First challenge overcome in Ecuador: finding my way to the BC library to check email / update the blog! Things have been going great here (the past 2 days ... haha - feels like much longer! definitely didn't think I'd get to a computer this fast).
Yesterday, we had some family Q&A, a nice liturgy (which, btw, the gathering song was "All are Welcome" -- break trip commissioning anyone?) and dinner before the families left. There are 16 Rostro volunteers and 33 Jesuit Volunteer Corps International volunteers together for training this week, and we are having a GREAT time! The programs are pretty similar, hence the combined orientation, though some sessions we do split up to have time focusing on our specific program.
We have lots of good food to eat, dining-hall style, plus we are living in dorm suites with other RdC and JVI people, so I've met some really incredible people! It's so neat being in a place where everyone has the same types of 'resumes', interests, etc. -- so we all start on the same foot and can have more meaningful conversations rather quickly. At the same time, each person is SO different and has their own unique quirks and stories, things I'm loving learning about!! There are people here who studied abroad for a year in South Africa, lived in the L'Arche community, traveled all over the world, have visited all 50 states, started service programs for inner-city kids, served at Mass for years, etc. etc. So inspirational!!
Highs of the time so far include fun skits about the pillars of our programs (my group was Harry-Potter-style ... hospitality was the Hufflepuff house, and boy were we hospitable!), eating breakfast in silence (a much cooler process than you may think -- fun to take time to center ourselves before the day begins), and lots of laughter in all our sessions. We've learned so much about RdC, Ecuador and long-term volunteering .. and have even more time in the next two weeks to learn more!
Also -- some side notes -- in the combined 'intro to JVI/RdC' slideshow this morning, Villanova 08 represented with a nice big picture of our group! Ahh, TIE. There's ALSO a lovely picture of Mike, Heidi, Rachelle, Christine and Steph with the Semillas trip on the new RdC brochure -- to be used for years to come! And today, we played the Starburst icebreaker, but with M&Ms, of course reminding me of the Connections NYC escapades! And to Liza, I met your friend Adrianna from Spring Hill -- she's so sweet!
Been thinking of you all so much, especially as I meet people from all over the country who remind me of you, have had similar break trip / retreat experiences, etc. Love you all!
Peace,
Beth
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