5-16-09 Saturday Day 17 - Boston

Today was a tiring, but good day. We walked the Freedom Trail. We were so tired that it was hard to be interested in what we were seeing.

I thought the Old North church was beautiful. At one point, my group - all the high-schoolers - stopped at Starbucks. In the courtyard outside, there was this loud techno music playing, and people dancing. Brendan and Matthias joked that it was an Apocalyptic Rave, and they were offering human sacrifices. I kinda doubt that... =)

It was nice to get back and rest that night. I think tomorrow we're going to stay and work on homework.

5-15-09 Friday Day 16 - Boston

Today was a very relaxing day. We ended up not doing any sightseeing, which was fine with me.

We went to the Y to take showers, and then did laundry at a laundromat. That was good, because pretty much my whole suitcase was full of dirty laundry.

We also ate pizza at a nearby place. It was pretty good, but also very greasy; so greasy, it kinda felt like drinking it. =p

Later, we went to Costco to do food shopping in our new groups - high school-ers in one, 8th graders in another, and 6th and 7th graders in the other.

Today was a good, relaxing day!! =)

5-14-09 Thursday Day 15 - New York - Boston

Today we left New York. =( I'm excited for what's coming, but sad to leave New York behind.

We drove through Old Sturbridge Village on our way. Honestly, I wasn't that thrilled about it when we drove up, but it ended up being really cool.

The village was very beautiful, and reminded me of the movie The Village. I bought a few things for my dad and Jack there in the gift shop. I can't wait to see them on Monday!!

Peace in the Chaos

I wrote this poem while sitting in the windowsill of our 11th floor hotel room, in Queens, New York.

Find peace in the chaos
In the loud, busy city

Find rest in the noise
Of the city that never sleeps

As the sun glistens
Off cars and tall buildings

Find peace in your own mind
Become one with your surroundings

5-13-09 Wednesday Day 14 - New York

Still loving it here! Not sure I'd want to live here - at least not forever - but it is a seriously cool city.

Right now, I'm sitting in the window seat of our hotel room, on the 11th floor. The window is slightly open, and I'm listening to the sounds of a busy city.

It seems like everybody's got a place to be here, something to do. It's no wonder they call it the city that never sleeps.

I'm sad that we're leaving tomorrow. I'm excited for Boston, but I'll miss it here.

I'm really looking forward to another attempt to graffiti that wall tonight! It will be sad though, to, because Paul left this morning. Kristie, A.C., Matthias, and I will take plenty of pictures, though. =]

5-12-09 Tuesday Day 13 - New York

I still just LOVE New York! Today there was confusion with groups, as some adults didn't want to split up. A.C., Matthias, and I went with Paul, J.J., Ally, Caden, and Tienna, to help look out for the younger kids.

Because we were helpful, and ended up going to places like American Girl, Build A Bear, and M & M's World, Kevin gave us a special privilege.

There's this giant building, where the owner lets people do graffiti. It's the only legal place in New York. Paul suggested painting something, and of course A.C., Matthias, and I wanted to. Kristie Walter also wanted to come. Kevin gave us permission, as long as we checked that it was legal, and took pictures.

So, late at night, Paul, Kristie, Matthias, A.C., and I were driving around New York, looking for this building.

But... we asked a cop, and it turns out you have to get the owner's permission first. So, we're going to try again tomorrow. It was still a fun adventure!!

5-11-09 Monday Day 12 - New York

I <3 New York!! Today I was in a group with Tessa, Bodie, Sam, Matthias, and Nathan. Justin and Shannon were our adults, and Ally came along as well.

Kevin gave us $100 to spend on educational experiences you can't get anywhere else, to spend over the course of the 3 days we'll be here. We spent almost all of ours already. We went to the top of the Rockefeller Building, and also saw The Phantom of the Opera!!

I also really enjoyed taking a tour of Central Park in a horse-drawn carriage. Our driver had been a driver for a Sprint commercial, which I thought was cool. He was super nice, and knew a ton about the city.

Today was SUPER fun, and I can't wait until tomorrow!

5-10-09 Sunday Day 11 - D.C. - New York

Today we're heading to New York!! =]

This morning we had a final tour of the ship - even sleeping on it, we didn't see the whole thing. We then walked to Starbucks, and set off for New York!!

We stopped at Costco, (or is it Cosco?) where the adults did the food shopping this time. We also got to eat pizza there.

Lo is having a really hard time wither her peripheral vertigo; she's super dizzy right now. I hope she gets better soon!!

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY, MOM!!! <3 <3

5-9-09 Saturday Day 10 - D.C.

Today we got a tour of the Capitol Building. The tour was rather disappointing, but the building was gorgeous!

After that we went to the Library of Congress. It was also beautiful, but I wish we could have actually seen the books. We then split off into groups to eat lunch at Union Station.

