My internship is not exactly what I thought it was going to be, which is neither good or bad. I started out extremely busy, with rarely any down time. I was doing multiple groups and personal counseling sessions each day. For those who don't know, I'm doing a 21 hour-a-week internship at an elementary school (3rd to 5th grade). I also put out lots of fires (conflicts, bullying battles, tears, and teacher frustrations). I lead groups for "new kids" (new to the school), anxiety, positive choices (impulse control), friendship/ social skills, anger management, and divorce/parental separation/ parents fighting. I have a little more downtime now that the "new kids" groups are over. But that only happened just-in-time to start planning classroom lessons. There are 22 classes i have to go in each month and teach a lesson on a hot topic. October was "healthy minds, healthy bodies" and November is "bullying verses bothering". I'm also on the IST (instructional support team) that create interventions (accommodations individualized education plans, behavior management plans, etc) for at-risk and/or struggling kids.
My supervisor must think i'm superwoman because she just keeps loading me up with stuff to do (with no extra internship time to do it). Oh, and let me just say, the principal is awesome. I love her, she's the best, seriously. She recognizes my hard work and really shows how much she appreciates me. The secretaries are hilarious. The things they do when (they think) no one is watching could win $10,000 on America's funniest home videos. Sometimes they dance, sing, talk to themself, and make fun of kids, teachers, and parents - it's all harmless, I assure you ;) Most of the teachers are great too. I've got my favorites for sure... Ms. Pohlemus, Ms. Armani, Ms. Ferrara, Mrs. Lucarelli and Ms. Wrue (not that those names mean anything to any of you).
School days aren't always golden streets. This week has been especially heavy and stressful. Here are some of the worst stories. One day we had to go on a medical LOCK-DOWN because a girl couldn't catch her breath and the hallways had to be cleared so the paramedics could get in. She was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. Yesterday I had a boy sent to my office because he punched a kid in the stomach for cutting him in the breakfast line. He ended up falling asleep in my office because he didn't sleep the night before... he helps his dad SELL DRUGS. He's only in the 4th grade. I've had another 5th grade boy cry in my arms because his parents are getting a DIVORCE, his dad has custody of him, and they're considered HOMELESS. His relationship with his dad is less than ideal. Today a 4th grader brought a GUN to school and his friend stole it from his backpack and SHOT the bus driver in the leg. I have kids with such high ANXIETY that they have a crying melt-down when their pencil led breaks. Another student asked if I knew what it was like to live in a home where NO ONE LOVES YOU. Parents come in for help because their kids yell PROFANITIES and hit them, refusing to get ready for school. Another set of siblings were KIDNAPPED by their dad, who lost custody because of battery, assault, and domestic violence... he now has custody again (????). There are other kids who i've seen wearing the same clothes nearly every day. A 4th grade girl who wears size 2 jeans WON'T EAT her lunch because people say she's fat. I meet with kids who were ABANDONED by their parents. I've never met so many elementary boys who play horridly VIOLENT video games. Also, i ate lunch with a kid who proceeded to take his sausage, rub it on the bottom of his shoe, and then eat it... that's just gross!
I'll give you some highlights... Standing in the hallways every morning before school and every afternoon after school to greet all the kids "good morning" or "have a good night", receive good morning or good bye hugs, and brighten their days (while they brighten mine). AND hearing the kids sing the school theme song ("Craig Hill's Way to Go) or motto ("healthy minds, healthy bodies") every Friday morning. Also, having kids tell me what all their learning or how they're growing from meeting with me. That totally makes my hard work worth it! I love third graders' gappy-toothed smiles and messy bed-hair.
Even though I love my internship, I totally understand "burn-out". Self-care is rare these days :/ I'm looking forward to a few up-coming breaks from school/internship to get some quality rest and relaxation.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Feelings on grad school & a little lesson about sacrifice
Don't get discouraged by this blog, keep reading, I promise it gets better. But know this, this blog is as much for my own benefit as it is my readers' benefit.
Sadly enough, grad school is all it's cracked up to be. I've got some rough days ahead of me. My current stress level is... off the charts. I can't go to sleep because my mind will not shut down. I've organized my brains out trying to stay on top of assignments, papers, and exams. There's so much to do that seeing it all outlined on one excel spread sheet only makes me feel stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, and unprepared. To top it all off, I don't even start my full-time internship till next week. That will be 17 hours of class and 21 hours of internship. If I go by the old adage "3 hours of work for every 1 hour in class", that will add up to 51 hours of homework a week. (If I exaggerate this situation to the full extent... 51 hours of homework + 17 hours of class + 21 hours of internship = 89 hours. That means 6 hours of sleep each night and a very limited social life.) What's the possibility for all the necessary "self-care" they emphasized in undergrad?
