Here we are in Akron PA

Hi everyone from Akron, PA. We are in Akron, which is where MCC headquarters are, for two weeks of Orientation. We got here yesterday, after a week of leave taking and goodbyes. It was hard to say goodbye to our families, but also good to get "the show on the road" so to speak, as it seemed the preparations to leave were going on for a long time. We have to point out again how much love and support our family, friends and church have shown us while we were getting ready to go.

The last few days had a few minor challenges. Air Canada changed the baggage allowance, so our bags could only weigh 50 lbs. each. We spent part of our last evening moving things from bag to bag in order to ensure we would be under the weight limit (and we were!). However, I have to beg forgiveness for my surlyness while sorting out which shoes should go in which suitcase, its obviously not a task I am well suited for. We still managed to bring over 500 pounds of luggage all together so we can't really complain.

We have already met a number of great people on very interesting assignments, and we are really looking forward to getting into the heart of the orientation. The campus at MCC is very nice. We are staying at the "Welcoming Place", which is a grouping of buildings, each having a different contintent name. Our building is "The Americas". The girls are thrilled that they get their own room to share and don't have to stay with their parents.