Really Going

Only one person was late getting to the airport.





Our intrepid documentarian, Alexandra, was there to chronicle. Everyone looked awesome in their new warm-ups from Embroidme in Brentwood. Everyone even had their passports. The Arches who weren't going came to see us off--- Alex, Claire and Anthony. Alex and Renaldo did some airport acro.

Channel 4 news called and said they were coming to cover our departure but then three kids climbed up a radio tower in Jefferson county and got stuck. The news guy apologized that he had to go over the kids who did a stupid thing instead of covering us but promised to cover our return. Channel 11 called and said they were coming but they got there too late.
Our gifts of a rolling globe along with the aerial and juggling equipment all checked though at no extra cost. Our thanks to Marilyn who showed up with journals for everyone, Patty who brought bags of snacks for each performer and Suzi who figured out where and when we would be at the airport from the blog and brought a beautiful homemade card and a generous donation.

We all cleared security except for the confiscation of some suntan lotion and shampoo. Then, it became clear that this was really happening. People read the shirts and jackets and ask us about who we are and where we are going. The kids are getting quite articulate in their responses. People are impressed wih the mission and the kids.

The first plane to Newark was very small. Most of the kids slept. As we went from our arrival gate in Newark to the new departure gate we bumped right into our other documentarians, Richard and Howard. Perfect timing.

Keaton talks to a number of people. They are fascinated with this young group. We grabbed a bite to eat and then went through a special additional security screening since we were going to Israel. A reminder that what we are doing has some risk. But also a reminder how much acts of peace are needed.

I write this on the plane to Tel Aviv--- over 5800 miles across the world. This plane is much bigger. We talk about the sun's path in relation to our flight. The kids are excited by the computerized entertainment screens on the back of each seat.