Relieved

At our first team meeting this evening, we were asked to describe in one word how we were feeling now that we are here with SWAP in Elkhorn, WV. I heard lots of great words: excited, nervous, happy, joyful, integrated. My word...relieved.

It is so good to finally be here. As some might say, I can be slightly "uptight" when preparing for an event...cars to coordinate, forms to collect, copies to be made, things to pack, to-do-lists to be checked off...it is hard for me to see beyond the details. Each step of the way getting here, from saying Morning Prayer in the Chapel this morning, to getting into the cars and pulling out of the parking lot, to driving on interstates and country roads, I could feel the stress slip away and the anticipation kick in. Once we arrived it was pure relief. We made it safely and were greeted warmly by the SWAP staff (who were all waiting for us on the front porch of the beautiful white house we are calling home this week)!

We have had a full day with a 7 plus hour drive, experiencing some local flavor with dinner at Dick's Swiss Burger nearby, getting to know the SWAP staff with whom we will be working this week, settling into our rooms, and getting prepared for our first work day tomorrow.

We have many goals for this week (17 to be exact and more than any other group that has been to Elkhorn so far...our group of 15 missioners might be slightly competitive). We would like to have fun, get to know one another better, get to know those in the area, grow in our faith, be open to whatever comes our way, and practice good personal hygiene to name a few.

I hope that we will be able to share many great memories (and even some challenges) with you along the way and once we return to Lancaster!

It is almost lights out time!!!! Goodnight!

Emily