Adjusting here in Leo is going great. I really enjoy the work and the people. I do miss the people I am use to seeing daily and enjoying in Chicago but I look forward to keeping in touch as life is all about changing, adjusting, but staying focused on the Spirit, Son, and Father. I have started a Bible study around Acts which has impressed upon my heart the ability and the beauty of the Holy Spirit that lives within me by no work of my own but by the blood of Jesus Christ!
in other news... Ahhh The marathon is 14 days away! Kind of crazy... well actually REALLY crazy. Today I went out for a 13 miler. (which I ran as a mini marathon event here in Fort Wayne. It was a good way to see a little bit of downtown). Weather was great and I really enjoyed the run. I made a new PR (personal record) which is always a bonus.
It is cool the impact running has had on my life and my discipline. Through running I am supporting an orphanage in India, with your help, known as As Our Own (). I would really love to reach my goal. I am at about the halfway mark with 2 weeks left. Please consider supporting me in this race by donating to As Our Own through
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Settling In...
SO I am moved to Leo, IN. I have changed my driver's license and gotten a license plate on a car (which I haven't owned a car in like 3 years!!)IT'S OFFICIAL. I passed the written driving test and finally got everything to change over the title - thanks to my cousins I didn't breakdown at the driver's place because of a "few bumps".
work... I am loving it. I am working with families in a home based program where I am going out into people's homes and trying to support families and help in reflecting on valuable parenting skills and life skills. I am also working wtih adoption. I have worked with 3 families so far and have loved them so much! Their stories are all so unique; I am looking forward to writing a homestudy in the next few weeks (which is pretty much like a 10 page biography on a family)
socially... I am so blessed. I jumped right into feeling at home here. I enjoy my roommate although haven't seen much of her the past 2 days. I have been babysitting for friends and spending a lot of time with friends and family out here. The challenge is not to crowd the Lord out as Satan would love me to do TOO MUCH (even if it is all good things)
running... it has been great to see how God is using this for His glory. I am feeling the sunlight coming later in the morning but have been able to stay on top of my runs and enjoy the crisp mornings. I have been enjoying running with a few friends here in Leo, Biking with a friend, and running with my cousin's dog :). Even this evening someone asked if I would want to bike with them sometime this coming week. It is interesting to see how exercising can be contagious and I am excited for that.
Visiting the City - I am looking forward to leaving for Chicago tomorrow morning. It is time for the dreaded 20 miler so I am going back to the Lake to run it. I am looking forward to the farmiliar chicago skyline and the fellow runners and bikers on the trail.
speaking of running. Another reminder that I would love it if you want to support me in my run by donating to As Our Own (http://asourown.org/take-action/what-you-can-do/your-team)
And here is the site to donate --->
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/kaitlyn-isaia/chicago-marathon-2011
work... I am loving it. I am working with families in a home based program where I am going out into people's homes and trying to support families and help in reflecting on valuable parenting skills and life skills. I am also working wtih adoption. I have worked with 3 families so far and have loved them so much! Their stories are all so unique; I am looking forward to writing a homestudy in the next few weeks (which is pretty much like a 10 page biography on a family)
socially... I am so blessed. I jumped right into feeling at home here. I enjoy my roommate although haven't seen much of her the past 2 days. I have been babysitting for friends and spending a lot of time with friends and family out here. The challenge is not to crowd the Lord out as Satan would love me to do TOO MUCH (even if it is all good things)
running... it has been great to see how God is using this for His glory. I am feeling the sunlight coming later in the morning but have been able to stay on top of my runs and enjoy the crisp mornings. I have been enjoying running with a few friends here in Leo, Biking with a friend, and running with my cousin's dog :). Even this evening someone asked if I would want to bike with them sometime this coming week. It is interesting to see how exercising can be contagious and I am excited for that.
Visiting the City - I am looking forward to leaving for Chicago tomorrow morning. It is time for the dreaded 20 miler so I am going back to the Lake to run it. I am looking forward to the farmiliar chicago skyline and the fellow runners and bikers on the trail.
speaking of running. Another reminder that I would love it if you want to support me in my run by donating to As Our Own (http://asourown.org/take-action/what-you-can-do/your-team)
And here is the site to donate --->
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/kaitlyn-isaia/chicago-marathon-2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Change...
