Staging

Alright, I'm finally in Philly and went through the first day of staging. There are 63 of us and most are English teachers. Philly is great, a group of eight of us just got back from an amazing Indian restaurant called Indian Spice. Delicious. Everyone here is amazing and super-friendly. I'm even warming up to the idea of eating horse. I'll definitely be eating it often... I mean you can't look a gift horse in the mouth.

On a more emotional note, it was really difficult saying goodbye to everyone. First the Athens Crew, then the Atl Crew, then my family... I was beginning to think I wouldn't make it. If I heard "you know you don't have to do this if you don't want" one more time, I might have actually turned back home. Now that I'm at staging, everything is a lot easier and I don't have any regrets. I am not worried about my health or safety or anything (the PC gives basically the best health care I'll ever get in my life, think personal health care specialist that looks over a group of less than 100 people) it's very different than the "get you in, get you out" mentality of most of American doctors' offices. Tomorrow I have staging all day and then we leave for New York on Tues. I thought nine hours in JFK airport was excessive, but when I think about the logistics of checking 63 people into one of the world's busiest airports, I kind of understand... it won't make the wait any more bearable thoughs.

The hotel I'm at is beautiful, but the internet isn't comped.... I had to pay 10 bucks for 24 hours (thanks Dad), which I pretty much had to do, I was dying after not checking the internet for 3 days. I'm spoiled I know, but I don't know how much connection I'll have in KZ so I am getting it where I can. I love you all and will be making some calls in the NYC airport so you will hear my velveteen voice once more before I leave. Be safe, take luck. I love you all.