First Transition Week

They tell us that transition week is not supposed to be vacation. We're on the job during transition week and we need to put in the hours. Unfortunately, I think it's been longer than anyone expected. There's been a lot of drama and bad news this week. We were all hoping to have a nice relaxing week. We wanted to recharge our batteries. Instead, many of us are feeling emotionally drained. The AmeriCorps rumor mill has been fast and furious. I don't pretend to be in the loop but I've heard about breakups, hookups, and dropouts. Not to mention all of the normal workshops, lectures, and training that goes on during transition week. We did our debrief (formal reporting out on our last project) and brief (reporting our preparations for our next project). Both require a lot of preparation and paperwork. I'm a bit stressed out because we're leaving on Monday and I still haven't begun to pack, clean, or do laundry. I think we are all eager to be on the road again and leave this week behind us.

Nonetheless we are staying positive. The week hasn't been all bad. Monday the team got together at a park near campus. We sat in the sun and grass and talked. We played on the playground and did team-building activities. We even invented some games of our own. Awesome ball! We've also started a game of assassins. It's a fun game of paranoia and deception. (See rules below) Katie and I jointly picked up the position of assistant team leader. I'm looking forward to giving Maria C. a hand. She's got a tough job. Some of us did independent service at the Children's Museum. That was really fun. The kids were adorable. There is also a lot to look forward to. We are excited to live in New Orleans. We are looking forward to celebrating Amanda's birthday tomorrow. We can't wait to get to know our new teammate, Maria B. Yay!

Assassins:

You will get a piece of paper with a name on it. This is your mark. If you shoot them with your water gun they are out and they give you the name of their mark. All water gun assassinations must take place outside. Also, if you put hot sauce in your target's food they are 'poisoned' and are out. The last person standing is the winner. This game requires stealth, wit, and persistence; but beware, because there is always someone trying to assassinate you.


~Sam