Day One.

I can't believe I am sitting here writing this blog from a dorm in Arizona. I can easily say this has been the longest day ever, in a good way. To start off, traveling here was a disaster to say the least. I got one and a half hours of sleep (do they even call that sleep?) to arrive to a cancelled flight. My "compensation" was riding on a greyhound bus to Chicago. A little different then I had originally planned, but it allowed for a little more sleep. When I went to check my nice new bags, I came to find they were way overweight. That was problem #2. I got on my hands and knees in the airport hoping to lose a few pounds from my bag, but it's safe to say I am just an over-packer and have learned my lesson. After my long morning, I was finally on a plane to Phoenix, and I stepped out of the airport to sunshine! It is so beautiful here and everywhere I turn I want to explore more. We quickly learned that the natural sunlight is great, but you should never come to ASU without a lamp (unless you can survive off your iPhone flashlight). Arizona State is an amazing campus and the people here are even better. It is so incredible to bring together a group of extremely passionate people from around the United States and I think it will be so powerful. I have a great roommate who will make this experience that much better. We had opening ceremony tonight which had me intently listening to people who truly wanted to make a difference in this world. They are so inspiring and made me eager to transform the lives of first graders for many years to come. I already know that my time here at institute will go by so fast and I am prepared to soak up every minute.

Today was such a mix of emotions from leaving my family to meeting complete strangers and I think my body is ready for deep sleep. I can't believe my family is 1,830 miles away from me! They will be on my mind every day. God blessed me with such a strong family bond and I will miss them more than they know. They are always my constant support system and I wouldn't be here without there endless love and support. As I drove through Tempe this evening, I was eyeing every place that I could take them when they come visit which created a little rush of excitement. My mom wrote me something a while back that I will never forget, and I think it sums up my day. "No matter how far your wings stretch, may they always fly you back home."

All my love,
Jacey