update on the month

a few of the adventures this past month's journey included...
- my aunt Donita came up to visit - she herself is a social worker and it was great to get a chance to hash over some of the clinical stuff. She went to a few of classes with me which was really fun to share that with her.
- my good friends Natalie, Bethany, and Traci all came in one weekend. It was so much fun. we went to this great ice cream place and just enjoyed each other's company. That weekend was also the Chicago marathon - a few of my good friends ran it - this year it was pretty hard due to the hot weather. Joe brought home some good stories :).
- I had one week that was almost completely free - 2 days off with Cameron and 2 days of school off. I didn't really do much but enjoyed every moment of the relaxing time.
- got together with my good friend Marcy in Geneva a few Tuesday nights (she was up in Dekalb auditing but now is finished! good for her - sad for me)
- ah!!! my Detroit 1/2 marathon :) best run I have run yet! It was perfect weather. Beautiful route - we crossed the bridge into Canada while the sun was rising - I enjoyed it enough I am considering doing the full Chicago Marathon next year... I went out with my cousins David and Traci and got to stay and see briefly my friends Amber, Joel, and Liam!
- last weekend was great. got to spend some time with my friend (not roommate anymore) Rachel - tastee freeze - yum! and Sunday enjoyed spending time catching up with my friend Cori and neighbor Natalie made supper :)

in general - baby is doing better. still only 30 minute naps but I know the Lord won't push me too far so I keep trusting in Him when I get frustrated. I have a run with Natalie next weekend (my mom, uncle, sister, and brother are coming)- hot chocolate 15K. Loving my roommate Maggie - we have so much fun (or at least I think we do) Looking forward to seeing some crazy costumes this weekend in the city. ok time to sleep.

This past weekend!!

This past weekend was one of my favorite weekends in the city. Full of sweet fellowship and opportunities to explore God's truth, judgement, and ultimately be reminded that His ways are not my ways and I can never understand Him fully (Isaiah 55:8-9) but He does desire a relationship with me and He wants me to Trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is in your mist, a mighty one who will save, he will exalt over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."

Last weekend I started Friday night with some homework at Starbuck's. Then headed over to a ministry opportunity Moody Grad program was involved with in the city. I more observed different street outreaches. It was a good time for me to reflect on my personal thoughts about spreading the love of Christ and the Truth of salvation. Saturday I spent the morning with ladies from church. We shared blessings from the Lord and how we are to use those blessings for God's glory. Saturday afternoon I had tea in china town with my dear friend Tricia Leman from home who just recently started a TA position in China town. It was so good to catch up, although I hope it doesn't go another 3 years before we do it again :). Saturday evening I got to spend with Rachel (my old roommate). We spent about 3 hours at Ihop. It was so wonderful. Lots of laughs but also again opportunities to sort through hard stuff and come to the conclusion that God is in control and prayer is powerful, NOT A LAST RESORT! Saturday night Joe stopped by and we worked on analyzing some statistic info from the Moody out reach (because they had people work on surveys), that was interesting for once in a while but reminded me I am in the right profession (PEOPLE :) - although I do like numbers and their concreteness)

Sunday my aunt came into town we grabbed lunch at a cute Mexican place and then worked on some homework. Around 7:30 I had tea with my neighbor Natalie - it was nice to have a break (and my roommate was home doing nursing jobs so she can pay rent... Maggie has been home 2 days out of the last 10 days). This week nothing too excited. Good runs with Natalie. Joe joined us Monday. Baby is doing good. I enjoy coming to work. Aunt Donita came back into town Wednesday which was really great to have her around. She just did life with me. Helped me prepare for a presentation I had last night, went to 2 classes with me and went with Joe and I to the after school program. Enjoyed some good eats of course sharing and coupons are the Marti way. :)

This morning the sky was so beautiful. Natalie and I ran a little further than the last few runs so we ran along the lake. It was around 6:00 so the sun was not up but wow the sky was a beautiful deep blue in the north and directly east it was starting with the pinks and orange - oh colors. (not to mention when we started the run we could still see the moon and STARS - I saw Orion this morning).

ok almost done - going home tonight to celebrate my mom's birthday tomorrow and my sister's birthday (which was the 29th) - can't wait. I don't think I have been home since I moved up here. baby awake. no time for proofing hopefully not too many mistakes...

Settling in...

