Bo's Final Journal Entry

Sunday
After our climatic Saturday, a dull Sunday was welcome. The morning was not as rushed as usual and my knees were given the morning off after their abuse coming down the volcano the day before. Since our van would not be leaving until 9:30 for the airport, we had a leisurely breakfast: one last cup of coffee, a final glass of fresh squeezed OJ, and bean spackle. I packed up, paid Lidia and climbed into the van.
Our driver proudly informed us that as a result of the tip we had given him for safely delivering us each morning and afternoon this past week, he was able to purchase the laptop his daughter needed for school. That final bit of gratitude just put an extra smile on our faces and cemented the sense of accomplishment we felt in making this trip. Reflecting on the week, I don’t think anyone was disappointed in our mission and return home with the knowledge that their efforts created positive changes in some really appreciative people.
Once at the airport we were again greeted with a long line to check in. We didn’t suffer any economic set backs on baggage weight (good thing they didn’t weigh me!) or number of bags this time. Passing through security without any problems, we had plenty of time to shop for last minute souvenirs (Matt finally found something for his girlfriend) and enter the land of duty-free. Evidently accustomed to gastronomically adventurous Americans, a McDonalds was there for those in hamburger withdrawal. A moment of angst as no one had seen Randy since check-in and the boarding time neared. A search party was dispatched, soon successfully locating our errant friend, who, I think, had struck up a conversation with a new friend, Montezuma.
Finally boarding after a half hour delay, we went through a bag search prior to being allowed on the plane. Gary had brought two small volcanic rocks from our adventure the previous day, carrying them in his backpack. Assuming he was trying to steal Guatemala, these were confiscated and our nefarious smuggler was allowed to join us. We felt bad for him, as we had packed our rocks in our checked luggage, which passed through customs without incident. I guess I understand their position. If every tourist took two small rocks, in two million years they would be left with a volcano the size of an ant hill, clearly detrimental to continued sphincter testing tours.
Airborne, Continental had, no doubt, always wanting to please, consulted with Casa Angelina to discover our gustatory preferences – yes one last meal of chicken. Dinner and a movie at 35,000 ft. Thankfully, the flight was uneventful and we arrived on US soil in Houston.
Gary’s heinous reputation preceded him and once in Houston, US Customs detained him for two hours, grilling him for not declaring his two cartons of duty-free cigarettes. I think they were convinced that the recent US economic downturn was caused by duty-free shops and it was their duty to correct this oversight. His interrogation allowed him to miss his connecting flight, giving him time to write his thank-you note to Homeland Security for keeping him safe. Fortunately, there are many Houston-Chicago flights daily. I heard later that he made it in OK. After all he had been through, I’m glad I gave him the extra volcano rock I had carried in my pocket so he would at least have proof he had been there.
And so ended our travels. I took a flight to St. Louis, having said my good-byes in Houston. We vowed to have a debriefing party soon, and in Kelly’s honor, everyone will be bringing a chicken dish.
I hope those that have read this journal have enjoyed it as much as I have had writing it. All barbs were delivered with a kind heart and no malice was intended. Many references probably made no sense unless one was a member of the group, as the journal was primarily written for the group’s entertainment, as well as a way to jostle memories in the future. Good luck to all in the coming year. A special thanks to Randy and Dennis for keeping us on track, making all the arrangements and communications with Casa Angelina, and to Dennis for his pictorial recordings of the week. Keep in mind that this effort was totally on the part of the individuals who went this year and last. We received no support, financial or otherwise, from any institution. So, on behalf of the orphans and patients we saw in Guatemala, I would like to offer a special thank-you to those who did contribute both money and time. You have truly helped make one small part of this world better and helped project an image of Americans as helpful, kind and generous.