2 Days Down ... A Ton To Go!

Well, my first two days of work are officially over with ... and dang were they crazy!!!  Quite honestly my first day was a MESS!  I was told that on your first day you will never be alone.  Well, first thing that happens when I sign in ... I'm alone at the Enchanted Grove cart.  And first thing that happens ... a guy asks me for another pair of sunglasses since the ones on display were bent a tiny bit.  So I checked the backstock we have right there, but couldn't find the exact pair.  We're never suppose to turn a guest away so I then ask him if he would like me to call a manager to check the backstock indoors.  Unfortunately he said yes.  All the carts are stocked with a phone that is usually by the cash register ... except for the Enchanted Grove cart ... it's on the railing in a box behind the cart.  So after searching for awhile the guy got irritated and left.  The next spot on my rotation was Sir Mickey's.  I get to Sir Mickey's and it's SO crowded!!!  And of course since I hadn't had much hands on training yet I had plenty of questions.  And of course the one lady I'm working with is not in the mood for me to ask questions and gets irritated EVERY time I do.  Finally I get rotated again to Tinkerbell's Treasures and am there for a couple hours.  Well whenever a rotation happens we are given a slip of paper that tells you to move to this position and that person to this position and that person to break ... and then it tells you what time to be back from break.  So another cast member comes up and says it's time for my tea party (Fantasyland lingo for break).  I asked him for the paper that had the time for me to come back and of course he didn't have it.  So I rushed through my food and was back up to Sir Mickey's to check in just to find out I was 10 minutes early and not allowed to clock in yet.  So I ran back to the locker room and checked my phone and then headed back up.  Well then I get assigned to Fantasy Faire ... which is fine for awhile but then I was by myself and in charge of the entire store.  So then a girl comes up and tells me once again it was time for my tea party.  I got so confused because I was under the impression I did not receive another break.  But I guess I did ... so I went on my break and then went back and was assigned to help close Tinkerbell's.  I go over to Tinkerbell's and there are only two ladies there and they basically are like "ok just help straighten!"  So I wandered around randomly straightening things.  Well when you work at Magic Kingdom you are allowed to clock out 10 minutes early for travel time since we have to take a bus to the cast parking lot.  So for example if I get off at 8:45 I clock out at 8:35 ... and if I don't clock out by 8:45 I get a point on my card.  By then it was 8:42 so I finally asked a girl if I was suppose to wait for someone to bump me out or just leave.  Turns out I was suppose to clock myself out, so I called a manager and he told me to go over to Sir Mickey's.  So I ran over there and the door was locked!  So I ran back to Tinkerbell's and thankfully the manager was there so I told him I wasn't aware I could clock myself out so he changed my time so I wouldn't get a point and I was able to go home!!!

So then today was a much smoother day!!! I finally was getting the hang of things so I was actually able to interact with the guests and have fun!  At my first position I was at the Enchanted Grove cart and my first customers were two little girls.  They were so so sweet and extremely polite ... and they were like 3 and 6 or something ... so I was able to give them Mickey stickers and pixie pins which are little Tinkerbell trader pins that you can only get from a cast member.  And we only give them out to people who catch our attention for doing something good ... so I told them since they had such good manners they got the special pin.  I had over an 8 hour day ... but it wasn't too bad ... my feet are just killing me!  My last position was on a patio of a store and at 8 every night they have the Wishes fireworks show.  There were so many families standing outside my store watching them and every time one went off everyone got so excited.  It was incredible just to see everyone ... entire families smiling.  And how even the adults became kids again.  One mom was even dancing in the street!  I've also met over the past few days like 3 families with Make-A-Wish kids.  It really made me realize just how lucky I am to be working here because I literally am helping make these families wishes come true.  And as cheezy as it sounds EVERYONE is happy ... of course how could you not be.  So yes ... I will admit I was tearing up during the fireworks!  It was just such an incredible thing to see.  

