August 25, 2014
We Headed into Boston a little bit earlier so we could do some good deeds in the city. While we were traveling last year, the kids were exposed to some homeless people. In particular, Tyler was so affected by the sight of a homeless Veteran in Las Vegas, he saved much of his pizza dinner and delivered it to him. After the moment sunk in, he was in tears in the back seat of the car and it made me get bit choked up....you can read about it here.
Since all of our Exchange students love going into Boston, Tyler thought it would be nice to be better prepared when we see a homeless person. I had read about "blessing bags" online and we decided to make our own. In each bag we put in toothbrush & toothpaste, new socks, comb, gum, granola bars, water, sanitizing wipes and a personal note.
We drove around Boston and passed out a couple of them. I share this story simply to inspire others to do the same. I did not take photos of any of the people we gave them to and respected their privacy.
So....on to the airport!
Boston Logan was a zoo! The parking lots were full. Scott ending up parked at the curb for over 3 hours. Surprisingly, security was pretty lax and he was not hustled out by the police. Normally, customs takes about an hour to get thru. Aba arrived around 7pm and we were inside at 7:30 waiting. We had our welcome balloons and sign. Is that him? Is that him? At least 7 flights had come in all about the same time and the passengers were pouring out of customs. Everyone, except Aba!
We waited and waited....the kids were getting antsy. I finally got word from Aba around 9pm or so that he was detained in a small room with about 20 others. The kids went to hang out in the car, I was waiting in an almost empty airport and was wondering if we would be spending the night!
I have no idea why he was detained, but, by 10:30pm they let him leave. The officer actually pushed him out the door without his luggage! It was the most unusual pick up so far. We went around the corner and someone brought his luggage around and he was finally "free to go". And here he is no worse for the wear!
After missing his connection in London, being delayed and detained for almost 24 hours he did not complain at all. He was warm, friendly, outgoing and we liked him instantly! I think he is a perfect fit with our family and I'm sure he will have a terrific year!
Tuesday, August 26th
Late to bed, early to rise! We had a 9am appointment to set up his class schedule and tour the High School. Besides the recommended classes like American Literature, US History & Algebra, he will also be taking guitar, money management, drama and Phys Ed. Aba is so enthusiastic, ambitious and motivated and wants to try everything. His English is good and we are able to easily understand each other. Having had no experience with the High School, I was really impressed with everyone we have met so far. They will all do whatever is necessary to make him feel welcomed and succeed.
We Headed into Boston a little bit earlier so we could do some good deeds in the city. While we were traveling last year, the kids were exposed to some homeless people. In particular, Tyler was so affected by the sight of a homeless Veteran in Las Vegas, he saved much of his pizza dinner and delivered it to him. After the moment sunk in, he was in tears in the back seat of the car and it made me get bit choked up....you can read about it here.
Since all of our Exchange students love going into Boston, Tyler thought it would be nice to be better prepared when we see a homeless person. I had read about "blessing bags" online and we decided to make our own. In each bag we put in toothbrush & toothpaste, new socks, comb, gum, granola bars, water, sanitizing wipes and a personal note.
We drove around Boston and passed out a couple of them. I share this story simply to inspire others to do the same. I did not take photos of any of the people we gave them to and respected their privacy.
So....on to the airport!
Boston Logan was a zoo! The parking lots were full. Scott ending up parked at the curb for over 3 hours. Surprisingly, security was pretty lax and he was not hustled out by the police. Normally, customs takes about an hour to get thru. Aba arrived around 7pm and we were inside at 7:30 waiting. We had our welcome balloons and sign. Is that him? Is that him? At least 7 flights had come in all about the same time and the passengers were pouring out of customs. Everyone, except Aba!
We waited and waited....the kids were getting antsy. I finally got word from Aba around 9pm or so that he was detained in a small room with about 20 others. The kids went to hang out in the car, I was waiting in an almost empty airport and was wondering if we would be spending the night!
I have no idea why he was detained, but, by 10:30pm they let him leave. The officer actually pushed him out the door without his luggage! It was the most unusual pick up so far. We went around the corner and someone brought his luggage around and he was finally "free to go". And here he is no worse for the wear!
Tuesday, August 26th
Late to bed, early to rise! We had a 9am appointment to set up his class schedule and tour the High School. Besides the recommended classes like American Literature, US History & Algebra, he will also be taking guitar, money management, drama and Phys Ed. Aba is so enthusiastic, ambitious and motivated and wants to try everything. His English is good and we are able to easily understand each other. Having had no experience with the High School, I was really impressed with everyone we have met so far. They will all do whatever is necessary to make him feel welcomed and succeed.
This afternoon was still busy, ice cream stop, checking out Tyler's new classroom, heading to our local library, a visit from Linda (the local exchange student coordinator) dinner then a presentation at the school about the sports program and a quick burger for dinner at the Country Club. He is one tired kid tonight!
First day of school tomorrow and football practice after school! I'm not sure when he will get a break, but so far he's doing great!
~Linda
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