Despite Cyclone Evan hitting Samoa and delaying the program by one week, our patience won the race and we finally left Samoa in the early morning of December 22, 2012. Saulo, Milo and Neueli were full of excitement as we headed to the airport. Checking our bags, going through immigration and waiting to board the plane, were all parts of the exciting last hours spent in Samoa.
As we boarded the plane the boys were all smiles and walked with gusto up the set of stairs and then eyed the numbered rows to try and spot their seats. Chelsea, a Peace Corps Volunteer from Group 83 was also with us on our flight and sat beside me, while the three boys were in front of us. As we settled in it was fun to see them react to things on the plane, finding everything fascinating—even the folding trays and headsets for viewing the in-flight entertainment.
As we taxied on the runway, I felt a certain sense of calm, as I reflected on the months of preparation and all those who had helped us to get to that point. As the engines were fired up and we started to roll down the runway, I kept watching the boys in front of me for how they were reacting. Neueli and Milo both sat there quietly, but I could see Saulo perk up with excitement as we took off. It was amazing to think of how far these young men were about to travel, and how they had already made such a big step towards their futures. They were full of hope and optimism of the days ahead.
We arrived in Honolulu without any trouble and had a long 12 layover before our next flight. After checking our bags for our evening flight, it was still early morning so I decided to go with them on the city bus downtown. It gave us a chance to get out of the airport and allow them to see part of the area.
That evening we boarded our second plane and headed to Chicago on a direct flight. We had flown on a Boeing 777 so our plane was quite big. As we got off the plane in Chicago, I asked one of the flight attendants if we could view the flight deck. She told us to go ahead and ask the pilot. He was very gracious and let us come in and had each of the boys sit in his seat. As some of you know, Saulo’s career goal is to become an airline pilot, so this was especially exciting for him. I made sure to get a picture of him, as well as Milo and Neueli before we headed out and down the jet way.
From that moment on, everything seemed new to them: the automatic flush devices on the toilets, the baggage conveyer belt, the escalators, the countless restaurants lining the concourses—it was all a part of the experience, it was all a part of America!
After claiming our baggage, we walked out the sliding doors to go catch our bus which would take us to Notre Dame where my parents were picking us up. As we walked out the doors, the guys got to see their breath for the first time in their lives, and although it was just a dusting, they did see some patches of spotty snow around the airport.
Arriving at the Notre Dame bus stop, the boys woke up from their long nap and saw the big welcome sign the fifth graders from White Pigeon, Michigan had made for their arrival—it said, “Welcome to America.” After hugs and introductions, we each got our warm winter coats that my parents had waiting for us in their cars.
Once we finished lunch at a nearby McDonald’s, we were all walking out to get in the cars and I saw Milo, Saulo and Neueli walk over to touch the snow. I realized that was the first time in their lives they had ever touched snow. I began to understand that over the next few weeks there would be a lot of “first moments” like this and they would all be a part of this amazing trip which is inspiring these young men to be better than they ever thought they could be.
On behalf of the Samoan Youth Empowerment Initiative, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year and invite you to stay with us as we continue to update you on the program in the weeks to come!
Checking in at Faleolo Airport in Samoa on Friday, Dec. 21st.
Boarding the plane at around 1:30a.m. on Dec. 22, 2012
On board the plane and ready to fly...for the first time in their lives!
Hanging out at the airport in Honolulu before our flight to Chicago.
Watching planes take off in Honolulu
Each of the boys got to see the flight deck of our Boeing 777 from Honolulu to Chicago. Saulo wants to be a pilot! Thanks to the pilot from United Airlines!
Milo
Neueli
In the concourse of O'Hare after getting off our flight from Honolulu.
Baggage claim.
Welcome from my mom and dad at Notre Dame.
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