So, for the sake of making this blog meaningful (though while you may view this as complaining, I see this as a valuable venting opportunity... if you disagree, don't tell me) I'll tell you what I'm going to do about this little conundrum (intricate and difficult problem) I find myself in.
First of all, my God is bigger than Grad school :) He is providing so many more teaching opportunities than "just" Social Work Practice with Families and Children. So here's the latest one that he has been repeatedly revealing to me.... so it must be a big deal!
I've been reading through the Bible in a year and I just finished the Old Testament (yay!). Lately, in the 'prophetic' books, God keeps telling His people that He won't accept their sacrifices as they are. Whether they were lame animals, animals with blemishes, not "the best of the best", broken sacrificial rules, or with impure motives. He wants their offerings & sacrifices from a pure heart. He wants the best they can give - the best of the best.
Read Amos 5: 21-23, Malachi 1: 6-14.
So how do I apply that to my own life? What I am facing and where I am now. The biggest offering I have right now is my commitment to grad school. I committed this commitment to Christ as my offering to Him, which should completely change my outlook on grad school. My approach to grad school should be as a learning opportunity - the best it can be. I don't want to do just enough to get by. And I don't want to focus on only getting A's (good grades). I want to get knowledge, skills, and experience. It is a time to learn. I want to FULLY commit myself to it and do the best I can FOR HIM. I want to be a steward to my education. I want to use this as an opportunity to HONOR and GLORIFY Him. To find my calling and niche - and through social work avenues to spread His joy, glory, and love to the whole world. I can't be consumed with a need for perfection (a useless way to spend my efforts). I want my focus on perfection to be perfection for Him. So if that means a B honors Him, then that should be good enough for me.
I don't want to put an academic offering of distraction, ill-preparedness, stress, or low-quality work on His throne. Besides a diploma on graduation day ;) - I want my reward to be better preparedness to serve Him - an eternal reward. The best thing is, I know this will result in multiple more life lessons - lessons about myself, relationships, cooperation, time-management, humility, maturity, patience, love, service, and God.
I can't imagine that I will be able to meet all of my family and friend's communication & relationship expectations... please don't be disappointed. If you see that I'm stressed, just love me and pray for me :)
Sadly enough, grad school is all it's cracked up to be. I've got some rough days ahead of me. My current stress level is... off the charts. I can't go to sleep because my mind will not shut down. I've organized my brains out trying to stay on top of assignments, papers, and exams. There's so much to do that seeing it all outlined on one excel spread sheet only makes me feel stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, and unprepared. To top it all off, I don't even start my full-time internship till next week. That will be 17 hours of class and 21 hours of internship. If I go by the old adage "3 hours of work for every 1 hour in class", that will add up to 51 hours of homework a week. (If I exaggerate this situation to the full extent... 51 hours of homework + 17 hours of class + 21 hours of internship = 89 hours. That means 6 hours of sleep each night and a very limited social life.) What's the possibility for all the necessary "self-care" they emphasized in undergrad?
So, for the sake of making this blog meaningful (though while you may view this as complaining, I see this as a valuable venting opportunity... if you disagree, don't tell me) I'll tell you what I'm going to do about this little conundrum (intricate and difficult problem) I find myself in.
First of all, my God is bigger than Grad school :) He is providing so many more teaching opportunities than "just" Social Work Practice with Families and Children. So here's the latest one that he has been repeatedly revealing to me.... so it must be a big deal!
I've been reading through the Bible in a year and I just finished the Old Testament (yay!). Lately, in the 'prophetic' books, God keeps telling His people that He won't accept their sacrifices as they are. Whether they were lame animals, animals with blemishes, not "the best of the best", broken sacrificial rules, or with impure motives. He wants their offerings & sacrifices from a pure heart. He wants the best they can give - the best of the best.
Read Amos 5: 21-23, Malachi 1: 6-14.
So how do I apply that to my own life? What I am facing and where I am now. The biggest offering I have right now is my commitment to grad school. I committed this commitment to Christ as my offering to Him, which should completely change my outlook on grad school. My approach to grad school should be as a learning opportunity - the best it can be. I don't want to do just enough to get by. And I don't want to focus on only getting A's (good grades). I want to get knowledge, skills, and experience. It is a time to learn. I want to FULLY commit myself to it and do the best I can FOR HIM. I want to be a steward to my education. I want to use this as an opportunity to HONOR and GLORIFY Him. To find my calling and niche - and through social work avenues to spread His joy, glory, and love to the whole world. I can't be consumed with a need for perfection (a useless way to spend my efforts). I want my focus on perfection to be perfection for Him. So if that means a B honors Him, then that should be good enough for me.