But I'm exhausted ... and my feet hurt ... and I have to get up at 6 to work from 8-3:30.  But then after I get off I believe my roommate Christina and I are going to explore some parks because she has the day off.  

Have a good night everyone!  Oh and please be in prayer ... Lauren is hoping to go home to see her family and Daniel Tuesday night so pray the flights will be open!  Also, just that we continue to enjoy it here and that God provides some incredible opportunities!

Stephanie

First Day Of Official Work :/

Not much has changed in the past few days.  My last day of training was really good.  I had an awesome trainer, probably the best one so far so I learned more then I have pretty much since I got here.  We did some register practice and then we got to learn how to use the sewing machines for the back of the mickey ears!  It was crazy how many people get their named on their ears ... but it was fun and exciting to see everyone so happy when their ears were finished!  After that she took us around Fantasyland and quizzed us on everything we had learned over the past week because we then had to take a test to make sure we were ready ... which I passed yay!!! And then we had to go meet with one of the managers and talk with him and have him quiz us.  Disney is pretty intense!

Yesterday I had the day off ... which quite honestly I wish I had worked!  Lauren had to work so I slept in until about 8 and then literally laid in bed watching tv until noon!  When I finally got up I went to go find a post office.  The guy at the front desk of my apartments told me where to find one, but of course I couldn't.  So I plugged post office into my GPS and somehow ended up driving like an hour for a post office that was suppose to be 8 miles away.  I gave up on that one and looked at a sheet of local businesses I have and it told me of a UPS store next to Publix ... which is RIGHT around the corner from my apartment.  So I drove there and lugged all my stuff in.  Turns out shipping is way more expensive then I can afford.  Luckily Aunt Kim and Chels' stuff was small so I went ahead and shipped theirs.  But for my little familia waiting in Texas ... you're gonna have to come get it or just patiently wait!  And just for future note ... I probably won't be shipping anything else ... so if I do buy you something you'll have to wait till I can see you to give it to you!  Yes so after that I was kinda frustrated so I just went back home.  I made a chicken salad and then made Lauren and my beds ... yes I was that bored.  And then pretty much I spent the rest of the night hanging out and watching movies.  Thrilling isn't it?  Ooo ... I got kinda mad ... actually really mad ... because my tattoo on my foot has to be invisible for work.  So everyday I've been putting tattoo makeup.  Well the makeup doesn't come off unless I scrub it ... plus it like stains my foot if I don't.  Soooooo ... pretty much my tattoo is super faded now ... and lucky me gets to go through the money and pain to fix it when my program is over :(  And for now I can't scrub it anymore ... so I'm gonna have a REALLY stained foot!

Well today is my first real day on the job ... no trainers or anything!  I'm kind of nervous but I'm excited!  Hopefully the days will go much faster now since I'll constantly be busy doing something instead of simply learning over and over.  I'll have to let everyone know how it goes!

Also, I finally figured out how to make my comments work ... so yay you can all comment now!!!  

Last I found out that my mom and sister are coming out February 13 to 15!!!  I had asked for the days off too late but God blessed me and I have all three off ... which I was told never happens for CP's!!!  Then the next weekend Daniel is coming to see Lauren ... if only you all knew just how excited we were!  But for now it's time for me to shower!

Have a great day everyone!!!

Stephanie

P.S. If you haven't seen yet I was able to finally post pictures and videos on the previous post!  

1 Week Down

I has been quite an eventful past few days!  Well, after I last updated Lauren and I headed over to the Magic Kingdom.  It was pretty stinking crowded, but we ended up getting to ride the Carousel of Progress, Stitch's Great Escape, the Tea Cups, It's A Small World, the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.  It was a lot of fun and totally hilarious!  But about 9 we were both exhausted so we headed back to the apartment and went to bed.  

The first picture is me on Small World!

The second picture is the gate that I pass under everyday when I go to work!  I first pass under a Disney World gate and then this is the Magic Kingdom one!

The last picture is me in front of my apartment complex.  Lauren and I actually live on the third floor on the opposite side of this building.  I LOVE the apartments ... they are gorgeous!

