This is the first day this week that I have been able to write in my blog. The fun began on Monday with a very early flight. The arrival ceremony in Mobile was very welcoming and made me feel right at home! My host family is great, and they have been so helpful this past week. Tuesday I had rehearsals which were very tiring. That night all of the contestants enjoyed a tour of the USS Alabama and line dancing. Wednesday I spent the evening at the Gordan Oaks retirement home and danced the night away at the 'Luau.' Thursday I painted a house for a 'Day of Caring' with Habitat for Humanity and then toured the Mardi gras museum. Who knew that Mardi gras actually started in Mobile!? Friday was by far the busiest day. I had rehearsals that morning and then lunch with my adopted Girl Scout troop. Afterward all Junior Misses were featured in an actual Mardi gras parade! That night we all had our Mardi gras ball aka prom, which was pretty fun. My van was actually really late from the parade and I only had about ten minutes to change. It was pretty neat though because our van had a police escort around town running about 70 mph. It was a very unique experience. Saturday was spent rehearsing pretty much the whole time at least until 6:00 when the AJM girls went to a local mall for a Meet & Greet. I don't think I have ever signed my name so many times! Today we went to church and have had our first down time all week. I am currently preparing to leave for Dauphin Island where all Junior Misses are having a sand sculpture contest--good thing I am from Florida! Well I will try to write about the rest of the events as the next week progresses. I am having so much fun here at AJM! The girls are incredible and I feel like the time has flown by. I really miss my home and family but I know that this is the experience of a lifetime so I am trying to make the most of it!
Until next time!
Kayla Loveday
~ FJM 2008 ~
