Hello, California!

So, yesterday was a long day of traveling. I was supposed to land in California at 3:45PM, but that was a definite no-go, Pedro. We were making good time on Southwest Airlines...and then someone did what my mother calls, "a bad job," resulting in the second lavatory to have a chemical spill...and other issues. Now, being that the lavatories are not accessible, I do not really know how those lavatories work. I had no idea that overflows or "chemical spills" were possible on airplanes.  So, anyway, the "bad job" apparently happened on the flight from New Orleans to Houston. So, as we are on the runway, the aircraft quickly became stuffy...and our delay turned into this 85 minute experience, where we were all fanning ourselves with the saftly instructions.

Finally, I touch down at LAX, where the local language is mumble. Or anything other than English. Great. Trying to explain what I needed to retrieve at baggage claim was so very fun. Not. (Yes, I just said "not" in 2012).

As instructed, I call my shuttle to let them know I had arrived. There was no answer for 15 minutes. Finally, I was told that my shuttle was 25 minutes away. Beautiful.

By the way, I had THE worst headache of all time. So, I was miserable.

Finally, the shuttle guy comes. I am then informed that I will be the third person out of five to be dropped at a destination. Swell.

Mr. Shuttle proceeds to refer to me as "Miss Alabama" every time he had a question to ask me. Some of the questions he asked me: "Are any of my relatives married to each other?" and, "Did you eat grits for breakfast this morning?"

He had jokes.

I FINALLY reach my destination. The local time? 8PM.

My first stop? The bathroom. My headache and I were not getting along.

There were two packages awaiting my arrival. One from my mama, and one from my coordinator, Katie.

I was never so happy to see a package from my mom in my whole life. It's contents? Drugs. Pain meds galore.

I was thankful.

So, the chair I rented is broken. That is not fun, and I am currently trying to remedy that. In the meantime, I am rolling right along as best I can.

I had a most eventful first day at JAF. I toured the facility, which is just beautifully adorned with Joni's artwork, along with photos from different Wheels For The World trips around the globe. There is something that is so heartwarming about seeing a picture of an individual who has been given the gift of mobility in something as simple as a wheelchair. I truly understand and appreciate that first-hand.

Earlier in the day, my coordinator, Katie, sent out a little bio of sorts with my picture attached. So, I was  something of a celebrity upon entering the doors. The really cool part? During the tour, we stopped in Joni's office. The group that was touring was composed of a children's group from a local church...

Then, Joni asks, "Is anyone here NOT from a church?" I partially raised my hand and said, "I am the new intern here."

I don't think I stopped smiling.

Joni then says, "You're Julie, right?" I responded with, "Julie-Anne, yes, ma'am!" And she announces to the group that she has been made aware of my passion for children, and that it always thrills her heart to have interns, especially those effected and blessed by disabilities, because they just "get it" [the importance of the mission of the WFTW ministry.]

Yes, ma'am. I sure do!

So many children got their picture with Joni today.  I figured that I have the next 10 weeks to get my chance at that, so I did not even attempt it today.

Upon leaving her office, Joni says, "Julie-Anne, welcome aboard...and, let's connect."

Pinch me. Now. :-)

I have a feeling that this is about to get good, ladies and gentlemen!

Stay tuned. As always, thanks so much for all of your prayers and support. Every bit of it is appreciated and coveted.