Bags packed…check, Visa/passport…check, waiting in the airport to fly to the Philippines…check
Step 1:
As I travel through the Pittsburgh airport, my mom’s voice inside my head saying “I always makes friends when I travel new places. " I put that into practice myself and made some friends along the way. I met a real nice couple that I talked to through the security line until we reached the gates and went our separate ways. Then at the gate, I made a nice connection with a lady who was waiting to board the same plane. Both were amazed by the opportunity I have been given. Even though I am not sure what their religious beliefs are or if they had any, I do know they listened and wished me the best in everything I do. God's hands were truly over both conversation.
Step 2:
Chicago to Tokyo—this airport is a special kind of place. After getting off the plane I headed for the restrooms. Why must you know this information you may wonder? Because the smallest things seemed to really capture my attention here That it had an automatic flush was the normal part but that it had a countdown to flush was just crazy. 3 seconds…2 seconds…1 second… flush. After that experience I started to find my connection. I had two thoughts while heading to my gate. First off my gate is K19...I think to myself K as in kite which puts the song "Lets Go Fly a Kite" in my head and that wonderful movie. Also I feel like Tom Hanks in the movie "The Terminal." This airport is huge compared to the Pittsburgh airport. There really are enough food places and stores to live here and maybe never leave. While walking past I notice one of the names is Duty Free Store. I read the store name out loud and chuckle a little, because I said duty. I know I have worked at summer camps way too long, since only summer camp counselors think the word Duty sounds funny (unless you’re a 12 year old boy). Duty Free Store… what a place.
Step3:
I get off the plane and start to follow the signs for my international connection. Boom, have to go through security again. No problem what could go wrong? Everything will go through, they double check the boarding pass and passport and then I will head to my gate. Right? Wrong They start checking through everything in my backpack. All of a sudden my make-up bag is being pulled out and everything inside of it is being pulled out. Everything they pull out seems to be a concern to them. My shampoo, conditioner, my Benadryl, sunscreen, and toothpaste are longer able to go, they are too big. It has been about 18 hours of traveling and very little sleep by now and my reaction (to be honest) was not the most pleasant. Basically, I said something along the lines of "What!/I made it all the way from Pittsburgh with it? " They got someone who spoke clearer who said “We will get 2 bottles that are right size to put it in and then you can go.” Great ! It wasn't the end of the world but that was a bit dramatic. All was back on track, until I asked for a 3rd bottle for my sunscreen.( I can only use certain kinds or I have an allergic reaction) I get the NO CAN DO look again then she says "unless it’s special". So, I say, "Yes, correct, this is special kind I use." In the end, my mini Heinz ketchup bottle (from my friend) is no problem never even questioned since it was the right size bottle. But all the others were almost a NO GO in Tokyo. Lesson learned? Don’t be allergic to sunscreen. As I sit and write this last story for my blog, I am about 3 hours away from my new home for the next 2 years.