I look forward to change and newness Indiana will braing, but there is a lot I will miss about this city, about this little flower shop apartment, about my biking to various cafes and different events or work, I will miss the people that have invested in my life and have encouraged so much growth and freedom in my walk with Christ. I will miss the lake to run along, and my running partner. I will miss my local grocery store - Stanleys. My favorite ice cream shop - Margies. My starbucks baristas who can tell me my hair looks fine even after I randomly chop off 10 inches! I will miss my babysitting kids that have poured so many hugs and love into my heart. I will miss the community that has come beside me and has taught me to love and be in community. I will miss the individuals here that have encouraged me to really love God with my whole mind. (not that I won't come see and keep in touch with my Chicago friends it will just be different)
But I look forward to loving the open air, to enjoying the quietness of cornfields again. I look forward to learning how to apply the skills I have learned in school for God's glory. I look forward to learning to run long miles somewhere in Indiana. I look forward to having a car to my name. I look forward to applying the things I have learned spiritually about God and His kingdom in a new location, I look forward to developing new, life-changing friends and growing the ones I already have. I look forward to being used in whatever ways the Lord can dream up. I look forward to visiting the city. I look forward to cheaper or no taxes on various items! I look forward to living with in 5 miles of my cousins!!!
"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man [or woman] that trusteth in him" Psalm 34:8
But I look forward to loving the open air, to enjoying the quietness of cornfields again. I look forward to learning how to apply the skills I have learned in school for God's glory. I look forward to learning to run long miles somewhere in Indiana. I look forward to having a car to my name. I look forward to applying the things I have learned spiritually about God and His kingdom in a new location, I look forward to developing new, life-changing friends and growing the ones I already have. I look forward to being used in whatever ways the Lord can dream up. I look forward to visiting the city. I look forward to cheaper or no taxes on various items! I look forward to living with in 5 miles of my cousins!!!
"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man [or woman] that trusteth in him" Psalm 34:8
It's blog official...
HOT OFF THE PRESS... not yet on facebook but "on the blog" :) I am officially moving from the city in the next month. I have been blessed to be joining the case-management office team at Gateway Woods in Ft. Wayne, IN (well technically Leo, IN).
I will be working with the home-based team to begin with and may have the opportunity to be flexible and get to know a few other areas. It will be a great experience and I am sure it will come with it's downs and ups but in the end I know God is good and He won't take me from good to bad. Knowing how much I have enjoyed and grown in this time in the city makes it hard to leave but I believe the Father, Son, and Spirit are constant and will continue to refine me and allow me to love on life in the meantime!
I am leaving the city Sept 1st and start my new job around the 6th. I will be living with a friend from high-school and look forward to getting know her better - nope, still don't have my own room but I don't mind sharing space. :)
The Lord has been taking me on a journey with this decision. It has been coming for a few months. I had another job offer here in Chicago, which would have been an AWESOME experience also, with christian co-workers and living with 2 great friends maybe in Little Italy area. I had both offers during the same time and it was hard to put finality on this decision but I feel the Lord was quietly speaking peace into my desire to work at Gateway. I don't know if it will be forever but it will definitely be a new season.
I will be working with the home-based team to begin with and may have the opportunity to be flexible and get to know a few other areas. It will be a great experience and I am sure it will come with it's downs and ups but in the end I know God is good and He won't take me from good to bad. Knowing how much I have enjoyed and grown in this time in the city makes it hard to leave but I believe the Father, Son, and Spirit are constant and will continue to refine me and allow me to love on life in the meantime!
I am leaving the city Sept 1st and start my new job around the 6th. I will be living with a friend from high-school and look forward to getting know her better - nope, still don't have my own room but I don't mind sharing space. :)
The Lord has been taking me on a journey with this decision. It has been coming for a few months. I had another job offer here in Chicago, which would have been an AWESOME experience also, with christian co-workers and living with 2 great friends maybe in Little Italy area. I had both offers during the same time and it was hard to put finality on this decision but I feel the Lord was quietly speaking peace into my desire to work at Gateway. I don't know if it will be forever but it will definitely be a new season.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Training - Please consider joining me
So life is crazy right now but one thing that is constant is the the Lord and His grace and provision. I am facing taking on the responsibilities of a full time job in the near future and I am sure I will post more about that later.
Mainly I would like to use this post to create awareness around another constant in my life... MARATHON Training. I have chosen to participate in the October Chicago Marathon. Along with that I would like to raise funds and awareness for an organization called As Our Own. You can check them out at asourown.com. My fundraising page is http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/kaitlyn-isaia/chicago-marathon-2011. On there I have more information about how to give and what it is going towards "Operation Schoolbook".
