First Work Week

My first day of work went well. I had orientation with my boss in the morning. I'm feeling good about him. He seems to know what he's doing and articulates clearly what he would like to happen. Towards the end of our meeting I said, “I have a question. I was wondering if there were any other hotels where I might stay…” and then explained how my night had gone. He was great about it and told a co-worker of mine we had to find me another place to stay. We went to 6 hotels and they were all full. I also called the hotel I had dinner in the night before, but they were full too. My co-worker said I’d just have to switch rooms and we should start looking for apartments. (I’m staying in a hotel until I find an apartment.)

We started the apartment search and then I got a call. I didn’t recognize the number and my co-worker had used my cell phone, so I asked him if it was for him. He said no, so I answered it. A man said “We have a room for you.” I was like, “I’m sorry, who is this?” He said it is the __ Hotel (the place where I’d had dinner). I was very surprised because I hadn’t left my number with them, but I was like “Praise Jesus!” I told him I’d be there later that afternoon to take it and that evening I moved in. Great! We kept looking for apartments with no success, went back to the office and then went to the hotel.

The new hotel is great. It has air conditioning, tv, internet, free laundry service, free breakfast and no bugs! I was able to Skype people that night! Awesome J

The rest of the work week was split between me getting caught up to speed and looking for apartments. There have been a few frustrations. I need to create an orientation power point presentation for our new staff, but I didn't have power point until Friday afternoon. I’m supposed to be facilitating communication with OICI Headquarters and our HANDS program partners, but the internet wasn't working for three days and I haven’t met all the partners nor do I have all of their contact information… Things will work out though. The presentation is almost ready and I don't give it until Tuesday.  I'm supposed to meet the rest of the HANDS partners next week, so that should be good. Things are coming together.

Also on the plus side, I am getting a better grasp of Monrovia from all of the apartment searching!

Overall, I’m feeling optimistic about this experience. J