Players distract themselves by playing cards or listening to music. Those with cell phones pass them around so teammates can call loved ones back home. Or, they start the razzing. Nicknames are issued like uniform numbers. This is part of creating a makeshift family, in which players develop trust, affection and loyalty.
Players say they are at home here.
But this isn't home. It's difficult to leave home for the first time, to be away from the people you love. Every family feels concern when you go somewhere by yourself. But I think they're happy, too, because you're taking those first steps. Pena's heart aches over the fishing trips, lobster dinners and birthday parties he is missing with his 11 siblings.