I would like to start raising funds now because I am doing a program (Hal Higgins) and tomorrow I am going out at 5:15am to run my long run for that week. I pray this time is a glory to the Lord and I find encouragement knowing I am running for a greater cause. Please prayerfully consider joining me with prayer, encouragement, or supporting As Our Own.
I will keep you posted on training (I am running with my friend Natalie up here so that is a great help) and also catch you up on other parts of my life soon,
The Lord is good and His mercies are perfect.
Thanks.
Mainly I would like to use this post to create awareness around another constant in my life... MARATHON Training. I have chosen to participate in the October Chicago Marathon. Along with that I would like to raise funds and awareness for an organization called As Our Own. You can check them out at asourown.com. My fundraising page is http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/kaitlyn-isaia/chicago-marathon-2011. On there I have more information about how to give and what it is going towards "Operation Schoolbook".
I would like to start raising funds now because I am doing a program (Hal Higgins) and tomorrow I am going out at 5:15am to run my long run for that week. I pray this time is a glory to the Lord and I find encouragement knowing I am running for a greater cause. Please prayerfully consider joining me with prayer, encouragement, or supporting As Our Own.
I will keep you posted on training (I am running with my friend Natalie up here so that is a great help) and also catch you up on other parts of my life soon,
The Lord is good and His mercies are perfect.
Thanks.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Where did May go?...
Well to Graduation weekends. Good weather, bad weather, and perfect weather. In the month of May I...
(1) started biking the city - I have always wanted to bike in the city and now I have, yesterday I biked up to Montrose Harbor (about 6 miles north or my apt) it was a beautiful day and I enjoyed every minute - except a few times I was scared the wind was going to blow my bike and me over :0) and I also bike to work!!
(2) walked in a Graduation - I didn't walk for my Associates or my Bachelors but did for my Master's. It was a wonderful weekend (- the weather). Both of my grandma's came up for it. I got to ride up with them and we stopped at cracker barrel on the way up - our waitress actually started crying when she heard that both my grandma's were going to be there for my graduation day - which was so special. I also had some good friends willing to sit through the hour and 1/2. It was a fun day full of friends and family.
(3) started to meet with a group of women here in the city on Tuesday nights. It has been wonderful to study the word together and get to know some more christians here in the city. This weekend we are going to an art fair and grilling out on Saturday.
(4) went to a Turkish festival at Daley Plaza which means summer is here and the festivals are coming back in full swing!
(5) started getting serious about running - I start official marathon training next week! My friend Natalie has been getting up with me around 5:45 to get our runs on! I love it once we are out - but I couldn't get up and motivated without her.
(6) Maggie and I have been enjoying this beautiful weather. Last night we went on a walk for a little over an hour - running into a guy trying to get TV reception on the sidewalk - he had a fairly large TV and was using an outlet that is used for Christmas lights in the winter (but it didn't last long soon the security guard had to ask him to move...)
(7) Finished another Science Project with one of the kids at our after school program. Every year it always creeps up on us and this year we tried to get the project moving sooner but sure enough a few days after it was due (TJ was able to get an extension) we were rushing to finish it up. I figured out I am not a science fair teacher... I can help put together but the actual meat of the project - NO THANK YOU :)
(8) discovered a fro-yo (frozen yogurt) place near our apt - so we are done with the cupcakes for the year time for the Frozen yogurt! I'm excited to check out some of the fro-yo places here in the city - possibly bike up to them!
(9) I was going for 10 things but I'm done so ... otherwise just enjoying the city - not sure about what is going to be happening in the next few months. I only have 3 more days with Cameron (this week and next) and a week in Florida visiting my Aunt!! I'm really excited to spend some time with her and on the beach!
Trusting in God's might and power and knowing He will speak but not sure how and when. Until then I continue to learn of His power and love in my life. I pray I can continue to share that no matter where I am.
(1) started biking the city - I have always wanted to bike in the city and now I have, yesterday I biked up to Montrose Harbor (about 6 miles north or my apt) it was a beautiful day and I enjoyed every minute - except a few times I was scared the wind was going to blow my bike and me over :0) and I also bike to work!!
(2) walked in a Graduation - I didn't walk for my Associates or my Bachelors but did for my Master's. It was a wonderful weekend (- the weather). Both of my grandma's came up for it. I got to ride up with them and we stopped at cracker barrel on the way up - our waitress actually started crying when she heard that both my grandma's were going to be there for my graduation day - which was so special. I also had some good friends willing to sit through the hour and 1/2. It was a fun day full of friends and family.
