Well, I’ve been in orientation for two weeks now, and I’m finally posting. Sorry about the hiatus.

I guess I’ve decided that this time of preparation is all in what you make it. It seems like there is a lot more down time than I’m used to, but if you’ve known me for any length of time, it probably won’t come as a shock to you that I’ve found plenty to do with the free time. It seems like there’s always some sort of sporting event going on in the gym or soccer field, and if not, there’s always the long, open road to the gate where you can go for a run. In addition to reading, working out, taking pictures for people, sitting through orientation sessions, and working on my stories from Niger, I’ve been able to spend quality time with God. In the past two weeks alone, I feel like my passion and desire to know God has been refreshed. And my perpetual prayer request is that God will continue to revive that longing for Him.

On Thursday, I met with my supervisor, and we got into a really interesting discussion about truth and accuracy in journalism and the issue of reconstruction. But somewhere in the middle of our talk, he mentioned the possibility of sending me on another assignment in January! I’m not sure where yet, or even if it’s for sure, but one location was mentioned that I’m really excited about. I don’t want to say any more in case it doesn’t work out, but as soon as I hear a definite location, I’ll update.

Well, it’s almost lunch time, and one of the greatest roommates in the world is going to get her tragus pierced this afternoon, so Emily and I are going for moral support. More to come…