Orientation

Orientation was stressful. And wonderful. And draining. And energizing.

I met some amazing people, had some really good conversations, enjoyed spending time outside and listening to the cicadas, and was inspired by some really good presentations about JVC's four values. And I got to sing with our impromtu choir during each of the 3 masses that we had.

But emotionally, it was an up, down, up, down kind of week. Wondering how well I'd get along with my community members, then spending some time with them and feeling reassured, but then having a conversation about alcohol that makes me unsure about it after all, but then having an awesome discussion about spirituality, and so on. At the end of the 5 days, I was saddened to have to leave all the other people I'd met and made friends with (especially my 8 fellow non-Catholics) who were living in other cities, but I left with the comfort of knowing that I'd see them at least one more time and probably more throughout the year.