Departure day

According to Continental Airlines' web site, CO 74 arrived in Hamburg 14 minutes early today. Ben has undoubtedly made his way through customs, met Stephan and traveled to Lüneburg by now. I hope he is getting settled into his accommodations and relishing his surroundings.

Yesterday was a happy-sad day for all three of us. Tears were shed all around as we said our goodbyes at the airport, yet all of us were excited about Ben's big new adventure. Kathie and I escorted Ben as far as the security checkpoint then, fittingly, he was on his own.

When we returned home, I resumed working on my projects, yet Ben was never far from my mind. After he landed in Newark to await his connection to Hamburg, Ben phoned us to confirm he'd completed the first leg of his journey.

Later, my sister Janet phoned to talk about our Dad's house. Her son Mikey would like Dad's waterbed, as Mikey is currently sleeping on the couch. He has a bad back, so Janet feels the waterbed would help him. We also spoke of Dad and his failing memory, but both commented that his physical health is good at the moment.

Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary Ann also called, saying they thought yesterday would be a tough day for Kathie and me. They had nothing but praise for Ben, saying he's such a wonderful young man and that he'll go far in life. They said they received a note from him a few days ago, which pleased them immensely.

Last night, Kathie and I visited my Dad and took him some essentials he had requested. He also asked about Ben and was quite inquisitive. He didn't remember all of the details, such as Ben's plans to stay in Lüneburg for the full academic year, but he was interested nonetheless.

The house is quieter without Ben. Not that he's ever noisy, but his presence always makes Kathie and me very happy. No one has gone out to get the morning paper yet--always Ben's task when he's home. The cat had to wait for Kathie to feed her, another thing Ben often does. His room looks neat and tidy, without clothes piled on the dresser. That, too, is unusual.

Our hope is that Ben will phone us today, once he gets settled into his new surroundings. Kathie and I are both eager to learn all about his first impressions. We're also in need of reassurances that all is well for him. After all, he's our one and only!

Leaving for Lüneburg

Thursday Ben leaves to begin his academic year at the University of Lüneburg, where he will study the German language and European history.

Already, he has been contacted by his assigned "buddy," Stefan, who will meet him in Hamburg and assist him in getting to Lüneburg. It's still unknown whether he'll live in a student dorm, an off-campus apartment with other students, or with a local family.

Ben is starting to prepare for the trip, making copies of important papers, shopping for small essentials he may have a difficult time obtaining in Lüneburg, and browsing the university's web site to familiarize himself with the campus and upcoming events (yesterday he told us Jimmy Carter will be visiting Lüneburg in October--someone Ben undoubtedly will want to hear).

For the most part, Ben is going to pack light. Taking advice from the good folks at Ohio Northern, who have supported the student-abroad program for many years, Ben plans to purchase most of his clothing and other items locally once he arrives. That's a wise move, given both the airlines' limits on checked baggage and the opportunity for Ben to enjoy some European fashions--not to mention different sizes for things like bedsheets.

Kathie and I have mixed feelings at the moment. On one hand, we're extremely happy and excited about Ben's opportunity to study abroad. Still, we're a tad melancholy and apprehensive about being away from him for several months. After this week, it's expected the next time we see Ben will be during the Christmas break, when we plan on traveling to Lüneburg for a visit.

Nevertheless, Ben is well armed with phone cards, a Skype account and email, so he certainly won't be incommunicado. In some respects, it'll be little different from him being in Ada, Ohio. The distance to Lüneburg, plus the time zone difference, is what we'll notice the most.