"My new found companion, one young senorita"

So, I've been in Phoenix doing orientation stuff for the past couple of days... I'm liking my group a lot. There are about 15 of us going to East Africa, some staying until July. Yes, that would kill my mother. I'll be back May 6th. But "my new family" is really sweet, and we're going to have loads of fun together.

Most of orientation has been culturally informative and spiritually contemplative, but I'll just tell you my favorite parts.

*Food for the Hungry doesn't mess around when it comes to feeding people. They have definitely taken care of us; props to the cooks!

*Yesterday, we had a 4 hour mini group excursion/competition to go out to a couple of local sites and observe. The point was to learn how to notice small details, interview people, and analyze a few specific points of poverty. My group went to Urban Market, a locally produced co-op, and Ranch Market, mega mart mexican food supply. So like, Harry's/Whole Foods meets fiesta. LOVED THAT STORE!!! They had so much fresh food, including fresh ground pork sculpted into a pigs head, complete with celery eyes. As we were taking notes on our observations, we were approached by security officer with a taser gun asking us on who's authority we were taking notes. Taking notes is against the rules in grocery stores, heads up. Okay, now here's where the title comes in: I had to use the bathroom, and was searching everywhere but couldn't spot it. After asking tons of people who couldn't understand me (Why am I from Dalton and not know how to say "Where's the bathroom?"), I found a little girl who offered to take me. Thanks little girl who understands my drawl-y English.

*FH gives us Prayer Parters who work there and I met mine today, Sarah. She gave me the sweetest prayer. It's really nice to know that they've got us taken care of, even spiritually. That should make you happy, Mom :)

So after a few packing debacles, (At first they were like one bag, then they said two, then my British lady said, No, one bag. And then, who knew your carry on liquids have to be in plastic bags?) I made it through security and I'm fixing to board my first international flight! Here's to no blog clots and plenty of sleep! London tomorrow with lots of touristy pictures! Love you guys!

*Disclaimer, this isn't being proof-read. sorry for grammar errors.