The next day I got to sleep in and went to work from 12:30 to 6:30.  Once again I was in a group with two other girls and our trainer took us up to Pooh's Thotful Shop.  There were two open registers so our trainer intended on us all switching out.  Well I guess the other girls didn't have a ton of previous experience so it ended up for about 3 hours I was alone on a register with a CONSTANT flow of people checking out.  It was crazy!!!  And even though it was stressful I was kinda excited because it made me realize just how fast the days can go since it will most likely always be that crowded.  After that we headed down to the cafeteria for break and then we did some computer training.  Finally we got to do some pin trading and then I was off!  Lauren and I did laundry and got some Starbucks.  Once again I was exhausted (welcome to working for Disney!) so I turned on Atlantis and was asleep just past 10.  

So this morning Lauren and I had the luxury of sleeping in until just past 9 ... something very exciting for us!  We got ready and then stopped by Wal Mart where they finally had my camera card reader in stock!  Then we headed over to Animal Kingdom.  We got fast passes for Expedition Everest and then went to ride Dinosaur which was HILARIOUS!  By then we were starving so we walked over to Asia and had some honey chicken and then watched Finding Nemo: The Musical.  It was only about a 30 minute show but it was REALLY good ... I recommend it!  Once that was over we went and rode Primevil Whirl which was another really fun one.  Finally by that time the we were able to go on Expedition Everest which of course was amazing.  When we got off we were already tired so we got back to the car and went over to Property Control.  I got 2 shirts and a Mickey jewelry holder for about $14.  And now we are back at the apartment taking showers and winding down for the day.  Our roommate Christina is on her way home from work and then she's gonna make us homemade chicken alfredo!  Yay ... I love my roomies!!!  

This first picture is Lauren and I excited to go on Expedition Everest.

The second one is our ride picture when we were on Dinosaur and the T-Rex was about to eat us!  It's blurry cause we took it off the Disney tv thing ... but we thought it was hilarious cause we were screaming so much!

So tomorrow I work 10:30 to 4:30 which is my last day of training.  Then Wednesday I have off and then starting Thursday I'm on my own at work :/  yikes!!!  But for now it's my turn for a shower!

Love and miss you all!!!

Stephanie

Property Control!!!

Another two days have gone by and it's getting more and more busy!  Yesterday was my first day of Fantasyland training.  I met at the costuming department and we split up into smaller groups.  I was with two other girls and our trainer, Jack.  He took us over to Fantasyland and gave us a more detailed tour of the land, mainly of the different stores and carts we will be working at.  He also showed us where the restaurants and the bathrooms are so when people ask we would know, which came in handy because about 10 minutes later I had a lady asking me where the bathroom was.  After that we went to the cafeteria in the tunnels and then met with one of the managers over Fantasyland.  She gave us pin trading lanyards which was super exciting ... I got a green one which means I get to trade with children ages 3-12.  I got off about 5:30 and went back to the apartment where Lauren and I cooked dinner.  I received my first two movies from Netflix so I watched the first part of The Women and then we went to bed.

Today I had to get up about 6:20 and head over to the university.  I had a class on how to combine entertainment and merchandise which included a TON of training on the register.  We got off about 12:30 and took the bus over to the cafeteria in the tunnels at the Magic Kingdom until 1:30 when we had to go back to the university for a computer class.  When we finished a girl I work with, Meaghan, and I went over to the cast stores.  One store was decent priced, mainly anywhere from like 10-50% off, but since it's all Disney merchandise a ton of it was still rather expensive.  BUT then we went to the other store.  It's exclusively for cast members, so if you come unfortunately I can't take you there.  At this store they sell lost and found stuff that is never claimed.  I didn't even touch that stuff cause personally I think that's a little strange.  But they also sell damaged stuff.  Some is obviously damaged but other things they claim are damaged but they really just are trying to get rid of them.  So, I got presents!!!  I ended up with 7 items and spent $14!  I'm gonna try to ship everything Tuesday, but I'm not promising anything.  And just fyi ... I got something for Noah, mom, Kristin, Aunt Kim and Chels.  It's nothing big so don't expect a ton, but they all reminded me of you in some way.  Also for those of you who didn't get something like dad and James ... I promise I'll keep my eye out.  They just didn't have ANYTHING you would like today.  So now I'm back at the apartment just relaxing although in just a bit Lauren and I are gonna go over to Magic Kingdom and see if we can get on the rides since the younger kids will be gone!  

