Back in Business!!

So the reason I haven't been able to blog is simply lack of availability to internet. I think I wrote in a previous entry that I didn't have wireless at home in Taiwan and that my host family didn't spend a lot of time on the computer.

So now, Where in the World is Cheryssa?

McAllen, TX!

I arrived in McAllen about two hours ago and I already love it! It's a beautiful town with lots of palm trees. It has many stores, but enough room between them so it doesn't look too commercial. My host parents are so nice! Roberto Carranca is an UWP alum from the 70's, so he knows all about UWP. His wife Raquel didn't travel, but she's been incredibly welcoming! I have a host sister, 16 years old, who is out at prom tonight, haha, and a host brother, Roberto, who is 14.

I got back to Denver on Thursday after a heartbreaking goodbye to Taiwan! At the end of a long 24 hour travel day, I was happy to see my wonderful Denver host parents, Jen and Reed Thompson! We had a relaxing evening, and Terry Woods came over for a quick visit. On Friday I had a Skype meeting about McAllen with Cathy DeGraff in the office and with Matt Erley and Luis Petzhold, the two people I will be setting up McAllen with. At night I went with my host parents to an UWP Alumni Reception. Denver alums, office staff, and the new CEO attended. It was really good to see Steve Woods, the Kinder's and the Aboussie's! My host brother, Drew, came there to see me and I ended up going back to the University of Denver with him to see my other host brother, Will. (Drew is traveling in UWP Cast B 09! Woot!) The Thompsons are such thoughtful, kind, and welcoming people! I feel so lucky to have had them as my staging host family, because they have become more like real family to me!

So after a very short but much valued visit with the Thompsons, I went back to the airport, back on two planes, and arrived here in McAllen.

This is going to be a great city! I am going to have to put my Chinese on hold and switch gears to learn Spanish! Having wireless internet in my room is really fantastic, and I am excited to blog again!!

Miss you all <3 <3
~Cheryssa