I don't want to put an academic offering of distraction, ill-preparedness, stress, or low-quality work on His throne. Besides a diploma on graduation day ;) - I want my reward to be better preparedness to serve Him - an eternal reward. The best thing is, I know this will result in multiple more life lessons - lessons about myself, relationships, cooperation, time-management, humility, maturity, patience, love, service, and God.
I can't imagine that I will be able to meet all of my family and friend's communication & relationship expectations... please don't be disappointed. If you see that I'm stressed, just love me and pray for me :)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The Start of my Adventure
I've been living here in Churchville, New York for one month now. I have finished 3 summer classes and have 8 credit hours of grad classes behind me. I'm settled into my room. I know my way around town without a GPS. I've begun orientation at my internship, with over 30 kids on my caseload. I finally found a church I can call "home" for one year. I've made some wonderful friends.
Living in New York has taken adjustment. I visited 4 churches before I found "the one" I can call "home" for a year. I get made fun of for my "accent." Words here are pronounced pretty different from at home.Speed limits are way slower (yikes) and prices for things are much higher (yikes again). The towns are small and it takes about 15 minutes to get anywhere. Except this wonderful ice cream shop that is in walking distance (1.2 miles). Between my housemates and I, we've already utilized 2 emergency services - the emergency room and the police department. We'd like to not have to use any more :) There's tons of huge, old and colorful houses. When my housemates and I are bored we go on walks. Our landlord also has a pool, which was nice during the ridiculous heat wave.
I finished my summer classes today, whew. I took a class about integrating religion and social work, which was interesting and I learned a lot. We studied different faiths and it makes me so thankful I was born and raised in a Christian family. The world "Christian" has come to mean a lot more to me. Evidentially religions like Mormonism and Christian Science are considered denominations of Christianity, because they "believe in Jesus", which blows me away, because they don't believe in Jesus the way I believe in Jesus. This has become a real "hot button" issue for me, which I'll refrain from posting any more about, unless I get fired up again ;) The other class was Research, Practice, and Statistics. Eh, it was ok.
What's next semester look like? Busy. 6 classes with 17 credits hours and 13 text books, and a 21 hour-a-week internship. That's a full-time job, plus hours of homework, taking care of myself, Church, and my friends. I'm debating getting a part-time job so I can make some money, however I honestly don't think that's a good idea... eeek, what to do? :/
Anyways, I have 12 days before the semester starts (Aug 29). I plan on sleeping in, starting Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred (when my dvd comes), scrapbooking my time in the Philippines with my handsome boyfriend, and going to the Museum of Play (a children's museum on steroids!!!) with my girls. I also have a full day of training at my internship. Should be fun and relaxing, that's the goal at least.
With Margie & Maria, two of my housemates
With Caren at Darian Lake Theme Park
I finished my summer classes today, whew. I took a class about integrating religion and social work, which was interesting and I learned a lot. We studied different faiths and it makes me so thankful I was born and raised in a Christian family. The world "Christian" has come to mean a lot more to me. Evidentially religions like Mormonism and Christian Science are considered denominations of Christianity, because they "believe in Jesus", which blows me away, because they don't believe in Jesus the way I believe in Jesus. This has become a real "hot button" issue for me, which I'll refrain from posting any more about, unless I get fired up again ;) The other class was Research, Practice, and Statistics. Eh, it was ok.
What's next semester look like? Busy. 6 classes with 17 credits hours and 13 text books, and a 21 hour-a-week internship. That's a full-time job, plus hours of homework, taking care of myself, Church, and my friends. I'm debating getting a part-time job so I can make some money, however I honestly don't think that's a good idea... eeek, what to do? :/
Craig Hill Elementary School, where I'm doing my social work internship
Anyways, I have 12 days before the semester starts (Aug 29). I plan on sleeping in, starting Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred (when my dvd comes), scrapbooking my time in the Philippines with my handsome boyfriend, and going to the Museum of Play (a children's museum on steroids!!!) with my girls. I also have a full day of training at my internship. Should be fun and relaxing, that's the goal at least.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Looking Back on God's Faithfulness
Two and a half weeks ago I moved to New York, knowing no one.