After that we spent an hour in the same groups doing what we wanted to in that area. We then walked down to a grassy area called The Mall, in between the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Some people rested, and some played games. We then rode the metro back to the ship and ate dinner.

Today I was really tired, but it was a REALLY fun day!!

5-8-09 Friday Day 9 - D.C.

Today we broke off into groups to explore D.C. I was in a group with Bodie, Brendan, Matthias, and Emily. We didn't actually do much; we were so tired, walking a foot felt like a mile.

We went to the Smithsonian Art Institute, which had BEAUTIFUL art. We also went to the Air and Space Museum. The only thing we did there was ride a flight simulator. It was awesome! =]

Then, in the evening, we arrived at the Display Ship Barry, (Berry?) where we'll sleep for the next two nights.

5-7-09 Thursday Day 8 - D.C.

Yay! Today was a good day! We went to the cemetery where J.F.K. and The Unknown Soldiers are buried. I love the beauty and reverence of graveyards. Some thing they're gloomy and spooky; I think they have a certain haunting, eerie beauty about them.

I'm excited for tomorow. I'm exploring D.C. with Emily, Matthias, Brendan, and Bodie. (And whatever adult chooses to be with us.) I'm happy with the way things are going!!

=]

5-6-09 Wednesday Day 7 - Driving and D.C.

Today started off badly. Go figure. I feel bad that so many of these posts are negative - we just haven't got into the groove yet.

To be completely honest, I'm ready for this trip to be over. I've had lots of conversations with my parents via phone, and it's really helpful to know that they're supporting me.

Today we're heading to D.C. I have even more homework from Language Arts class I have to get done. I feel like I'm overflowing with stress at the moment. The way things are going feels...unacceptable.

Again, I'm sorry my posts are negative. I'm actually going back and editing the raw, rough, and real stuff from my actual journal as I post it. I do think it's important to document the hard times, as well as the good. I'm confident there will be happier posts coming!!

5-5-09 Tuesday Day 6 - Philadelphia

Today we went exploring Philadelphia! I was in a group with A.C., Katarina, and Blake. Justin was our adult for the day.

We went to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Cemetery where Benjamin Franklin is buried. We also say many historical buildings; I took a lot of awesome pictures!

I thought we had had a really good day; then the evening hit. It was a really rough evening, and I'm in the process of recovering. A few people ended up actually going to the hospital; one girl was having horrible stomach pain. She's fine, but we wanted to make sure it wasn't something serious.

I'm looking forward to some better sleep tomorrow night!

5-4-09 Monday Day 5 - Driving

It's amazing what a few solid hours of sleep can do! I'm still exhausted, especially after leaving at five, but I'm much more rested than I was yesterday.

This morning we drove through Chicago during the sunrise. It was SO BEAUTIFUL! I was glad I was able to stay awake for that.

Right now we're driving through Indiana. We just stopped to make breakfast, and we're currently having an hour of homework time.

It's a gorgeous day today!! The sky is blue, and the sun is out finally. Yay sun!

5-3-09 Sunday Day 4 - Chicago

The days are getting steadily longer and harder. There's increasing stress and tension as we get more and more sleep deprived.

We finally did something other than drive today, which was awesome. =] We played Ultimate Frisbee with a youth group of the church we're staying at. They didn't play very well, and 98% of the girls on their team stood around talking about boys, but it was still really fun.

Now we're going to have Character Class and I have a feeling it will be hard and emotional. Wish us luck!!

5-2-09 Saturday Day 3 - Driving

I am VERY tired today. I have more homework to get done before we arrive in Chicago, but I really need to get some rest. I'm trying hard not to get grumpy, but anyone who knows me knows this is a bit of a struggle... =]

We stopped at Taco Bell last night. I'm not generally a huge fan, but it was spectacular to eat anything we didn't cook!

This morning we ate at some family of Lo and Claire's. They made a quiche thing with coffee cake and orange juice. It was delicious!

Now we're driving and having a discussion about things that are important to us. I think I'll go take part in that.

5-1-09 Friday Day 2 - Driving

So far today has been going pretty well. I have a sore throat - of course - and feel a bit feverish as well. I've been struggling some with the way leadership is working out. It's rather stressful, but I know it will improve as time goes on.

Today's been more difficult, but I know tomorrow will be better!

4-30-09 Thursday - Day 1 - Taking Off!

Yay! Today finally came. I will miss my family, though. I did cry a bit this morning. I wasn't as emotional leaving last year.

We're driving through the Gorge right now. I love the beautiful sights out the window! We should just hang out in Oregon today, it's plenty gorgeous!

So far, today has been going well. I'm pretty tired, but there's plenty of time to sleep on the bus. I'm actually riding in the smaller van today. I struggle with getting claustrophobic with so many people in the huge bus. At the nest stop we have to get some Language Arts homework from the bus.

Looking forward to the days to come!! I'll keep you all posted! =]