Tomorrow I work from 12:30 to 6:30 and then Lauren has the day off.  Magic Kingdom is open until 11 so I think we're gonna go there since most kids won't be out until that late.  And then we both have Monday off.  It is Memorial Day which will probably be crazy, but we're planning on braving the crowds and going to Animal Kingdom!

Also, random little fact which I think is very exciting, but you may very well not.  I joined Netflix and was planning on renting a bunch of Disney movies.  I figured since I work for Disney now I should brush up on my movie watching.  Anyway, so I received Atlantis, one AMAZING movie that I haven't seen in so long so I was pretty excited!  Well, throughout the Disney property there are places called Learning Centers, including one in the tunnels that I pass everyday going to work.  Here, for free, I can check out pretty much any and every Disney dvd ever made!  So, even though you may not be excited, I though it was pretty cool!

Have a blessed weekend!

Stephanie

P.S. Here are Lauren's two costumes!  She is in Housekeeping at the Animal Kingdom Lodge!

This is her housekeeping one.  It's gaucho pants and a kinda African top with shells.

This is her janitorial one.  She's not sure when she'll wear it, but she thinks it looks like an Asian chef.  I have to admit, it's pretty funny!

First Day of Training ... Check!

Well, it has been a busy busy busy past few days.  Yesterday I have my first day of paid work which was a class called Traditions.  I woke up about 5:45 and rode with my roommates Christina and Allie to Disney University.  The class started at 8:00 and was 4 hours long.  At first it was a lot of fun because we got to learn a lot about the history of Disney and play some games.  I won a little Tinkerbell, Minnie and Tigger figurine.  But after about the first hour it got a tad boring.  We of course had to go over the typical new hire information like how to handle a situation of sexual harassment and what standard Disney expects of you.  I also got my beautiful Disney name tag!  I had woken up at 3 that morning with a sore throat and knew I was getting a sinus infection since the week before Noah had one while on the cruise.  So, after Traditions ended I headed over to a Centra Care and was lucky enough to get right into a doctor.  I flat out told him my boyfriend had a sinus infection and I was around him the entire cruise ... and that I've had thousands of sinus infections in my life since my body seems to love them ... and that I started training for Disney the next day and COULD NOT get sick.  Literally the doctor didn't even ask my symptoms.  He just looked in my ears, looked at my throat and listened to my breathing then prescribed me one of the strongest antibiotics!  So thanks to the wonderful doctor and power of Zpack mixed with Nasonex and Advil cold & sinus I have felt much better today!!!  But anywho, so after the doctor I ran some errands to get like toilet bowl cleaner, a new blanket and a mattress pad ... since the Disney mattress pads for interns feels like you're sleeping on a rock.  When I got home my precious roommate Allie came in my room and gave me a picture she made saying feel better and a little stuffed Eeyore.  It was just about the sweetest thing ever!  Then she invited me to Epcot with her and some other girls, but by that time I was exhausted so I decided to stay behind.  I picked up Lauren from Vista Apartments after her class, ate dinner and was asleep before 10.  

