California is HOT

I made it out here safely! My flights Saturday went well with no problems. I flew into LAX. My flight was to land at 4:18, but was a little late. I jumped on the shuttle and went straight to William Carey International University in Pasadena, California. We had immediate sessions that night and met our teammates. I will be traveling to Russia with 10 other people, but there will be 4 of us at our school specifically.
Sunday, we had a church worship service in the morning then had team building excercises around the city for most of the day... in 101 degree weather. We had lunch at a fabulous Lebanese restaurant. They were so nice and the food was phenomenal! Figured I might as well get used to eating new and different things. In Kahzikstan, they eat a lot of horse meat! (Hope we don't in Russia!)
That night, 3 of my teammates and myself ventured out to tour a little bit after our sessions. We went to see the Rose Bowl and the parade route (we're in Pasadena, after all!). And lemme tell ya.... these freeways are slightly scary, but I'm used to Wilmington traffic, so I can handle it! haha We had no idea where we were going, so at a stoplight, one of the guys asked the car beside us (their windows were down) and they gave us PERFECT directions! And if you ever want to know, take the freeway to 210 West in Pasadena off of Hill, or Mountain St. West :-) We grabbed dinner at Tommy's Old Fashioned hamburgers (not that old fashioned, but to them, I guess they are!) and headed back to campus. It was still in the 90's even though the sun was down. It was too hot to go to our dorm rooms (no air conditioning and it was 92 in my room). So some of us had the bright idea that since we're so hot and sweaty anyway, might as well have fun! We grabbed a volleyball and frisbee. We had a good round of INTENSE volleyball (Mama would be proud) then ultimate frisbee... with only 3 on each time, so we ran A LOT! Needless to say, it didn't matter how hot it was in our room. We burned off all the energy from the day!
This morning, Monday, we had breakfast at 7, then a morning devotional worship service, then into our first session. We learned about cultures and customs of our respective countries. I will be in Russia, but the other countries represented are Morocco, Vietnam, Hungary, Cambodia, and Kahzikstan. For example, a Russian woman CANNOT sit on the bare ground with nothing under her, or the 'evil spirits' will enter her and she will never have children. Also, it is bad luck to whistle inside your house or you will lose all your money. Only give someone an even number of flowers if going to a funeral. NEVER give a friend or someone you love 2, 4, 6, etc. flowers, but an odd number! We cannot go up to someone and compliment their baby (say they're cute.. ohhh look at the adorable baby... etc) because that is unlucky and you are sending evil spirits. Never eat food in open markets - they have parasites and will make you sick. I have more, but will type them later!
So I have been assigned as "team administrator". Basically, I am the liason between my team in Russia, the school administrators, embassy or consolate as needed, and the US. No pressure there! haha. This will be a piece of cake after dealing with prom this year :-) Each person has a responsibility. It's a well oiled machine.
Oh, and we've lost power twice today. Not that it's affecting the air conditioning... since we have none! But makes it a little difficult for our lessons, projectors, screens, lights, and computers. Probably an overload since it's so stinkin' hot! Speaking of computers, I don't have mine out here, so I'm relying on my wonderful new friends! I borrow a computer as often as I can. So if I can't update this daily, please be patient... it's coming!
Thanks so much for your support and prayer. It does mean a lot! I still have my cell phone for your texters out there. I LOVE getting them!!
I miss home, but am making wonderful friends and memories out here. I can't wait to fly off to Russia to begin my work!


Love in Christ,
Kim

p.s. Target in downtown Pasadena is 2 stories. It has 4 escalators and 4 elevators.
p.p.s - Regular Gas is $4.79 a gallon