Travelling home to a blizzard

It was a race against mother nature trying to get home last night.  But I made it.  And so did all of the other around the world travellers.  Several found alternate flights closer to their homes but most of us took a flight into Newark, NJ since our original flight to Phila was cancelled. 

Imagine coming from this:

To this:

My driveway

my front yard

In a span of 24 hours and after 5 weeks in tropical weather conditions!

Our flight from Honolulu left on time (11:20).  We had a 4 hour layover in Denver then we were to arrive in Newark at 6:30 p.m.  I reserved a ticket on Amtrack to DC on the last train: 8:23 scheduled to arrive in DC at 11:23 p.m.  However, while in Denver I heard reports that Amtrack closed its routes South of New York and with up to 30 inches of snow now expected in the DC area, would the Metro be running?  would I be able to get a taxi in Silver Spring even if I reached it?  I would have been stranded!

I think my lucky silk scarf given to each of us when we left Nepal by our friend Tek helped us.  A nice tailwind brought us into Newark 40 minutes earlier.  Kara, another student, and I (plus I nice German woman who needed our help) ran to catch an earlier train at 6:43. We made it just seconds before it departed!  This got us into DC at 9:50.  Catherine and Carter braved the severe conditions to drive to the metro to get me.  I could barely get through the snow with my bag and it was cold!!!

But, I made it! and i am happy to be home snuggled with my family to watch the snow fall.

Thursday: Last day in Hawaii

Waiting to go to the airport for our 11:20 p.m. flight to Denver.  We woke up today to find out that our original flight to Phila. was cancelled because of the pending snowstorm on the East Coast.  We are now diverted to Newark, NJ and scheduled to arrive at 6:30 p.m.  I then plan to take a train to D.C. and metro home to Silver Spring.  I will not arrive until mid-night. 

Of course I didn't let this bad news spoil my last day in O'ahu.  After Laura and I contacted all the students and made new flight plans, my friend Jeremy took me to Hanauma Bay to go skin diving.  It was a beautiful day.

Hanauma Bay. Can you see the coral reef?

Jeremy

After skin diving, Jeremy drove me along the coast of Kailua Bay and we stopped for fish and chips at a local restaraunt.

I'm off the airport now.  I can't wait to see everyone so I'm hoping I will not be stranded in Denver or Newark!

Wednesday in O'ahu: Final Presenations and Cruise

The students gave their final reports today.  Set up in teams of 4-5, they reported on their experiences in Ghana, UAE, Nepal, and Thailand comparing and analyzing their experiences in relation to how culture, religion, and political systems impact people with disabilities.  The students gave their oral reports to their peers as well as to facutly and staff of the Center for Disability Studies (CDS) at the University of Hawaii.

CDS staff also presented to the students on newborn screening, response to intervention initiatives, and Pac Rim cultural issues related to disabilies. 

Dr. Robert Stodden, Director of the Center on Disability Studies gave opening remarks.

Norma -Jean Stodden gave an overview of the Disabilities Studies program; Jean Johnson provided information on newborn screening; Steve Brown talked about cultural differences in Hawaii and the Pacific Rim and how those cultural differences and isolation of the islands impact services for pwd; Kiriko Takahashi also reviewed Pac Rim programs; Leslie Lopez and Kati provided an update on their Federally funded project related to culturally responsive "response to intervention."

I was very proud of our students.  They demonstrated through their oral reports how much they learned during the trip.  Each team provided 30 minute oral presenations and then took questions.

 

Kathleen, Kelly, Meghan, Jessica, and Katie report on the impact of poverty on disabilities in the countries we visted.

Monique, Kera, and Illana

Katie, Emily, Julie, and Amy present on Awareness across the countries

After a full day of presentations, we were ready for our final excursion -- a sunset catamaran cruise.  From 5 - 8 p.m. we cruised by Waikiki Beach and watched the sun set and the stars come into view while we ate Hawai'in fare.

skyline of Waikaki Beach

Jon and Amy looking just like the famous scene on "Titantic", right?

Erik, Laura, Michael, and Rachel

dancing on the catamaran after sunset

Me on the boat with the view of Diamond Head behind me-- the volcano crater we climbed yesterday.

I think everyone had a lot of fun.

Tomorrow is our last day here.  We leave the campus at 9:00 p.m. for an 11:30  p.m. flight.

Tuesday in Hawaii

Tomorrow is the big day.  Our students will present in teams on thematic topics.  The topics include how poverty, awareness, political systems, religion, and inclusion in these countries impact people with disabilities.

Students spent a large part of the day working on their team projects

Staff and students from the Hawaii Center on Disability Studies are coming to hear their presentations.

It rained hard much of the day which made it a little easier for the students to concentrate on their work instead of thinking about snorkeling or beaching opportunties!  By the end of the day, the weather had cleared enough to enjoy sunset activities outside.  Michael, Laura, Erik and I decided to hike up the Diamond Head volcano.  The crater was formed about 300,000 years ago.  The hike up is 3/4 mile and takes about 45 minutes.  The 360 degree view of the island of O'ahu is worth the effort.

Erik and Michael looking out over Waikiki Beach from atop Diamond Head

Only two more days until I see my two precious sons.  Alec and Carter sent me pictures of themselves sporting the Nepali T-shirts I sent them. 

Carter (5) in his Nepali hat and hand-sewn dragon shirt

Alec (9) in his Nepali dragon shirt

Alec and Carter, I hope you are enjoying the snow and get a day off from school tomorrow!  See you soon! Love, Mom

Monday in Hawaii

Last night after a day at the beach, we met up with Michael, Laura and Erik at Duke's, a popular restaurant on Waikiki Beach. There, we learned that several students had gone sky diving during the day.  I can't wait to see pictures.

Laura, Erik, me, and Michael on Waikiki Beach

This morning we met with the students for class early in the morning at the Center for Disability Studies and assisted them as they began to prepare their final reports that they will present orally on Wednesday.  After reviewing some of their proposals, I am very proud and excited for them. 

Reviewing written reports during the lunch break

After work, Tammie took me to a popular swim training spot for triathletes.  There were so many swimmers on the same 600 meter measured swim, I bumped into others just like in a race.  When I finished, we watched the sun set before heading home.