Day 2: The Drive

We arrived in Manchester at 7 am Tuesday morning after a very smooth flight. We claimed our bags and then we had to wait two and a half hours for our car rental which had been delayed.  As soon as we received our car we drove north to Scotland. On the way we drove through the Lake District of England which was gorgeous.  After our leisurely drive through England and Scotland we arrived in Kilmarnock Tennis Club. All of the Scotland teenage boys came down to meet us. Kirstie and Emma were reunited with them and Corinne, Trey and I started new relationships with them. We played tennis for about an hour and then we all went home with our host families. Kirstie and Emma stayed with the Young family, Corinne stayed with the Miller family, and Trey and I stayed with the Tait family. -Josh

Tuesday-Coming into Manchester was like a dream. We were finally overseas, ready to begin the trip we had been preparing for for over 4 months. Prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings, surrounded us as we arrived. So many people were praying on our behalf for safety, provision, and that God would shine through us. Seeing the green of England was so beautiful. Everything was so fresh and alive, everything but the people who just kind of moped around with no purpose. The place where Christianity once blossomed was quite dead and depraved. Once arriving at the tennis courts, I finally got to see all the Scotland boys after not seeing them for 10 months. I was literally beaming with joy as I was with some of my favorite people and I would have the opportunity later in the week to share with them about the love of my life. -Emma

The lake district was gorgeous!!!!! Lush greens, bubbling streams, sheep dotting the hills, lowing cattle, and centuries-old stone walls snaking across the hills, pure beauty. Long drive squished in the back seat, but quite a fun ride. Getting to meet our host family was great, slightly awkward at first, but they welcomed us in a made us feel right at home. Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Tait!!! -Trey