Here is a typical week in the life of Kaitlyn...

Monday/Wednesday & Friday -
5:45 get up run with Natalie - my neighbor
7:30 (hope to get to my "Baby Cameron") I babysit for a 3-month old baby-boy - if I keep up with this I am sure you will read lots more about him and I will hope to get some pictures posted up here too! :)
5:30 get off work.
7:30 every other Monday night I have Bible Study with some ladies up here we are reading a book together on Gratitude.

Tuesdays
8:30-2:00 class (with a 1/2 hour lunch break between the 2)
4:00 I am still babysitting a few hours to keep up with my "little" B who is Loving school and getting not-so-little anymore.

Thursday
11:30-2:00 class
4:00 ish Project education Plus with Joe- an after school program I have been involved with for about 2 years (he has been there a while longer). Although the last 3 times we really haven't seen many of the kids, but it is good to catch back up with Lynette (she is the one that keeps the place going).
7:00 class till 9:30

weekends - well it is anyone's guess. I have gone out to the suburbs. Gone on a few long runs. had some company. I don't know where my weekends go. Gone out to Leo. Hung out with Rachel and other friends.

Big news in the city?! Every time I go over to little B's it seems like there is a new animal in their park - wild mind you... An alligator was spotted several times near their complex (which is right on the Chicago river) and then this past Tuesday there was a coyote Christina was telling me about. When I was leaving I got to see it, just sitting up on the hill like it owned the place - and apparently the city reported it is not going to intervene... ok, seems a little dangerous to me.

I met a politician Gary Johnson who is considering running on the Republican ballot for Presidential candidate for 2012. I was babysitting for a family who happened to host a breakfast for the man and a few other friends - look at me :). I was "the nanny" but I still felt cool. Seems like a pretty legit platform too. who knows where he will get though.

typical grocery shopping. Go to Trader Joes. (all I want is Greek yogurt). check out all the prices and decide Jewel's was cheaper - only a few blocks- so I go over to Jewel only to find the stuff at Trader Joe's was cheaper - and did you know olive oil at Trader Joe's is cheaper than any at Jewel too! oh the things you learn while grocery shopping. I love it so much but I am not the fastest shopper by any means.

so tonight's to do list:
- get Greek yogurt - which my dad and sister tried but hated because I think they tried it plain it definitely needs fruit...
- stop at Fleet Feet and check out some new running shoes - haven't bought shoes since I started running in like Feb '09 it's probably about time and I need to get them soon so they are broken in by the half in Detroit.
- return some library books
-do homework at Starbucks (last night I went to bed at 10:45 - which was nice but not for getting homework done) and my neighbors Mark and Tek (who took Joe's place) are working so that is always a pleasure!

Life is good. Biggest thing on my mind and heart right now is learning to be a Follower of God in the image of Christ as my first occupation, not social work or the busyness that Chicago offers. I can't get consumed by myself and accomplishing things but desire to be challenged to be His accomplishment! That was really short and condensed but I can't make this too long. I'll try to check in a little bit more now that I may have some nap times to work with here while babysitting (always love putting off homework) :)

I'm still Alive!!! :)

I could read old posts all day :). It has been about 2 years since I have moved up here to Chicago. It is fun to read about the first few experiences here and see how God has worked in it all. I do enjoy it and this week has been a good starter week.

I saw my diploma last week (it had been sent to Roanoke). So that was cool. I have my BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) from Loyola. Tuesday I start my final year of my Master's program. I am taking 5 classes on Tuesdays (2 classes) and Thursdays (3 classes). I really like my schedule. I just have one evening class and I won't be working evenings anymore.

AHH my job. - glory be to God - for this opportunity! This summer I had left my schedule open to work with my 3 1/2 boy that I have been working for, Brian, since I came to the city, BUT he is going to preschool in the fall (as in Monday!) so I realized that would not work out; 3 days later I got a call from Melanie (she had heard from some church people I was looking for a job). She has a 3 month old baby boy - Cameron - that needs a sitter Monday, Wednesday, Fridays from 7:30-5:30!! Perfect hours with my schedule and I will still have evenings open :). I don't start til Labor day.

This week I came back up with my "neighbor" Mark (who now has a car in the city) on Monday morning, went right to Little B's house and have worked for him this week. He is talking in much larger phrases. He can now identify lots of flower names (hydrangeas). umm... he has had some really precious quoteables but I always forget to write them down.

