Updates from August!

So knowing I wouldn't have the internet for a while (I really thought it was only going to be a week or two-not an entire month!) I made regular updates in word documents. I am copy pasting the first few here now and will get the rest up really soon! I didn't really proof them, but I tried to cut out some really mundane details so it may be a bit choppy.

DAY 1

I stayed out rather late the Sunday before my flight Monday morning with some great friends from high school; it was really great to see them and be out and about in MN. After a few hours of sleep, Amanda D. took me to the airport. I had rearranged my bags hoping they were in the right weight zone. I was 7 pounds over. Fortunately, Holly’s mom was at the airport and I was able to send a framed photo with her, which she will send with Holly’s stuff. I rearranged briefly and got it to 50.0 (Otherwise 75 dollars extra!)

The flights went very well. We had about an hour layover in Denver. It took us about 2 minutes to get from our exit gate to our next gate, which was very nice. We arrived at LAX about 10:45 PST. Darby, a VSC west volunteer from last year met us at Baggage claim. We circled the airport/parked for about another hour or so and picked up 3 others. We went to the De Paul Evangelization Center-where our first week’s retreat is to be held. We were the first ones to arrive out of 20.

Sr. Camille, our director, met us very warmly. We had lunch and got a chance to nap. When I woke up a few hours later everyone had arrived. We all got to meet each other, ask about where we are all from, our service sites and where we will be living. There are four houses; 2 in LA, 1 in San Fran and 1 in Santa Barbara.

Everybody in the program seems really great. I am going for a jog with a few people in the morning before we have breakfast. Paperwork and things of that nature tomorrow morning. Now it is time to get a good night’s rest!

Day 2

I woke up at 7 this morning and went running with some of the others. We are doing the same tomorrow.

A brief overview of some VSC West policies, lunch and a break followed. We got together again to learn more about what it means to be in a Vincentian. We talked more about what it means to live simply, which was great to get an idea of what everybody thought about simple living and how that would be played out in our communities. Following that, we separated into our communities (there are 4-I am a part of the Miraculous Medal community).

The six of us got together to work on our community covenant. We got an even more specific idea of what some of our expectations are and got to know each other a bit more. I am very excited about my community. I think we will be able to learn and grow very much together.

Day 3

We went on another good jog this morning. It was a long morning after breakfast working on AmeriCorps paperwork. Unfortunately, there is more to come with having to get information about my loans and lenders for my federal loans and filling out paperwork for all of my private loans. It will be a hassle, but a major necessity, of course.

After a much needed lunch break, we talked about finances in the house. I was designated the bookkeeper for our house and will be in charge of collecting receipts and money from everyone for the community account. Each person puts in $165/mo (out of their $390 stipend) and we spend it community needs such as the car, gasoline, etc. We are all figuring out our responsibilities.

We had a great break where we were able to relax and get to know each other in small groups. The MM community got a great photo in a tree. First Family Photo!!

Some VSC Westers from last year came and talked about community. It was a hoot!

Off to bed. Last full day tomorrow!

Day 4

We all attended a sending forth Mass, which our site contacts attending. Holly and I met Gilda, our site supervisor, and ate supper with her and a couple of VPs from SFMC.

I already knew I liked Gilda from the phone conversation we’ve had, but today I really know it is going to be great. She is helpful and excited about what she does. She oversees a Mobile Unit for the hospital that does public health screening as well as a separate wellness project. Both of which I would love to volunteer for