-^-for posterity-^-

i have returned to akron pa for orientation.

today we resumed our normal schedule: devotions in the morning followed by a session regarding some topic that is evidently extremely interesting and important. today the interesting topic was gender. we reviewed case studies which i really don't find too helpful. case studies, to me, are mostly ways or reaffirming the fact that there are some instances in life that do not provide us with clear direction. i can see how they are helpful but i tend to become frustrated.

i'm also hobbling around on my ankle. i'm sure my mother would like to know if i'm ok so i'll tell her so. anything else would be silly for to make a mother worry for no specific reason is barbaric. this fact alone might make my mother worry so i must add the disclaimer "i'll of course tell you, mom, if it's really important". that makes it vague enough.

the next session is focusing on racism. this group does not appear to be a really racist group and i don't know where the leaders will take us. hopefully to some profound land where all the answers are sugar coated and all the questions are full of rhetoric. now is when my father would tell me not to be sarcastic. right.

well, thanks to all who have followed me on this journey to vietnam. i have not set foot in any plane and have not seen anything that has completely changed the way that i perceive the world. i'm in akron pa. this is the longest preparation for a trip ever. i wonder if it will be worth the wait.

never do anything out of fear.