American soil....

22 students, 3 professors and 2 spouses...destination England, Belgium and France. This was the group on our second to last night in France.

The trip was an intense two weeks of work and play. It was an amazing experience that I am so gratful for. Landing on American soil was an experience as well. After two weeks of traveling through three countries, it was a blessing to be able to return to the United States and be able to call the USA home.

Learning the subway system in each country was certainly an experience. The sights, smells, tastes, and experiences were all amazing. I had the opportunity to see Westminster Abby, Parliament, the London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, changing of the Guard, and go to the theater were just a few of the things I got to do while in London. Paris, Arc de Triumph, Notre Dame twice, Saint Chapel, the Louvre, and a Seine river cruise were all incredible as well.

Being in any foreign country is certainly a humbling experience. Learning a piece of the life style, the tastes, and how to get past the language barrier are all an experience in their own.

As I sit here looking back over the past two weeks, I am hearing of an Air France flight that was due to land in Paris this morning that has disappeared. What a humbling experience to hear of an international flight headed for the exact airport I flew out of just yesterday. The families of the potentially lost victims on this missing flight are certainly in my thoughts and prayers at this time.

I have come to appreciate my own bed and my vehicle so much more. My girls, Maddie and Bailey survived...the yard not as well! My girls became gardeners while I was gone and learned how to dig up a rose bush and buried it in another spot. Gifted and talented?