The Return to Roma

Alas 

I've been very bad about updating the blog since I've been here. Mary and I arrived on June 3rd.  It's been a crazy whirlwind of activity ever since.

Rebecca and Jack arrived yesterday, Saturday June 6th. I immediately took them out for drinks. Nothing cures jet lag like a espresso or Peroni. They were complete troopers and hung on until after the nightly trip for gelato.

Mary, Joan and I have been very busy doing prep work.

Mary and Joan at the Mercado looking for straight pins. Incredibly hard to find in Rome!

The early arrivers at Blue Ice on Friday night. We are celebrating Marta's birthday.

Joan and Mary stuffing packets.

 More packet stuffing.

Today was the official arrival day. Unfortunately it was not uneventful. 

One of our participants grought her one year old son. He was running a high fever this afternoon. We are most fortunate that one of the medical professors from the Philippines is with our program. He is monitoring the baby.

Another participant was pick pocketed on her way here. She lost her money and her credit card. We have been trying to help her contact her husband and bank.

Other people have lost their luggage. Apparently the connection through Paris is notorious for lost luggage. 

Otherwise, things seem to be off to a great start. 

Today is the day the Brothers renew their vows. It was wonderful to be in the De La Salle Chapel with the Brothers to witness their vow renewal.

Everyone is here. A number of people went out tonight to celebrate Jorge's birthday. When I left the little bar, I told him I'd see him at mass at 7:00 a.m. I think I'll be lucky if he makes the first session at 9:00 a.m. By the time I left, he was telling everyone that I am his mother. There was a group of American college students who believed him. Seriously, our accents are nothing alike!!

Happy birthday to Jorge.