Maggie is my roommate (which I ironically talked about on my first blog post which is interesting). We haven't had much time together yet due to our schedules (me working and she headed on vacation for the weekend) but I look forward to living with her. She isn't too intimidated by the apartment size seeing she lived on a boat (the Mercy ship) for the past 5 months - i think.

Today I am babysitting a beautiful 6 month old baby boy Titus. He has been an angel. Tonight a bunch of friends are coming into the city for birthday celebrations (Happy Birthday Scott!). Tomorrow morning I am hoping to run up the lake to Loyola (about 8 miles- I am training for Detroit's half). I have always wanted to do that run and I can pick up my U-pass on the way back. I am also house sitting all weekend (so lots of dog walking but a beautiful house. Cori is coming to visit me after I have a wedding on Saturday and Sunday hoping to see Tyler Thompson and his new abode with Cori in Wayne, IL. :) I'm sure I could write tons more about this summer but will try to write smaller posts to catch you up on Summer posts.

That's all for now.

oh and I am hoping to start an HERB garden :) (this sounds very exciting to me anyway)- Traci is going to bring me some dirt tonight - funny the problems I have in the city - I can't just go dig up some dirt for my herbs.

I travel to Mexico Bound from Leo

Oh my word... a whole month has come and gone. Don't have time to catch you up but do ask for prayers for this coming week. Sat 16th I leave for Madelena Mexico with a group from Chicago. We return the next Saturday around 6:00 pm. I am coming and going from O'Hare so I get a chance to catch up with my Chicago people too! I miss the city. that's all for now.

Thanks.

I take pictures in Leo!!

Olivia and I getting ready to make some wonderful German Chocolate Cake!



Fixing my brakes!! They are so much better. thanks Tyler! it's a wonder what 2 new sets of break pads and a new rotor will do.



Caitlin Long here from Hungary!



Mindy and I showing off our CPR and First Aid certifications. (Victoria Stoller was here this week too!)



Dani and I before heading to Leo church.

I see Stars in Leo

This past weekend was great. Some of my dearest friends from Phoenix came to Leo. My friend Abby is staying for the summer. Amy headed back to Phoenix this evening and Tyler leaves the Leo area tomorrow. None the less while they were here (they got in on Saturday) I enjoyed so many great moments with them! I also got to host my friend danielle Weuthrich for the night Saturday night (she was passing through on her way to Bluffton for a wedding. Also this weekend 2 of my good friends were announced. Congrats to Charla and Brad and Kirby and Ellie! Love them all (don't know Brad too well yet but hope to by the end of the summer).

Sunday Schumachers (were I am staying) was generous enough to let everyone come over here for supper where we got together a great grilling out Sunday afternoon dinner of hotdogs and hamburgers. My dad would have been proud (he has taught me well and Jeff and Tina and Olivia were super helpful too). It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed just hanging out and taking some great pictures.



Tina and I scooping ice cream



my phoenix crew!





Amy and I made the salad with HOMEMADE salad dressing

Today was great to spend the morning with Amy and Abby. Afternoon in the waiting area for court mainly (the actual hearings are really short but they tell everyone to come at the same time and our cases were pretty much last!) There has to be a more productive way of executing this procedure - should have gone into paralegal I could fix this whole process - ha nah. Took Amy to the airport. Sad, although she did get to fly though Chicago and told me my city says hi. (I'm not going to lie I kind of miss it and can't wait to stop in in July!)

Gateway had a game night and singing time. Cecily played the guitar and Seth played the jimbay (no idea on how to spell that). It was such a glory to worship together for the sole purpose of glorifying the Lord, no productivity involved, just pure worship and the opportunity to think of the aww of our great God. Following the singing Leo had a Bible Study. Joel stickling was the vessel tonight he really brought out identifying and casting out ideals - being willing to cast off everything and be sold out (highlighting Luke 5:1-11). He also played a short clip from Loui Giglio <- also don't know how to spell it. about the magnitude of the star - wow!! there are some BIG stars out there :) It was such a good reminder of the smallness of humanity, of ME. So tonight when I looked up at the stars for the first time since I have moved to chicago (that is one thing I don't miss - no stars in Chi-town.) I saw the largeness of my God! He is big and I am big IN HIM. So continue to pray for His glory and light to be the center of my everyday. Cause I can't and don't want to do this summer in myself. I want to continue to do it full of the triune awesome might Lord!