Then today I got up at 5:15 so I could be at Disney University for my 7:00 training.  I know many of you may be thinking why get up so early before my shift ... but Disney expects you to be about 20 minutes early for all shifts, therefore I left the apartment around 6:15.  This is actually lucky ... when my actual shifts at the Magic Kingdom start I will have to learn about an hour early due the the fact that the employee parking lot is about 20 minutes away and then I have to take a bus to the employee tunnels where I have to navigate my way to Fantasyland!  But anyway ... so I get to the University at about 6:40 and probably close to 8:00 we loaded buses and headed over to the Magic Kingdom.  Then we toured the park not only around the actual grounds but in the backlots and underground tunnels for employees while learning about some of the history and culture of the park.  It's incredible how much detail there is to everything and how every little aspect of the lands follows a theme and story.  They talked a lot about how at Magic Kingdom they want the guests to feel "Fantasy" so basically they want you to feel like you're dreams and how it's our role to help make that fantasy come to life.  During this time we also got to ride the Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear!  Yes ... I got paid today to tour Magic Kingdom and ride rides.  It was a lot of fun, but also somewhat exhausting as well as kinda sad.  Trust me ... rides aren't NEARLY as fun when you aren't with a friend or family member ... it fact they're kinda lonely.  The whole time I wished I could be back in October with my family!!!  Also, it was kinda weird knowing all the ins and outs of the Magic Kingdom.  When you're a guest in the park everything is so magical and even though it sounds kinda ridiculous you almost believe the characters and all the workers are really a part of the story.  But after training you begin to see them all as the normal people and employees they actually are.  Also it kinda takes away some of the magic when you know all the backstage type of stuff.  When we were done we went to a Disney theater and split up into our roles, such as food, merchandise, etc.  We then took a bus over to costuming and tried on our costumes ... which was extremely entertaining.  Even though my costume isn't great I am extremely blessed because some people had terribly ugly shirts with black pants that go up to you belly button and get skinny towards the ankles and stop at about the ankles so you don't walk on them.  Mine on the other hand is a white blouse with some embroidery and a navy skirt with little birds and flowers on it that goes up to my belly button and down past my knees.  Then I have to wear panty hoes and some basic classic black shoes I bought at Wal Mart after my shift.

This is a picture of my costume.  It's kinda small and blurry cause we took in on Lauren's computer camera since Wal Mart still doesn't have my camera hookup in stock.  I also have a yellow and red coat because lately it's been pretty cold.  Like today it was in the 60's and tomorrow it's suppose to be in the 40's.  The coat is ridiculous because it's a small but I'm like drowning in it and it looks totally ridiculous.

So after I got home I changed and then Lauren and I went over to Hollywood Studios around 2.  It was exciting getting to park and getting inside for free!  So we went over to Rockin Roller Coaster and got fast passes.  Then we went over and rode Star Tours.  We then went to see how long Toy Story's line was, but it was like 80 minutes and we didn't feel like waiting.  After that we stopped because there was  a show going on with the Bug's Life, Monster's Inc and Incredibles characters.  When that ended we went over and Lauren faced her fear of the Tower of Terror, which was incredible!!!  It was one of the best times I've been on it because it dropped up like 5 times ... we were both laughing so hard!  We also saw a High School Musical show and a couple old Hollywood characters performing in the street.  Also, we walked over to New York and saw some New York landscapers perform some songs on their landscaping truck.  They were called Rake and Roll.  Lauren and I were trying so hard not to start dancing right in the middle of the street!!! (I posted a short video I took of them on my phone which is at the bottom of this blog ... it's kinda crappy and hard to see but it was one of Kristin's favorite songs when she was younger so I had to take it!)

By then it was almost 5:40 so we walked to the other side of the park and rode Rockin Roller Coaster which was amazing!  We were laughing and screaming so loud.  By this time we were both exhausted so we once again headed back to the apartment where I succeeded to set off the fire alarm while cooking bagel bites ... go me!  So now it's currently 9:30 and Lauren and I are both in bed watching Grey's getting ready to sleep.  She starts her training tomorrow at 8:30 and I continue mine at 10:30.  For now I'm only working 6 hours a day since I am still training, but who knows what my schedule will look like when I actually get out on my own.  Magic Kingdom has extra magic hours for resort guests every Thursday morning and Sunday nights.  For example, today the park opened an hour early at 8:00 and on Sunday it was stay open two hours late which means it won't close until 2:00 AM!  Yes ... I could be working in the middle of the night when you are all nice and asleep.  

