Today, in my five minute visit outside I noticed the most amazing thing -- nothing is blooming here, except, today, in 35 degree weather, guess what I saw? The dogwoods are blooming in Boston. It was great assurance of God's unfailing presence and faithfulness to all of us, regardless of where we are.
I think I turned the corner today and look a little less like a deer in headlights. Our first case of the day was The Cola Wars: Coke vs. Pepsi 2006. I had prepared the case yesterday and presented for 2 hours to our living/study group last night. We have had a lot of challenges and difficulties in our living group, and last night I received harsh criticism for my presentation. However, when I went to class today, I learned I had nailed it! The professor was very engaging with me in considering my insights. We had a blind taste test in the class and I was one of three chosen since I am from Atlanta. The others were wrong and missed it, but I knew Coke was Coke. It was a fascinating case, and my advice is to buy more Coke stock!
You would think that with all the lawyers I know (and love), that I would know a lot more about Corporate accountability. Today, I had my introductory class in law and corporate accountability and the problem was they talked like . . . well, lawyers. I will keep plugging and soon wow you with all my new found knowledge.
Unfortunately, I learned some things about Kenya today too. I knew that they have a corrupt government, but did not know it is one of the most corrupt in the world, moreso than Iran, and just a little less than Somalia. Their economic outlook is a little better than the US over the next year or two -- I don't know what that says about the US, since Kenya is a third world (or as Lynn says developing) nation, where most of its population is without food.
Thank you for the cards, notes, gifts and goodies. I cannot tell you how much that has raised my spirits. This has been a fabulous opportunity, but honestly one of the hardest things I have ever done. The load itself is pretty unbelievable, but when you add being away from home for 9 weeks, living with 7 other people, who are all from a different country and keeping a schedule that sleep is a rarity and eating out of take Styrofoam containers is now common, it presents some difficult challenges.
The good news is that it makes me appreciate my God, my family, my friends, my job and my country so much more as every day passes. And that's a good thing!! And it stopped raining(!), but it's as cold as . . . well you know the rest of that saying . . .
Off to living group study time -- and that is always a good time to pray for me~ :)
Praying God's richest blessings on you all and I love you,
Dee Ann
