The City of Brotherly Love

Today starts the rest of my life. This morning, bright and early, I found myself at Madison's Regional airport in -8 degree weather. So cold. Fortunately, after a short stint in line, I found my way to Philly for Peace Corps staging, where the temperature is a balmy 50 degrees. So much better. Anyways, I made it safe and sound to a crowd of 61 Peace Corps trainees. The group is really diverse and I'm quite impressed with everyone. There are people from all over the country (even the OC) and all are extremely intelligent. During the 5 hour seminar today, I found myself in a kindergarten predicament. Sitting that still for that long is nearly impossible for me these days. I fiddled with my notebook, I wrote notes, doodled. I need to focus my energy for the next few days. . . especially because our group of 61 flies to Uganda ALONE. No accompaniment. It will be truly trying for such a large group to stay together, but I feel as though we can make it. I'm entirely excited for the adventure ahead and I feel so lucky to be among such a great group of people. I can't wait to get it started in here. . . . . Love you ALL! Drop a line when you get the time.