(PS so we went with a cowboy theme for girl's camp we are "standing firm" possibly a little far fetch - but hey who doesn't like a good cowboy?!)

I burn in Leo

so 11:30-3:00 = Lobsterness :)

yesterday I had this brilliant idea to do my internship readings poolside. And it would have been perfect if I would listen to my mom and PUT ON SUNSCREEN. Nope I decided to just get as much sun as I can... well that sure back fired. I am not toasty and can't walk without pain especially upper legs and my back! Oh well it will all fade soon. I never remember how bad sun burns hurt while I am in the sun. (does this sound like sin? We know how to avoid it but in the moment it doesn't seem bad. so if anyone needs a Sunday school life lesson)

Other eventful happenings this week... We had two other volunteers out this week. Victoria Stoller and Mindy Cambell and that was a lot of fun. I learned how to play "spaz or crabs" it is like around the world ping-pong collides with Pool (I didn't do so hot and in turn didn't love my first experience).

Ashley, the other intern and I, offered to give swimming lessons to 2 of the Gateway girls :). Any suggestions on where to start? probably with treading water. possibly floating on their backs. I don't know - it is more for survival and safety than improving on skills.

Last night, Leo high school had a "coffee house" night. Each student in Jazz choir (maybe 20) performed a solo Jazz song. There was some real talent! I really enjoyed the pieces (well most of them).

And getting read for Jr. High girl's camp. Leaving Wednesday. Our cabin is Thessalonica... not really sure what to do with that (I'm not that much of a decorator to begin with I just like to run around and act crazy at camp). AHHH I am also giving my testimony - what an humbling opportunity. I think I am focusing on some main events in my life and bringing out the theme of "getting better or bitter" with God's grace.

well that is long enough for now.

I run in Leo

So I have now conquered my second week in Leo. This week was great. Started out with fixing my brakes (my grandma was very happy to hear that one was accomplished:) ) thanks to one of my friends out here. I also have established a running area: not as good as along the lake in Chicago but it is a good start!

I have been enjoying my time out here. This week I experienced my first time in court, (I even got to speak: "no, your honor" when the judge asked me if I had anything to say). I had the opportunity to become familiar with the juvenile detention center. I saw kids in jump suits. yellow/orange jump suits. It was rather sobering. I believe this summer in general will be sobering.

One of the residents and I spent some time together this week told me about her life. When I compared it to the reports in her file I identified that it was all a fanciful lie. The saddest part is this individual has only remembered the good parts of relationships and can not see the hurt these people have caused in this individual's life. It is a reminder of the truth that if we lie to ourselves we may start to believe it and naturally lie to others. Pray for these kids.

In the evenings I have been enjoying time with Schumachers, Amy and Johnny, and the young group here! This week was the first week of volunteers which is always fun. Today I had the chance to catch up with family and a few friends but am looking forward to a rather quiet weekend and memorial day.

Ok no more rambling for now...

I live in Leo :)

My first week out here after so many lasts up in Chicago it has been great to start the summer hear in Leo. I will try to post much more about how the summer is going and the encouragement working in a christian environment!! So far so good.

Today was great. I got my first run in Leo under my belt (I ran a local 5K). Olivia and I also made a wonderful German Chocolate Cake. Oh there was some yelling in the kitchen (mostly Olivia reassuring me that a double boiler would melt the chocolate just fine and I let her fight the battle of frosting and assembling the 3 layers.)

Today I realized how thankful I am to usually be an optimist but also recognizing the affect of assumptions. A friend randomly stopped in on their way through Leo. I was excited to catch up and felt loved that they wanted to stop by during their busy day... well later that day I was mentioning that I was excited my friend stopped by to "see me" to which someone joked " well maybe your friend just felt obligated to stop by because if they would not have, they might hurt your feelings."

As I thought about the 2 ways of looking at the situation I was faced with the honest truth that many people assume the worst. Many of my clients and society have seen the worst in people and believe that in every case. I pray in these 3 months God will give me the energy to model His Spirit and shine in lives that are surrounded by hut and defeat. I'm excited to learn and grow in these next months ahead.

well off to bed I go!! More to come later.

Weekly update

Short and sweet.

