End of Week Two Already?!

I can't believe tomorrow is Friday. This past week flew by at lightning speed.

Today was a nice respite from the constant dancing, singing and intense cultural learning we've been doing. Some of us worked at a food bank, others helped an organization that helps refugees settle into America, and others still (including me) worked on houses for Habitat for Humanity. I hung dry wall for six hours and had a BLAST. It was really great to work in small groups, because I got to know some people I didn't know very well before. We helped the staff at Habitat meet their deadline for inspection on the dry wall tomorrow, which felt great. I love helping people, and I love doing it with a ton of other awesome people who love giving as well.

A bunch of us went out to dinner to the Cheesecake Factory tonight, which was scrumptious and far too filling. Once again, it was nice to hang out in a small group. I really feel like these people are becoming family, as corny as that sounds. I can totally see myself having total "real world" shock once I'm finished in Up with People.

We're starting rehearsals tomorrow for our show on February 9th--I'm so excited! I get to play guitar behind some spoken word and then sing at the end of the poem, which is so so cool. Everything here is so so cool, and I just don't have the words to describe the awesomeness.

I'm so glad I decided to do this program. I have already learned so much about the world and myself. I can't imagine how much more I will learn during the remainder of my time.

Peace out,
Marina