Orlando is 78 degrees and sunny, lounging around, thinking back on the past 4 days.
Left for Florida on Wednesday, the drive down was long. Rain all morning through Ohio. Stopped that evening and rested at a hotel so great to lay down and stretch.
Jacci was sick and throwing up, we discovered that the
antibiotic that she was given was
penicillin based, which she is allergic to.
Started up the next morning and I was lucky to be able to visit my sister at her new job in
Charolette. I almost started crying when I saw her, it'd been so long. She looked great. I enjoyed a yummy
portobello mushroom sandwich. Poor
Jacci was in the car resting and feeling sick. She's stopped taking the antibiotic, but was still feeling the effects.
Made it into Orlando late Wednesday night. It was great to settle in. Staying at an extended stay hotel. A little kitchenette and basic amenities, close to the free way. Not sure where I'll be living, still exploring the area.
Thursday had to get my finger prints done and some documents
notarized. Did some grocery shopping and brought in the rest of our bags. Robert,
Jacci and I hung out and had fun finding the grocery store and things that were near by. Florida drivers are crazy!
First day of training on Friday went well. A morning filled with contracts and paper work. The afternoon consisted of an
impromptu tour of all the Quest Locations with the other 5 people selected to serve with Quest. I'm at Quest North in
Apopka. The location is new and the area is nice. It was nice to see the other locations as well. I think of all the locations I was placed at the one that fits my skills best. The center hosts a variety of projects that the clients are able to participate in. For example sorting wash cloths and hangers from Disney, making trip ticks for AAA and putting together tutoring supplies for A+ tutoring. It is great that there is work for people with different skill levels. I'll be working on designing activities for the clients that are finished with their work, don't want to work, or are physically/ mentally unable to complete the projects available.
Along with working at Quest Monday-Thursday, Friday will be filled with learning and community service projects with the other Public Allies. The other 21 participants are placed at different nonprofits around the Orlando area. We will all be participating in training through Public Allies Mon-Sat of next week.
Saturday some adventuring and exploring the Orlando area. Learned my lesson about parking on the weekend and had to get my car out of the impound lot. Luckily a shuttle driver gave us a free ride up to the lot. Ended the night meeting some new people and getting some job leads for
Jacci. Also saw the end of the Vince Neil concert---girls, girls, girls.......
I'm excited about the next 10 months. It is going to be filled with lots of learning and amazing experiences. Stay tuned for up coming adventures in Orlando.
