Last day in America

I flew from PDX down to LAX in about two hours. I did so with my new friend Deborah from Portland. We arrived around 9:30am and the registration festivities were scheduled for noon. We were also too early for check in, that left us in the lobby, lounging around and waiting. We immediately meet another new friend, Bob, a friend with an amazingly simple name. I only know one Bob, the one I met today. We sat together and got to know each other better until it was time to gather for signing papers.

There are 61 invitees, all from around the country. New York, Cincinnati, Boston, Florida, California, Colorado, and so on. All of which seem genuinely likeable. We were split into two large groups, Adams-Kirkpatrick was my half. We sat in a large presentation room, without windows, and began our pre-service training. This was actually great and everyone seems to be gelling just right. After training, nine other trainees and myself went into LA for some dinner, we're getting closer! Bonding already.

I am also one of four "Group Leaders", that means I'm making sure everyone is present and moving along as they should be for tomorrow's trip. The other group leaders are Deborah, Bob, and Micah.

Tomorrow is the big push to Manilla. 11.5ish hours to Tokyo, 4ish to Manilla from there. The longest flights I'll have ever been on. Also, I will be out of contact for awhile after getting to the Philippines, it's training and we're all trying to adjust. Running to an internet cafe won't be high on our priorities. I'm fine, just busy and out of internet reach.

I'll be back soon.