So I arrived here in Akron Pennsylvania Saturday afternoon/ evening. After two nights prior to leaving of very little sleep, I slept for a solid 10 hours the first night, which was awesome!

The humidity here is definitely affecting my sweaty self. It is HOT. Oh well, I am just getting ready partially for Durban, so I really can't complain too much.

MCC headquarters in Akron are definitely different than I expected. Each continent has a residency/retreat centre type thing that all the SALTErs and IVEPers are staying in.(IVEP is a program for people from all different countries around the world to come to North America to serve) I am in the Africa House with about 22 other people, and I am sharing a room with a girl from Zimbabwe. Our lodgings are just incredible! They are all decorated with artifacts from the certain continents and have great common areas with kitchenettes.

One of the coolest things for sure is meeting everyone. There are SO many people from so many different countries and going to so many different countries - EVERYONE you come in contact with has a sweet story to tell. Andrew and I (the other SALTer living in Durban close to me) got our first Zulu lesson from his roomate. Uh... it was fairly challenging... but we have a whole year! It's manageable.

So this week will be filled with devotions/worship and lots of learning sessions on the country we are going to on the continent we are going to and more general principles of MCC.

I eagrly await going to Durban and meeting my host family, but am dreading the 15 hour flight to Johanesburg.