off to Europe

Today was departure day for granddaugher's mission trip.

But by today all of the group except Bri and her cousin had canceled for one reason or other. Cousin has lived in Europe for much of her life, and is an experienced international traveler. All would be well.

But when the two girls got to the airport it was discovered that cousin’s passport or visa or mastercard had expired and she would have to work on the problems and be along late (probably).

That left granddaughter as the only one really ready to go.

Right now she is somewhere between Washington DC and the next stop in Europe. Bri is almost 18, but she has never been away from home before. I am not sure she has ever flown in an airplane and now she is going half way around the world alone. I am so proud of her (maybe even a tad envious!)

It is Brianna's mom’s job to worry and my daughter is doing her job. I have sent daughters on trips not unlike these. One dauhter went to Africa for a whole year when she was not too much older than Bri. Bri's mom was a bit older but she went to Europe and spent half a year one time.

Of course all sorts of things can go wrong, but then again they likely won’t. I am pretty upbeat about it all. Bri is a smart careful girl, she will do OK. When she finally gets to Albania, family will meet her. The rest of the trip will proceed as planned.

Going away for the first time is a big deal. When I was 18 and a few weeks I drove with a friend to the north west corner of Montana where we had summer jobs with the Forest Service. I had a wonderful time and I know Bri will too.

Still, in spite of my bravado, I will be a seriously at ease when I get word that she has arrived safely.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Brianna.