At this stage of the trip the team members start to think how to get all the stuff to Finland. All those bags, jewelry, clothes and hats. It has been nice to buy them, but when you have to jump on top of your suitcase to close it, there may be a little thought in your mind that one bag instead of three could have been enough. But, as Ilmo has said, we have done our best to support the economic growth of America! Different packing strategies have already been developed: sending some baggage in advance to Finland, wearing as much clothes as it is possible when boardig a plane, leaving cosmetics bottles and other extra stuff here etc. Luggage starts to be pretty heavy, but the trip is not yet over - we still have many things to see and to do.

Today we had vocational visits in our program. I think the day was very rewarding. Erikka spent the whole day in the editorial office of the local newspaper and Sari at the local elementary school. Hopefully also Ilmo and Niina enjoyed their visits! I visited the Department of social services, Kid's place, day center for senior citizens and was following a meeting in Angel medical center. The therapy dog of the center participated in the meeting and sat very kindly in the lap of its' owner. You American seem to have very effective negotiation culture. In my job we speculate too much.

Erikka and I are in flu and Sari just sneezed in the neighbour room so let's hope that the other team members are not getting sick. C-vitamin is right now highly appreciated!

Johanna