A month ago my grandma was diagnosed with melanoma cancer.
Six weeks ago I left him in the Philippines, again.
Four months ago I graduated and said goodbye to my IWU college friends.
Eight months ago I changed from full-time student to full-time intern case manager.
Eleven months ago I started my senior year of college.
One year ago (this week) I was very sick with mono.
Thirteen months ago grandma was hospitalized, on a ventilator.
Fourteen months ago I said "see you later" to the Philippines.
Fifteen months ago I spent a whole summer "by myself" in the Philippines.
These were all scary things.
But each ones results in a success story.
A month ago my grandma was diagnosed with melanoma cancer.
Six weeks ago I left him in the Philippines, again.
Four months ago I graduated and said goodbye to my IWU college friends.
Eight months ago I changed from full-time student to full-time intern case manager.
Eleven months ago I started my senior year of college.
One year ago (this week) I was very sick with mono.
Thirteen months ago grandma was hospitalized, on a ventilator.
Fourteen months ago I said "see you later" to the Philippines.
Fifteen months ago I spent a whole summer "by myself" in the Philippines.
These were all scary things.
But each ones results in a success story.
Two and a half weeks ago I moved to New York, knowing no one.
Two and a half weeks ago I made some amazing new friends. I have opportunities I would have never had anywhere else.
A month ago my grandma was diagnosed with melanoma cancer.
A month ago my grandma had an opportunity to have surgery and save her vision.
Six weeks ago I left him in the Philippines, again.
Six weeks ago God taught me an awesome lesson in faithfulness and trust. He reminded me to find my blessings and pleasure in Him.
Four months ago I graduated and said goodbye to my IWU college friends.
Four months ago God rewarded my hardwork.
Eight months ago I changed from full-time student to full-time intern case manager.
Eight months ago God put me in an opportunity to learn and then confirmed His call on my life. He broke my heart for what breaks His.
Eleven months ago I started my senior year of college.
Eleven months ago God opened new doors of ministry opportunities.
One year ago (this week) I was very sick with mono.
One year ago God revealed His awesome, healing power! He showed me that I am never alone.
Thirteen months ago grandma was hospitalized, on a ventilator.
Thirteen months ago God reminded me the value or family and of prayer. He worked a healing miracle.
Fourteen months ago I said "see you later" to the Philippines.
Fourteen months ago God blessed me with a most wonderful gift. He also taught me lessons on patience, reliance on Him, and perseverance.
Fifteen months ago I spent a whole summer "by myself" in the Philippines.
Fifteen months ago God revealed His vision and plan for my life. He stretched my comfort zone and broadened my horizons.
Don't get caught in your "yesterdays" of the past. Find joy in the midst of your trials, and move on with a lesson learned. Trust Him when you doubt. Seek Him always! Thank Him for everything! Praise Him forever! Look forward to the bright future He has for you. Find opportunities to learn and serve everyday. You don't know when today is all you'll have, so make the most of it!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Life is so Exciting
I'm having a hard time falling asleep tonight because I keep thinking about how God is good. Seriously, He's so good. He's so awesome. [I'm really trying hard right now to not use the word awesome in any sense other than describing God, because nothing is as awe-inspiring as Him.] My life is so good right now and I can't help but to give all glory and praise to Him! [I'm also trying to devoutly practice the Sabbath and refrain from doing school work. This was difficult in undergrad, which means it will be so much more difficult here. But I know this will be extremely rewarding if I remain faithful. Only in His strength!] :)
I've been living in New York now for two weeks, and I couldn't possibly have imagined I would be as happy to be here as I am now.
* I have made some wonderful new friends (and still have wonderful old friends at home!). They challenge and inspire me. They hold me accountable and push me to grow. They're increasing my comfort zone and opening my eyes to new ideas.
* The things I am learning in class are exciting, inspiring, motivational, and challenging. I actually look forward to going to class and doing homework. I don't want to take the easy route.
* God provided enough financial aid to cover my tuition plus some.
*He gave me peace in one of my biggest worries - finding a home Church for the year that I'll be here. There is a wonderful young adult Bible study to attend and young adults to fellowship with.
* My housemates and easy to live with, we get along great, and have fun times together.
* The social work program is full of diversity. My housemates are diverse. My professors are diverse. My new Church is diverse. I love diversity.
* God opened the doors to a wonderful internship. It's the perfect exposure/experience for what I want to do with my life. My supervisor seems great. I'm excited about starting.
* I have a homey place to stay in and call mine. I feel safe here.
