Arrival in Santa Cruz

I arrived in Santa Cruz, Boliva at 10:15 Sunday morning exhausted after spending all day Saturday in the airport and finally leaving at one in the morning on Sunday. There are six other SALTERS serving in Bolivia and we were all very enthusiastic about the fact that we finally arrived! I always thought my arrival was so far away when I first accepted the position last April, but can hardly believe it has arrived so quickly. We spent the rest of the day Sunday touring the MCC center and resting since we were rather tired. I am especially thankful for no jet-lag since Santa Cruz is only an hour ahead of central time.
Today was my first full day here in Bolivia. The reality is still settling in and I expect a little culture shock to kick in. We studied culural habits during our session today and will be learning more about the political situation and other customs this coming week. I begin language training next week and also move in with my host family on Saturday or Sunday, but am currently staying in the MCC guest house. My day consisted of walking around the city with the other SALTERs and MCC workers in order to become aquainted with the busy city. Yet by the time I memorize the micro system (public transportation) and where everything is, I will be heading out to Concepcion to begin my assignment. I am thankful for my month in Santa Cruz though because it allows me to study the language and become more familiar with the culture before I begin my job.
I will admit I have spoken a decent amount of English since my arrival, but they said the headaches will begin next week during language training. I will also be living away from the team with a host family and thus surrounded by those who know little English. This is exciting and hopefully I will be fluent in no time at all (I pray anyways). Dios te Bendiga.