Chelsea and I flew to Dallas and then drove down to Waco on Tuesday, August 14. Given that we could only take two suitcases each on Southwest, we spent the day with shopping for school supplies and more clothes, taking a brief break for Olive Garden and then Dance Moms. We bought so much stuff at Walmart that the bank actually froze my credit card b/c they thought that someone was stealing it! (Yup, had to use a check there instead!) We had a car load of bags, plus four suitcases. On Wednesday, August 15, we spent the day at Baylor, shopping at the bookstore, rushing over to get Chelsea's ID, and then attending alternate orientation. We enjoyed a yummy dinner at Logan's, and we were getting ready to relax at our hotel, but we checked the Move2BU website and discovered the seemingly odd request that we have everything in sealed boxes and labeled by name and room number. On the morning of August 16, we learned why. We pulled up to Baylor's North Russell Hall at 8:45 a.m., and we found LOTS of cheerful, cheering volunteers, ready to help with carrying bags and boxes up to rooms. Within a minute of pulling up, the volunteers had our car unloaded and walked with Chelsea to her new room. I was instructed to move the car to the arena parking lot and to take the shuttle back. WOW-- very friendly, welcoming, efficient, and classy!!!
Chelsea's roommate Cindy (below, right) arrived first and claimed the single bed so Chelsea ended up on this bottom bunk, with Emily (below, left) above her. We didn't have any idea about how all of their stuff was going to fit!
After making a quick dash to Walmart for more hangers, I returned to campus, parked a bit closer, and helped with final unpacking. Chelsea and I then went for lunch. After lunch, Chelsea initially tried to ditch me for Lennon (very frustrating!), but she apologized, and we went to the bookstore for books and then came back to take pics of her room. Chelsea's roommates are both very neat so Chelsea is learning some good habits!
Cindy and Chelsea at the Welcome Picnic for students and family members. It was 105 degrees so we used those fans!
(Above) Picture of 189 North Russell from the outside (Below) the welcome sign for their dorm
Cindy and Chelsea pose in front of the sign by their residence hall-- 8/16/12
I hugged Chelsea good-bye as she went to find her small group for Welcome Week. It was bittersweet, but I knew that she was in good hands and exactly where she needed to be! After I said good-bye, I went for a quick walk and then went to the Parent Split Party. I met some more fun parents, listened to an inspiring and comforting talk by Judge Starr, President of Baylor, and took a pic of the many students who were gathered in their small groups on the lawn. I walked back to my car, drove back to the hotel, and got ready to leave for home on the next day, August 17.
