The Beginning

So I started my journey to Ireland bright and early at 4:25 am August 16th, got dressed and said the hard good byes to my family :( and headed to the Seattle Airport. I arrived at the airport, and waited in line to get my boarding pass, got to the machine to check my bag at 5:10... my flight was at 6:00, I was 10 minutes late to check my bag. I was directed over to the additional help services where I waited in line for over an hour and a half, finally when they helped me, I was given one option. Take the chance of being the first stand bye for a flight at 8:10 (currently was 7:10) or wait till tomorrow to fly out. So I booked it over to security, went through super duper fast. made it to the gate with 20 minutes till take off. I begged, prayed, and pleaded, and I was given the only empty seat, because two amazing people wanted to wait till later and receive a voucher!!! So I hopped on the plane, sat down and we took off! I was so happy, I would make my flight in Chicago and everything would work out. I spent most of the flight talking to a very nice man who was becoming a commercial pilot.

I then arrived in Chicago, and began my walk to the international terminal. I arrived at the check-in place for Aer Lingus with 20 mins to wait for them to open so I could get my boarding pass. While in line I met a very nice Canadian couple heading to Ireland too! :) I was so happy that I had someone to talk to, they became my travel buddies :) We got our passes and walked to our gate, going through security again and began the 2 hour wait till boarding. While I was waiting, my stomach decided to remind me, no food had been put in my stomach since dinner the night before! So I explored and found a snack, Chicken Caesar wrap, chocolate chip cookie, and mountain dew :) As I wait to board I sent some last texts, messaged my Sister Melissa, and started to truly realize I was leaving... I boarded, and at first was discouraged, I had the inside seat... but soon came to find out I had a young very nice Irish girl next to me that was very friendly! But not only was she nice the other inside seat was empty! Not only did I have good company but some more room.

Then I was off! a 7 hour and 15 minute flight, consisting of stir fry pork and rice, Fanta soda pop, and The "Wrath of the Titans" movie. I even got a good 3 hours of airplane sleep, ( very very different from normal sleep, only slightly better than no sleep, not even as good as couch sleep). I woke up with it bright in the plane, and a breakfast sandwich with, orange juice sitting in front of me :) a very pleasant way to wake up. :) Not more than 45 minutes later, the plane was on the ground, I proceeded through customs, the Officer was very laid back and friendly, I like Irish people thus far haha! Found my bags, unharmed, and followed the English and Gaelic signs to the bus, and got on. Now I am riding this bus to a town called Derry, northern Ireland. This bus is equipped with Internet which is very nice :) Currently I am very thirsty, I did not stop and buy a drink before getting on the bus, and missing my family, but also very excited to finally meet all the rest of the amazing people I will spend time with over the next 10 months :) God is good, all the time, all the time God is good :)
God bless, keep me in your prayers, and I will do the same for you all :).
I will do my best to give an update everyweek!

Your friend, and brother in Christ,
Benjamin Record