I have to say upfront that I couldn't have done it without Jamie. Since I externally process a lot, she was a listening ear for hours on end, and even participated in my self-debates and spoken dilemmas. It was great to have someone pose in my picture of the vast amount of tomato sauce available in the super market and someone to talk to about how much I miss the Journeyers. 

It is weird being back here, but I haven't really had any shock. The worst is hearing a song, like Travelling Song, and remembering the first time Heidi played it for me. Songs have specific memories for me, and many of them are now associated with RCI. 

There are lots of things I already miss. I would love some rice and sauce right now. What made that harder was helping prepare Phil's team this past weekend to go to RCI ... the stories, cultural info, language tips, etc. made Jamie and I misty-eyed. I feel like it was a dream some moments (like during an interview again when someone said they had been to Ferke!) and sometimes it feels super real (like when I was debating what to wear for said interview and my Ivoirian tunic/pant suit was the best option). 

Denver was a great chance to visit friends. Now I'm in CT visiting family and friends, catching up on emails and on-line stuff I've missed for 7 months, doing interviews, and planning for the summer. 

Here's a rough sketch of recruiting .... to be changed, I'm sure.

CT -> May 17

DC -> May 22

FL-> June 4

NC -> June 14

FL-> July 1

New England -> July 12

PA -> July 14

DC -> July 17

FL -> Aug ?

There's a trip to Tennessee somewhere in there, too. 

Let me know if you have recruiting ideas around there!