I am going to be in Leo this summer! I am going to be living with Jeff and Tina Schumacher and their family. I am looking forward to that time. I will be working along side Charla in counseling but also may become familiar with other aspects of the program including foster care, adoption, home visiting. gatewaywoods.org

Roommate - Maggie Schenk is going to be living with me next year. I'm excited! I have two potential sub-leasers for the summer and if those 2 don't work I have another option.

CORI CAME TO VISIT. This past weekend was great. Cori and I enjoyed relaxing and little "B" time on Thursday and Friday. Thursday night we helped make Tortilla's which didn't work out perfect due to using baking soda verse baking powder (or the other way... I don't remember either way they tasted more like pretzels and didn't rise quite right always next time). Then Friday morning we took Joe to the airport (he headed off to visit friends in Connecticut). That was fun a 4:45 run to 7-11 got us up and awake. The cashier wished us a "good night". That is when you know you are up to early (we already had our night...).

Anyway Friday was beautiful (almost 70 t-shirt, flip flop weather) followed by Sat. snow. Sat Cori took me down to Central Illinois, got to have breakfast with my Grandma! I left my phone in Chicago (it was interesting living without it, I didn't realize what life was like before cell phone, you had to actually plan ahead :) )

Now back to the city. Rachel left yesterday for the week. Her sister is getting married (we went shopping and found some great shoes, ear rings, and a fun purse - she will be set.)

Egg dying and cookies with the kids that could be it's own post... we will see how this days goes. (Maybe I will get time for another more thoughtful post. don't count on it)

Off to more classes I go. (warning this was not proofed so take it for what was meant not necessarily what was typed.)

It's been so long I forgot my password :)

ok well catch-up time.

well I was going to go month by month and try to do some highlights, but my memory doesn't go back that far. Since My calendar is with me we can highlight from Jan-current. (trust me that will be plenty if anyone still checks this :) )

December - I turned 23! That is fun. Went home for break (well 2 weeks). Christmas, New Years (at my dad's) the usual holiday stuff.

Jan - started out with a trip with my grandma to Florida. We had an awful time getting down there. It was a bitter cold morning. Started at the airport about 4:30 AM did not get to St. Pete's til 11:00 AM (the next morning) we could have driven faster. The weather was cold, but I did get a run in by the beach. The next day I felt so sick with a fever and exhausted... oops I don't think my cold liked the run. Anyway Gradma threatened not to let me go back home the next morning, but thanks to lots of vitamins and I am sure lots of her prayers I boarded the plane back to chicago to start the semester.

Feb - ran another 1/2 with my cousin Amy Klotzle. Again beautiful day (even got some rosy cheeks out of the deal). I ran the race about 15 minutes faster than my first 1/2 marathon. And Amy did really good herself, although we did split up for a little while. Oh wait. I didn't tell you WHERE the 1/2 marathon was. It was in LA California. Huntington Beach!! I got to stay with Suzy for a night in her dorm room. Sometimes I wonder why I never lived the "dorm life" - I would have loved it! Then a few days at Tom and Jody's - always a pleasure.

oh I got back into Survivor the TV show... oops I watched it one time when I was babysitting (he was taking a nap) I have been a faithful since. Although if they vote off Colby next week I am done!

Took some of the kids to THE Chicago Auto show... that needs a who blog post itself. 5 kids, 3 adults still equals chaos, but it was fun and all the kids got back home safely (mission accomplished).

2 snowboarding trips (one family, one friend) still in one piece.

A lot of changing and decision making going on over here. My roommate is possibly moving out the beginning of May, so I am looking for a new roommate. I am also looking at a summer - out-of-state internship at Gateway Woods which means I need to find 2 sub-leasers also. I applied for UIC's Master's of Social Work program. We will see if I get accepted and go from there on whether I transfer school. Also if I go to Gateway for the summer I will need a car for 3 months... So lots of opportunities to turn life over to God. I'm sure there is more and I will try to get more regular in this again! I need to get back to the homework although today I turned in a midterm, 2 papers, and a portfolio, so I should get a homework break (but I don't).

Weekend Outlook: Cori is coming to visit tomorrow night!!! I am so excited :). Traveling home then with her Saturday morning, just in time for breakfast with my grandma and my cousins from Indiana and Kansas will be there. Also hoping to check in with other friends on Saturday. Then back to Chicago on Sunday night. I am really looking forward to the weekend.