Mid-day Wednesday on a giant university campus

Hi y'all!

Don't know how often I'll be able to get to this blog because computer access is not all that handy. Last night I was able to sign in at the dorm but that was only because a kindly student helper used her student ID to sign us in, and that's apparently against the rules.

Today I doggedly sought out the library (and had a beautiful walk through a campus founded in 1790-something) to gain access to this computer. We're having a quiet and fun day on campus.

We all played beach volleyball together this morning and then the girls continued to be caught up in the extravaganza of pin trading with teams from around the U.S. and other countries.

Being the only one wearing a watch, I have taken on the role of timekeeper, reminding all when it's about time to line up for a meal so we beat the long lines and don't end up out of time, and out of food. Some girls are saying "but I'm not hungry yet," but we're teaching them that they are part of a 10-headed organism (our team) trying to survive amongst 1,000 other teams.

They're all at the pool for the afternoon now, so I'm going to join them, but first I'll share a "different takes on the English language" story. Everyone here that's from Tennessee certainly does have a southern accent, and when Verna's Dutch accent collides with their twangs, it makes for some interesting interchanges. At the Waffle House, she went to the counter and said, "I like to pay," and they said, "Well ma'am, the washroom is just down the hall!"

Here's something you'll have to ask one of our mums about when she gets home: the "freshman willies" upon seeing the dorm conditions for the first time. (We'll leave it to you to guess who.)

And each girl gets one free "cry" credit. Susan is the only one to not have used it so far.

Tonight the girls march in the opening ceremonies, with Emma and (I think) Lauren holding the flag for BC, and the rest of the girls carrying the East Chilliwack banner.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I'll be able to post photos until I get home, so you'll just have to let my thousand words a day paint a picture for you!

Having lots of fun....

Anne, Verna, Tara, Nicole, Cheryl, Carlee, Danielle, Susan, Lauren, and Emma.