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.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
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.
Thanks.
Monday, June 7, 2010
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?!)
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?!)
Saturday, June 5, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
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 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...
Saturday, May 22, 2010
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.
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.
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