* My landlord has become like family - he lets me crash his pool to swim (and sunbathe) on hot days.
* I have wonderful family back home who are supporting me through everything. They want to hear about the small details of my life, which i like to share.
* I have fantastic Church-family back home who are so encouraging. They send me cards and bulletins in the mail.
* I have an amazing boyfriend who is faithful and patient with me during this transition.
* God is taking care of my grandma and healing her. He provides encouragement and peace when her road to recovery takes a detour. He comforts me when I want to be by her bedside. He reassures me that she is loved and cared for.
* God has renewed His passion and calling on my life. I have peace about where He is taking me. I am excited about what He has in store for me. I trust Him that this where I should be.
* And finally, I have a week off between Summer classes and the semester starting so that I can actually breathe :)
Friday, April 8, 2011
The Beginning of the End
is just plain bittersweet.
I've been doing a 32 hour/per week internship at Debra Corn Agency, which has really turned into 34-37 hours per week. I'm there Tuesday-Friday and have seminar on Mondays. I've been there since January. Let's just say I loooove my job there! It's a foster care & adoption agency and I've been a case manager with a case load of 5 kids from 3 different families in 4 different foster homes. I've got a baby girl, 3 elementary boys, and a high school girl. I would honestly stay there longer if I could. And if I could keep one or two or three of these kids, I honestly would do that too.
I only go to my internship 9 more times. My last day is Thursday, April 21. Today I went to my last staff meeting and today I mailed off my last 5 monthly reports. Monday was my last foster parent training. I only have 10 more home visits, 1 more supervised visit, and 2 more private one-on-ones with 2 of my kids - the other kids I'm just going to steal from school and take them out anyways, hehe ;). I think ice cream will be a treat worthy of the celebration. I'm not really a crier, but I'm going to cry when I leave, maybe not in front of people, but I will cry.
These kids have attachment issues, behavioral problems, and academic concerns. Their family lives are junked up and their self-esteem is lower than low. Their outlook is uncertain and their future is seemingly hopeless. They want to go home and yet at the same time that is the last place they want to be. Some of these kids in my agency have been in foster care longer than they haven't - they've gone through more crap in their short lives than I have in 22 years. They carry baggage that it will take years of counseling and the love of Jesus to remove. They don't anyone, not even themselves.
Working with them for 4 months, have I made a difference? I'd like to say I have. I'd like to believe that when I tell them "Goodbye" they will have more hope and better understand love than when I said "Hello." They don't necessarily have to remember "Miss Jessie," I just want them to remember what I tried to represent. I want to tell them "Everything is going to be okay," but from their perspective of "okay", that's not a promise I can make. I just want to leave knowing they will be happy, healthy, and loved for the rest of their lives. I want them to grow up in a home where they will find Jesus.
I'm all for family reunification, but some of these parents just don't deserve these kids - they don't deserve a second chance. Their parental rights and reproductive organs should be ripped away from them. That's not the Christ-like attitude of grace and forgiveness I'm supposed to show, but I've seen the hurts, pains, and burdens these kids carry because of their parents, and I don't want these kids to go through hell and back again. Please judge, don't do it. There's one, just one, family that I work with who I would like the see the kids reunited with their mom, but I know with her they'll still have a rough road ahead of them. I just hope she has an amazing support system.
The end is also sweet too...
Not too many days after the end of my internship will be graduation.
Not too many days after graduation I will be in the Philippines.
Not too many days after the Philippines I move to New York for grad school (which is also bittersweet).
Not too many days after grad school I'll be starting a new phase of my life.
That phase of my life holds marriage, starting a family, and new ministries and opportunities.
My future is secure and filled with hope. People love me - I have people to love. God is so good!
I've been doing a 32 hour/per week internship at Debra Corn Agency, which has really turned into 34-37 hours per week. I'm there Tuesday-Friday and have seminar on Mondays. I've been there since January. Let's just say I loooove my job there! It's a foster care & adoption agency and I've been a case manager with a case load of 5 kids from 3 different families in 4 different foster homes. I've got a baby girl, 3 elementary boys, and a high school girl. I would honestly stay there longer if I could. And if I could keep one or two or three of these kids, I honestly would do that too.
I only go to my internship 9 more times. My last day is Thursday, April 21. Today I went to my last staff meeting and today I mailed off my last 5 monthly reports. Monday was my last foster parent training. I only have 10 more home visits, 1 more supervised visit, and 2 more private one-on-ones with 2 of my kids - the other kids I'm just going to steal from school and take them out anyways, hehe ;). I think ice cream will be a treat worthy of the celebration. I'm not really a crier, but I'm going to cry when I leave, maybe not in front of people, but I will cry.
