CHICAGO TO ZURICH

Yesterday we left E-Free with our church van and full trailer and headed up to Ohare International Airport. We checked in our bags and soon found out that, as our travel agent warned us, the airline only allows one carry-on each. Thankfully, standing next to the somewhat cranky "rule follower" agent :) (who was just doing her job) was an agent who wanted to show mercy to our team and our three "extra" bags. They would not accept paying extra for the bags as we had planned. But after a little negotiating, and as a result to lots of prayers from all of you who are reading this!, they allowed the extra bags - which contained camera equipment, a video projector and guitar - Praise God!

We then went through security with ease and boarded our 330 Airbus. We are beginning to see the blessing in finding the cheapest tickets with Swiss Air. The forced 22 hour layover has proven to be a great opportunity for the team to experience a little European culture, slowly adjust to the time change and bond even more as a team as we prepare for ministry in Kenya.

After landing in Zurich International we went through customs (got another stamp in our passports) and took the shuttles to the Welcome Inn Hotel. After getting checked in and cleaned up a bit we left to explore the city. We took a fantastic train the short distance to Old Town(public transit is great all over Europe!) and walked to Grossmunster - a church here in Zurich that is rich with history. From there we went accross the river to Fraumuster Church and saw the world renowned Chagal-painted glass windows. We then walked to the end of the river to see the view from the lake then went back by St. Peters Church which boasts the largest clock-face in all of Europe. After a nice lunch we enjoyed navigating our way through small villas and parks back to the train station. It was fun to explore a city with the kids that was built long before the US was ever founded. When we returned to our hotel the group went out again for ice cream and some scrambled to try and use facebook. Everyone has been feeling great besides adjusting to jet-lag. As I type this now it is 5:10pm at home and 12:10 am here in Zurich. The rest of the leaders and students are all sleeping and getting much needed rest. After sleeping about 4 hours I woke up and decided to update this blog while I have the time and a good internet connection. (I am glad I did because I just chatted on FB with Megan!)

We will get up at 5:45am and have a quick breakfast here in the hotel before heading back to the airport. Please pray that this security check-in goes as well as the last, for a nice and safe 8 hour flight to Nairobi and for a smooth transition through customs in Kenya. When we arrive there we will meet up with Dan and Emily and head to another hotel before we drive cross country in a bus 8 hours to the village.

We will continue to update as often as possible and have students share from their perspective as well. Know that internet in the village may be a little sketchy at best so we will write blogs on word documents and update as possible. It is likely that we will often go several days without a post.

Thanks again so much for your prayers and support!

Pastor Bill