(3) started to meet with a group of women here in the city on Tuesday nights. It has been wonderful to study the word together and get to know some more christians here in the city. This weekend we are going to an art fair and grilling out on Saturday.
(4) went to a Turkish festival at Daley Plaza which means summer is here and the festivals are coming back in full swing!
(5) started getting serious about running - I start official marathon training next week! My friend Natalie has been getting up with me around 5:45 to get our runs on! I love it once we are out - but I couldn't get up and motivated without her.
(6) Maggie and I have been enjoying this beautiful weather. Last night we went on a walk for a little over an hour - running into a guy trying to get TV reception on the sidewalk - he had a fairly large TV and was using an outlet that is used for Christmas lights in the winter (but it didn't last long soon the security guard had to ask him to move...)
(7) Finished another Science Project with one of the kids at our after school program. Every year it always creeps up on us and this year we tried to get the project moving sooner but sure enough a few days after it was due (TJ was able to get an extension) we were rushing to finish it up. I figured out I am not a science fair teacher... I can help put together but the actual meat of the project - NO THANK YOU :)
(8) discovered a fro-yo (frozen yogurt) place near our apt - so we are done with the cupcakes for the year time for the Frozen yogurt! I'm excited to check out some of the fro-yo places here in the city - possibly bike up to them!
(9) I was going for 10 things but I'm done so ... otherwise just enjoying the city - not sure about what is going to be happening in the next few months. I only have 3 more days with Cameron (this week and next) and a week in Florida visiting my Aunt!! I'm really excited to spend some time with her and on the beach!
Trusting in God's might and power and knowing He will speak but not sure how and when. Until then I continue to learn of His power and love in my life. I pray I can continue to share that no matter where I am.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wrapping it up...
So I started this blog about 2 1/2 years ago as I was heading up to Chicago unaware at how this city and the people in it would turn me into a "city girl", by God's grace I was able to enjoy the change although not all my memories are perfect but the majority are and as I am finishing up with my Master's I am strongly thinking of staying in the city...
Yes. I am finishing my "college years" AH!! I have one more presentation tomorrow and a potluck in my second class. I will be walking out of Loyola tomorrow around 2:00 pm never to return as a student... (yep I have one friend doing his doctoral studies and that is enough to scare me away from that idea forever :) )
so the infamous next question... "What are you doing after you graduate" well I will still be nannying with Cameron part time until June 13th after that the sky is the limit. I had an interview last Thursday for a foster care case manager. I left that meeting a little overwhelmed about the idea of working a full-time job. I mentioned to one of my social work friends that I was looking at that position to which they replied, "Once you do foster care casework, you'll feel like you can do anything!!!" I think that was suppose to be an encouragement :) Also in the interview I was asked how I deal with stress to which I replied, "well I don't get stressed much... [but made up a few coping skills like running, socializing, taking a time out]" After he described the work I would be doing and that I would start with hours that might reach up into 60 hours a week and involve people, courts, and other systems unsatisfied with my work, lots of paper work and driving; I realized I may learn a whole new meaning to the phrase "you're stessin me out".
Otherwise the city is killing me with this gloomy weather although good for runs if it isn't raining. oop Cameron's up. Will write more later.
Yes. I am finishing my "college years" AH!! I have one more presentation tomorrow and a potluck in my second class. I will be walking out of Loyola tomorrow around 2:00 pm never to return as a student... (yep I have one friend doing his doctoral studies and that is enough to scare me away from that idea forever :) )
so the infamous next question... "What are you doing after you graduate" well I will still be nannying with Cameron part time until June 13th after that the sky is the limit. I had an interview last Thursday for a foster care case manager. I left that meeting a little overwhelmed about the idea of working a full-time job. I mentioned to one of my social work friends that I was looking at that position to which they replied, "Once you do foster care casework, you'll feel like you can do anything!!!" I think that was suppose to be an encouragement :) Also in the interview I was asked how I deal with stress to which I replied, "well I don't get stressed much... [but made up a few coping skills like running, socializing, taking a time out]" After he described the work I would be doing and that I would start with hours that might reach up into 60 hours a week and involve people, courts, and other systems unsatisfied with my work, lots of paper work and driving; I realized I may learn a whole new meaning to the phrase "you're stessin me out".
Otherwise the city is killing me with this gloomy weather although good for runs if it isn't raining. oop Cameron's up. Will write more later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
