The curtains flanking the windows failed miserably at thwarting the blinding sunlight from flooding into the room. The usual rude wakeup call did not awaken the teenager, however there she lay as if her mind knew what time it was. Her body sunken into the comforter, struggled to heave itself from the body imprint created in the mattress, however she finally drew the motivation to arise from the plush pillow. In an instant, her hands began hurriedly working. Luggage was reexamined yet again. Twice .A third, fourth even a fifth time. Inexperience plagued every thought and action. Thoughts roamed aimlessly through her mind and butterflies floated in her stomach. Her only real impression of an airline the girl could recollect was seen through younger eyes, and the recounts were a mere fading memory. The sheer idea of security inconveniences was not a possibility that could be considered. So it was decided; less was more. A small, overstuffed backpack and carryon would have to suffice her for the journey ahead. She had it all in front of her: the plane ticket, the luggage, yet she was unprepared in more ways than one .

Soft fingers nervously fought and tugged at the disheveled and tangled hair. Every knot was a tiring battle won. Purposeless activities entertained her as the hand of time crept slower than ever. Suddenly, bells chimed when the old grandfather clock struck ten, and the sound echoed gloriously to the very heights of the tallest ceilings and crept into cracks, until the darkness muffled it to a silence. The sound of hard plastic on glass sent a chill down her spine. The rough and distinct alto voice on the other end explained the news that transportation would be arriving late. The idea ate away at flowing thoughts. Her perfectly arranged schedule of fixed time was shattered in an instant. The cool, soft leather couch was a refuge for the nervous teen as she stared at the stark blank ceiling.

A petite man entered the room and started to speak in incomprehensible quick flurries of sounds. When I finally tuned my ear into the dialogue what I expected of the conversation was affirmed. You’ll remember all I said right? No straying from the group at the airport and no this and that. The unmistakable worry of the frantic father was apparent; it made his brow furrow as a wrinkle spread across his wide forehead. After all, this was the first time the girl would be spending an overnight trip without the watchful eyes of her parents. Worry was expected almost warranted. The endless questioning was finally halted by the unmistakable “beep” of a car horn. As the door swooshed open, the purring of the engine filled the household. Attempts to leave the house were prevented as the man continued to speak. Are you ready he asked in an interrogative tone. Silence followed as she was unsure how to reply. A simple “mhmm” from pressed lips became audible before her brain knew what she had said.

The car was loaded and the trip to the next house began. The light of early morning broke past the water speckled window . Casual conversation was characterized by both awkward indifference and random commentary. The road led to a freeway and the usual afternoon crowd had been beaten so the roads were clear and the car could maneuver with ease. We arrived to the next home in amazing haste and the people loaded their luggage before eventually piling their bodies into the large sedan. The car door slammed loudly behind the kids and the car was in motion yet again, this time towards the international airport. Worries clouded her mind so much that the next events became a blur. The airport was a massive maze. Aromas of every culture permeated the hot summer air. A fabulous array of Pizza, pasta and noodle shops were at the dispense of all the restless travelers ensured to satisfy any craving. Near the gate, people were directed towards kiosks to claim boarding passes, the awaiting group stood nearby. All members had arrived, hands were held and a prayer was said. While in line, the officers ahead could be seen. One hefty man intimidated simply with his stance. His upper body was considerably disproportionate to his legs, his belt was on its last crook and his plump belly hung over it like a drape. The strong composure held on his face and his presence stimulated moisture to collect both under noses and on foreheads. Once past the security checkpoint, all members of the youth group could breathe a sigh of relief. The roaring from the plane did not prevent the sandman from visiting the tired teens. However for the girl, her eyes remained on the sky and clouds; she was determined to not let him tempt her. Plush pillows of cold air drifted carelessly and freely. She was immersed in her actions, but came back to reality a second later. The standard voice sounded on the intercom. Welcome to St. Louis.
The airport in St. Louis was underwhelming: average and comfortable at best. With One moment outside the climate hit them like an unexpected wall; it would plague the skin with moisture that would not go away for the rest of the day. The moisture in the air was unbearable and different than the dry heat everyone had grown used to. An hour drive to the facility proved grueling as beads of perspiration drenched the clothing on the bodies. Weak and dehydrated teens fought for the last desired sip in the one, communal bottle of water. Hands intensely wafted folded paper in an effort to keep air flowing to themselves, for themselves. The bus drove past dozens and dozens of curious cornfields and graveyards, similar to that described in dramatic sci-fi suspense novels. Nothing was continuity. One brittle and dry patch here, would lead to a lush field of soy beans there. The differing and intriguing images of the scenery only left the teens in a wild stuper, without ideas of what to expect of the destination. A final turn, and the vision of thewelcoming sign greeted the vision of all those on the bus.

Groups were being divided and organized as the sun’s rays waved its daily goodbye. Scurrying campers dominated nearly every square. In the midst of the chaos, the small group from Arizona was not assigned a group and was left to untangle the situation amongst themselves. With heavy feet the teens trudged through the wet grass and trekked around the facility searching for a group that would not be found. Failed attempts to join other teams left every member discouraged. However soon enough, the teens found another group in the same predicament as theirs. The members quickly realized the collection of people were strangely yet amazingly compatible. What fate it was. Soft cotton team t-shirts that were dispersed represented the newfound unity. As they sat together in a circle, the girl looked around. The atmosphere was warm, laughter could be heard, and smiles were upon everyone’s faces. She felt safe, secure and content .A feeling she could not imagine feeling anywhere besides her own home prior to that moment.

Later that night in the comfort of her bunk bed, she reflected on her journey to the camp and could not believe she was hesitant to come. She realized that the fears she had held towards her journey, were in actuality fears towards her life in general. She attempted to keep quiet and repressed herself however a soft giggle snuck out of her. Adaptation, embracing the unexpected and taking a chance were morals that had to be learned through experience. Her lazy eyes began to shut out the light of the lamp and thoughts of being scared faded until they were no longer there as she drifted into a sweet slumber.