Thursday, January 31, 2013

Traveling across the pond

As we prepared for the trip, I will admit that I had a great deal of anxiety about the travel piece.  I wondered how on earth we'd manage all the luggage (6 people going away for four months to a cold, wet climate isn't exactly space efficient!), how the kids would tolerate the overnight flight, how we'd handle potentially long lines at immigration, etc.  But, I have to say that it all went extremely well.  We didn't have any logistical glitches at all--everything ran on time.  We were able to board our flights early because of the whole "traveling-with-small-children" thing.  Our long flight wasn't full so we were able to spread out and have more space for sleeping.  The kids rested in varying degrees between Atlanta and London; Owen slept all night, Harper slept almost none and the other girls fell somewhere in between.  Thankfully, the kids' excitement and adrenaline seemed to do good things for their patience and coping skills.  In spite of the exhausting circumstances, they were great. When we got to immigration in London, we were astounded to see that there were literally no other people in line.  And we might have gotten the country's most friendly immigration official.  Our transport (by courier bus) to the Daniel House in Kensington was also very smooth and easy.   Thanks to all of you who were praying for us that day!
Langley and Camden hanging out in the Atlanta airport.


Owen is in the midst of a huge origami phase.  He has spent his down time (not just during travel but since we've been here) folding paper.  He is doing some pretty neat things. 

The kids were very excited to ride the train in the Atlanta airport.   Something that was a huge novelty just four days ago is now old hat since it is our main mode of transportation in London.



Here's Langley right before take off in Atlanta.

And Harper.

And Camden and Owen. 

Off we go!

Hard to believe that our London adventure has begun!!  In many ways, we've been preparing for this for two years.  And now we're settling into our new "home" in South Kensington.  This picture was taken before we left Birmingham.  The last 72 hours have been a flurry of unpacking, orientation meetings and shaking off jet lag.  Everyone seems to be adjusting very well.  We have managed to get out and about a little bit...especially in our neighborhood.  I'll do my best to catch y'all up on the happenings of the first few days as I have time!