One thing I have noticed is the magic that goes on everyday at the parks.  When you're another guest you tend to not recognize such situations, but even after my short amount of training I'm beginning to see how easy it is to make someone smile.  Like today when we were at Hollywood Studios watching High School Musical we saw two moms standing on a wall dancing like the dancers on stage and even making up some of their own moves.  It was amazing to see just how easy it is to become a kid again at Disney.  Then when we were walking down the main entry road one guy yelled out something like "Guys watch out, two ladies are walking down the street" and then when I was on the phone with my mom another said "Good tell you're agent to lower the price and I'll think about it" ... just the little things that made you enter the world of old Hollywood and put a smile on our faces.  And it was incredible to see how everyone around us copied the same smile and were so happy! 

Anyway ... I'm exhausted.  I'm already missing everyone SO much and am attempting to convince them all to come visit.  So if I haven't talked to you yet you should really come see me :)  

Good Night Everyone!

Stephanie

All Moved In

Hey everyone!!!  It's been a busy last few days ... so I thought I should update before more happened.  Anywho ... after we left Pensacola we drove straight to Orlando and checked in at Days Inn.  Then the group of us went to Downtown Disney to just look around and get all Disneyfied.  It was friggin crowded ... so we stopped by Goofy's to get their AMAZING giant cookies that we were addicted to on vacation back in October ... and then we headed back to the hotel for showers and an early night.  The next morning we got up early and headed over to Vista Way apartments for check-in.  The boys and mom had to go to a family meeting thing while Lauren and I waited in line.  All together including a super long line and background check we were there about two hours.  We were assigned to a two bedroom apartment at Patterson Court, a brand new apartment complex that opened in May.  It's gorgeous!!!  Plus Bahama Breeze is on one side and an outlet mall is on the other .... so of course I'm happy!  So we moved in a ran to Wal-Mart to pick up move in stuff and groceries.  Then we had a housing meeting at 3 for about an hour and a half.  When the meeting ended mom and I took Noah to the airport which sucked :(  Then we went to eat at Logan's and got a hotel room.  

This morning I got up about 7:15 and after getting ready I headed over to the apartment to pick up my roommate Christina.  We then went over to Vista and did the second part of check in.  I found out I'll be working the stores in Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom.  It's the area with all the kids rides, so I'll be working like a Pooh store and a Tinkerbell store ... which should be a lot of fun!!!  I also got to sign up for a Exploring Marketing class.  It starts at the end of February and is only two hours every Tuesday.  I don't have like any tests or anything ... basically it's just a series of lectures where every week I get to meet with and learn from the leaders of marketing.  Like one week I learn about marketing the merchandise and another the vacation club and another the cruise line!  The whole process only took about an hour so mom and I went to the outlets and got me some new dress pants and shoes and then went around a bunch of places to look for shelves and things.  Then we headed into Disney World to find Disney University where I'll be doing training.  It was fun because it's actually behind Magic Kingdom ... so we had to drive through the Magic Kingdom area and then go into the backlots.  We saw a bunch of the parade floats and the Christmas decorations they were getting ready to store.  After we found the university we went back to the apartment and organized all my millions of clothes.  Then it was time to take mom and Daniel to the airport ... which also sucked :(  I REALLY don't like goodbyes!

But yes ... so tomorrow I have Traditions which is a class about the history and expectations of Disney.  The class starts at 8 at the university so my roommates and I are leaving at 7:15 ... and then I think it's about 4 hours long.  Then that night there's a block party with all the dog characters like Pluto!!!  Then the next day I have to be at the university by 7 for my first day of training ... which will last until 1.  Lauren doesn't have work that day so we're thinking we'll take that afternoon to get to go explore a park ... which I am SUPER excited about!!!  Friday is my second day of training which is from 10:30 to 4:30 and I believe that's when I'll get my costume!  

