We have only been here for a day, and already I have so much to write about that I hardly know where to start. Everyone around me is journaling madly, and one guy has already used up two of the four disposable cameras he brought. Those of us on the film track have our cameras perpetually in our hands, looking like the most obnoxious of American tourists.

Our hotel is far nicer than any of us were expecting: we were told to prepare for a lack of amenities, but were pleasantly surprised. I'm sharing a room with two girls from the film track, and our room is one of the larger ones; we have a balcony and a decently sized bathroom, as well as a couch and a small refrigerator. There is a computer on each floor, and supposedly there is wi-fi, but at the moment people are having problems with it. Our fourth floor is also blessed with two massage chairs, oddly enough.

After breakfast (which was fantastic: they have the best coffee ever) we met with the Ethiopian campus directors and they told us about their goals and prayer requests for the ministry here in Addis. We'll be meeting with them again tomorrow to hear more specifically about how to interact with the people and what exactly our two groups will be doing. They say that students around campus will be eager to talk with us and that many readily accept Christ, but the ministry's main problem is not being able to follow up with the students once they've made their decision because there are so few on staff and so many campuses.

We split into two groups after our meeting and went to lunch, which was an adventure. There were four at my table and four "authentic" dishes on the menu, so we basically each picked one and tried everything. Their bread, "ienjera," is like a flat sponge, and I can't think of anything to compare the taste to. It was wrapped around a chili-like filling and looked like an enormous pillow, but it was good. The servings were so big, though, and the waiters got somewhat distressed because they thought we didn't like it and couldn't finish.

Packing into buses to get places is always interesting; there are around thirty of us (three are kids) and people stare when we drive by. Or do anything, really; everyone stares. The smaller kids are adorable and wave, and some strike poses for us to take pictures of them. Most of the adults just laugh and can't figure out why we are doing things like taking pictures of a machiatto with four different cameras.

It's still hard to believe that I'm here. My sister has a habit of asking "Is this really happening?" when big things happen, and that is what I keep thinking to myself. I've had conversations with several people on the film track that went something like this: "Being with a group of people who love cameras and Jesus is the most amazing thing ever!!!" (And it is.)

I suppose that's enough for now. Please be praying that my team will represent America well, and more importantly, represent the Lord well, as we really get into our project this week.