It’s official, Kay “Marno” Brown is a World Racer. Not only were ALL of her flights delayed yesterday, she even had to change airlines and airports in order to make it to Manila. Along the way God sent His “angels” to be of assistance in the form of people like Lillia a native Filipino, and Tom & Scott her row partners for the 16 hour flight from the States. They brought with them much needed wisdom and humor in order to distract from the looming frustration. To top off her first WR experience she managed to make it to Manila withOUT one of her bags. She would say it is the most important piece, since it holds most of “Team Awakens” Christmas…70lbs. worth (Way to go parents!)
Once Squad C finally made it through our own delays and pesky landing gear trouble we arrived in Manila. I was swiftly whisked off to the airport where mom would be arriving to wait on her flight. I arrived at the airport about 2:00 am. While waiting, in the “lovely air-conditioned waiting area”; which was actually across the street and surprisingly not air conditioned, I made some friends. You might know them only by their scientific name but I know them as ROUS’s (Rodents of Unusual Size). I was joined in the deserted waiting area by 4 rats that were actually the size of cats. So, it was obviously a very unique few hours to rest and unwind before picking up mom. Finally, her flight arrived a little before 5:00 am. By the time she made it through customs and immigration it was almost 5:30, then we drove the 1/2 hour to our guest house. We have napped a little off and on today, but not enough to count as real rest so she gets to be tired too. Welcome to the World Race Mom! In honor of her arrival I thought that she should cap off her first day as a WRer by writing a blog. So, without further adieu;
Heeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre’s My Mom!
(From Kay/Marno): Hi everyone. Regardless of the information above, I feel VERY blessed to be here and represent so many of you who would love to be here with your precious children. I am loving meeting all of them in person, and being able to give them lots of hugs. I had kept all of the cards, along with any money that was sent, in my carry-on luggage so, praise God, that has now been delivered. They were very hungry for any news from home. (Speaking of hungry….let me just say that Julie has already eaten ALL of the bread from her grandmother…..yeah!!!…no one knows except her how good it really was.) There are several people working on getting the remaining bag to us. The good thing about that is they will enjoy their gifts whenever they get them, and our team Awaken will stay in Manila for the next month. I had to learn quickly some of the “rules” of being in a developing world, like bathroom etiquette (i.e. not flushing toilet paper.) The ride from the airport was interesting as the cars, buses (jeepneys), and little tuk-tuks were EVERYWHERE, blowing horns, etc. So, imagine Boston, NYC, and LA freeway traffic as tame. Also, although it is very dark on the streets with no lights, people are out on the streets all night long, walking and playing and shooting off fireworks. We’re staying in a really neat home, large enough for the 52 racers and two of us parents. As I’m looking around many are watching a Christmas movie….many are snacking….many others are online catching up on e-mails and talking to home. There were cooks here earlier preparing meals and baking goodies for us. They were such servants, so happy to do whatever for us. In a few hours, we all have to be packed and ready to travel by bus and ferry to Puerto Galera. (We’re leaving at 4 a.m.) While there we will be staying in guesthouses ON the beach, with a catered dinner on Christmas Day….WOW. On the 26th, I will have to head back to Manila to spend the night at a hotel near the airport so I can begin my journey back home. I can’t believe it….so little time. Let’s pray that my flights home will not be as eventful as the ones coming. Well that’s all for my first and last World Race blog. Merry Christmas to you all.
