So orientation is fully underway and it is going pretty well.  I thought this whole spirituality aspect might be weird for me but the way they are doing it is thoroughly refreshing.  I am really enjoying the Ignatian Examen sessions, it is a quick, and intense way to reflect on the day and get in touch with myself and God.  Which is nice.

There are a lot of speaker/informative/heavy sessions which sometimes get very hard for me to stay awake (especially right after lunch) but the speakers have been fantastic especially one named Carlos Mejia.  He was one of the best speakers I have ever seen.  He talked about being present to the community you are serving, and to anyone/everyone you are with.  He gave us some very simple techniques on how to center ourselves and do that and they really helped.  Then he moved into a talk about knowing ourselves which I was very nervous about, but the openness in this group put me at ease right away as well as his very loving and accepting style of teaching.  All in all this whole orientation this has been going very well, even if it seems long at times.  

I would also like to apologize to everyone about my blogging abilities. I guess after reading Dan Talevich's blog for so long, I feel like a 6 year old, and he is a PhD.  But I imagine that I will get better as time goes on.  Plus my best writing has always been descriptions of scenery and nature, and I am willing to bet I will be putting a lot of that on here when I get to the island.

I read about dad's case on Tribnet today and it seemed pretty complimentary.  That was a very positive and uplifting feeling going into dinner and reflection tonight.  I hope to talk to everyone a few times while I am still close to your time zones so, if you think that I do not have your number memorized, comment and leave your number and I'll give you a call sometime soon.  So, until next time peace and love.