Snow Falling on Asphalt

It's snowing now in DC. I found internet access here at Catholic University's library which is just several blocks from the FMS house. One week down, and so far so good. There are three of us in orientation: Flaget (pronounced with a French tongue; 37/f), Rhegan (pronounced with ree; 26/f), and myself. We are a good bunch--thoughtful, mellow, and we like to laugh. The house itself is big and old and despite the chilliness in temperature, it has a good sense of warmth and comfort. There are two dogs: Francis, a lazy and loving lab mix, and Hodor, a Korean dog that's skittish and kind of annoying.

We have communal prayer in the mornings and evenings, and many days Joe says mass in our little chapel. Usually there are morning and afternoon classes/workshops. This week they were on cultural adaptation, Catholic Social Teaching, personality (Myers-Briggs), and Franciscan spirituality (amongst others). We take turns cooking dinner and we share chores. On Wednesdays I'll be volunteering at Linkages to Learning which provides social services to a mostly immigrant community. Weekends are free.
Overall, the days are full but not overwhelming. It's chill and laid back, but definitely grounded in the Spirit and in what we are doing to prepare ourselves for the upcoming journey. That's the general overview I guess. More to come!