Ashton to Akron

Almost There!

Well, here I am in Akron, Pennsylvania. Home of Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Here I am spending seven days with with 52 other SALTers and 30 IVEPers in orientation, before flying out to our assignments all over the world and the U.S. I spent 8 hours in a car with my wonderful Mom and Dad to drive from Bluffton to The Welcoming Place. A small globally themed village where we all stay for the week. My room is in the "Americas" house. I am sharing a bed with a girl from Minnesota I have never met before. We have since become fast friends and are forming a great relationship. Our days are spent in information sessions in "The Meeting Place" where we sit and listen to people from MCC talk to us about a variety of different aspects of our time. We have covered topics from finances to communication barriers to MCC history. 

Me with all my luggage in my room at
The Welcoming Place

We spend our long meal hours in conversation about our assignments and getting to know each other. As well as eating some pretty great food! 

My first morning here I helped lead our time of worship because it was "U.S./Canada day. Each morning we get to worship with music inspired by the different regions of the world led by people from those regions (mostly, instrumentalists are volunteering from everywhere for every day!) It was great fun to jump right in and get to know some new people through music and worship as we rehearsed and chose the music which we felt represented North America. We sang, "Amazing Grace," "Here I am to Worship," "Waterfall on Me," and of course 606. 

I was able to watch the Olympic gymnastics all around...I would say I am probably the most passionate one here but it was worth staying up late to watch! I plan to watch event finals too. Thank goodness MCC has cable!

I am getting very excited to head out to South Africa next week. I have not really heard much more about my assignment. But as I talk to other people I get excited for the unknown and the prospect of what I will be doing. Compared to other SALT assignments mine seems quite unique, and I love that! I have made so many friendships here at orientation and I am excited to keep growing those relationships but I am also very excited to unpack and begin work at Camp El Olam and Hope Valley Farm School.

I will try to continue writing as I see opportunity and have information to share. Please feel free to leave comments and questions and I will try to respond as soon as I have time/internet!