About four years ago, I (DeAnna) was the orientation coordinator for our branch. I really enjoyed doing it, however, when twenty some people arrived at separate times during a summer break it took me away from our family too much and I couldn’t continue doing it. I’m still involved in orientation, but not heavily involved. I enjoy teaching classes on cooking here, sharing things I learned to hard way in hopes to help someone in their learning journey and more. There is a new family who arrived just after Christmas and I’ve been involved in their orientation. It was just what the doctor ordered, so to speak. As I share things learned on my end, how to live here healthily, how to cook here, etc… I have the privilege to hear the first impressions they have. I get to hear how taken they are with palm trees, coconut trees, layers of red dirt during this dry season, their impressions of the rain forest lushness that surrounds us, etc… When you live somewhere you get used to your surroundings and you just don’t see things like you do with fresh eyes. It’s been a great eye opener for me to see the beauty that surrounds me. It’s a great way to start a new year.  Merci Seigneur!