So ... for now Lauren and I are both on our bed writing blogs.  And she's laughing at the farting noises my computer is making when I slide my wrists against it.  AND we're killing mosquitos ... yes ... there are mosquitos in our bedroom in the middle of January!  Anywho ... I have to dress up tomorrow so it will be an early morning for me.  Which means to bed I go!!!  

I miss you all!!!

Stephanie

Oh and P.S. I promise I'll try and post pictures ... I didn't find my camera while unpacking today but mom left me hers.  I still have to buy a cord ... which I might do tomorrow while Spive is in her Traditions ... who knows!  But I promise I'll buy one and try to get pictures of our apartment and everything up soon!

On The Way

It's Saturday the 10th of January and we're officially on the way to Disney!  The past week has been incredibly busy but amazing and the perfect pre-Disney vacation.  On the 4th mom, dad, Kristin, James, Noah and I left for a cruise on the Carnival Fantasy.  We left Keller about 5 am and drove to New Orleans.  That night we explored the city, including the wonderfully disturbing Bourbon Street.  After watching some street acrobats we ate at Hard Rock Cafe for dinner and then went back to our hotel ... where I fell asleep at 8:30! 

The next morning we got up and boarded the Carnival Fantasy.  Of course we just relaxed and ate a ton!  The next day was a day at sea where we sat out by the pool for a bit ... although not for long since we were all pale from the freezing Texas winter.  On Wednesday we were in Cozumel, Mexico.  The town was a trip away and the beaches cost to get on, so instead we listened to an hour sales pitch for a resort right by the pier and in return got to spend the day on their gorgeous beach as well as have access to snorkling and free food and drinks.  It was amazing just to be able to sit back and not worry about anything.  After a couple of hours we stopped by a few local stores and then got back on the ship for the night.  Thursday was incredible!  Carnival gave everyone a $55 credit to use in any way you liked, so we chose to put the money towards and excursion from Progresso.  We got up early, loaded onto a little charter bus and drove 1 1/2 hour to Uxmal, one of the most famous Mayan ruins in the area.  We got to spend over an hour with a tour guide explaining the history of the area and people.  After the guided tour we got to explore the area for ourselves and take TONS of pictures.  It was incredible to see the famous temples and the intricate detail of the stone carvings the Mayans used for decorations on their buildings.  Also to hear about their religious beliefs and rituals was insane!  James has all the pictures on his computer but as soon as I have access to them I'll try to get some on here.  The next day was another day at sea where we literally spent most of it out by the pool reading and soaking up the sun.  

And then today came.  We woke up at 6:30 and got ready and packed then had breakfast.  After we finished breakfast we got in line to get off the ship.  Everything was alright until we got into the parking garage and I knew I was going to have to say bye to my dad, sister and James.  To say the least I lost it ... for awhile.  Literally about an hour later after much debate about wanting to back out and talks with everyone I said my goodbyes and we got in the car to leave.  Mom, Noah and I decided to find a mall upon my request, so we plugged it into the GPS and we were off.  So ... we're following the directions and all of the sudden we're in the middle of some back roads with no clue where we're going.  All of a sudden the lovely little GPS lady tells us to get on the ferry ... what?!?!  So yes we took the ferry to the mall ... and it was great! The mall has probably one of the most amazing Forever 21's EVER ... where I got some new clothes.  After leaving the mall we began our drive to Orlando.  We stopped a couple hours ago in Pensacola where Lauren and Daniel met us about an hour ago.  So now we're all taking showers and getting some much needed rest before we complete the final 7 hours of driving tomorrow.  

The main thing I can ask right now is for your prayers.  Lauren ad I are both excited but are having a hard time leaving everyone behind.  I can say for myself it's taking a lot for me not to think about everyone back home because if I do I know I will loose it.  So please just pray for God to provide us with peace and that once we actually get there and moved in the distance will become much easier.  

But anywho, my turn for the shower! 

~Stephanie

Jeremiah 29:11