up to its praise we've heard from others. If any of you haven't seen it yet, put it on your "to do" list right away.
Overall our first few days here have been overflowing with new things: incredible food, accents, church members and experiences, scenery only seen on postcards, and despite not having any possessions other than the necessities or even a place to call home, we all know that this is where we're supposed to be. It's amazing the miracles that can come forth with a little faith. Thank you for your love and support. We will miss having such good friends so close, and now that we have to start from scratch, it's easy to see how blessed we are to know each of you.
I'll try my best to keep up with all that's going on and keep you all informed on our journey. Thank you again for your help in our move and for your love you've shown us :) Cheers!