These kids have attachment issues, behavioral problems, and academic concerns. Their family lives are junked up and their self-esteem is lower than low. Their outlook is uncertain and their future is seemingly hopeless. They want to go home and yet at the same time that is the last place they want to be. Some of these kids in my agency have been in foster care longer than they haven't - they've gone through more crap in their short lives than I have in 22 years. They carry baggage that it will take years of counseling and the love of Jesus to remove. They don't anyone, not even themselves.
Working with them for 4 months, have I made a difference? I'd like to say I have. I'd like to believe that when I tell them "Goodbye" they will have more hope and better understand love than when I said "Hello." They don't necessarily have to remember "Miss Jessie," I just want them to remember what I tried to represent. I want to tell them "Everything is going to be okay," but from their perspective of "okay", that's not a promise I can make. I just want to leave knowing they will be happy, healthy, and loved for the rest of their lives. I want them to grow up in a home where they will find Jesus.
I'm all for family reunification, but some of these parents just don't deserve these kids - they don't deserve a second chance. Their parental rights and reproductive organs should be ripped away from them. That's not the Christ-like attitude of grace and forgiveness I'm supposed to show, but I've seen the hurts, pains, and burdens these kids carry because of their parents, and I don't want these kids to go through hell and back again. Please judge, don't do it. There's one, just one, family that I work with who I would like the see the kids reunited with their mom, but I know with her they'll still have a rough road ahead of them. I just hope she has an amazing support system.
The end is also sweet too...
Not too many days after the end of my internship will be graduation.
Not too many days after graduation I will be in the Philippines.
Not too many days after the Philippines I move to New York for grad school (which is also bittersweet).
Not too many days after grad school I'll be starting a new phase of my life.
That phase of my life holds marriage, starting a family, and new ministries and opportunities.
My future is secure and filled with hope. People love me - I have people to love. God is so good!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
"A Big Day" ~ Hiking Trip with Brookhaven Youth
Friday we started our hike around 10 after a tasty breakfast cooked over the fire. We did a total of 12.5 miles that day. When we reached our campsite there was just enough time to find a tree to pee on and cook dinner before sundown. Saturday we did 6 miles. I should tell you that I was apprehensive about going on this hike, mainly because it was freezing and I have the knees of an 80 year old woman. However, I had so-much-fun! Some of the hills were near death experiences. I would say down-hill is easier than up-hill, but many of my comrades would disagree. A couple of people took some pretty funny falls - I can only say that because no one was seriously injured. Pastor Tony's brother (Larry) kept saying "What don't kill ya will only make ya stronger" or "The good thing is that you'll feel better when it doesn't hurt anymore." He's rather sarcastic and not sympathetic at all, haha. But, I'm proud of myself that I was never in the back section; most of the time I was leading the middle :) We also spent some time doing "community service" and clearing the path of fallen trees and large sticks. When stopped for lunch along the way I guzzled "5 Hour Energy" for maximum boost :)
I had a great time hiking alongside the youth and spending time talking with them as we went along. I got to know some of them better, which is always a blessing. I love them so much and I'm so glad that I went. I won't get to do many more youth activities like this since I won't be around here after graduation, so I really try to make the most of every opportunity. They all mean so much to me and I'm so proud of the women and men of Christ they are becoming. Also, did I mention the woods were gorgeous this time of year!
Lessons learned:
Easier is never better
Short cuts are not worth it in the end.
Stopping to take a break and rest is best when you do it in the company of friends.
Take time to enjoy your surroundings (sights, sounds, smells) to make the time truly worth it.
Let others' joy be contagious; let your joy be contagious to others.
In the end, you will remember the good times more than the bad.
Easier is never better
Short cuts are not worth it in the end.
Stopping to take a break and rest is best when you do it in the company of friends.
Take time to enjoy your surroundings (sights, sounds, smells) to make the time truly worth it.
Let others' joy be contagious; let your joy be contagious to others.
In the end, you will remember the good times more than the bad.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Roberts Wesleyan College
I spent Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday of my spring break visiting Roberts Wesleyan College (RWC or Roberts), which really means to say Monday/Wednesday were travel days and Tuesday was the only visit day. Nonetheless, I learned what I wanted to learn, saw what I wanted to see, met who I wanted to meet, and did what I wanted to do. Here's just a tidbit about this new journey I'll be taking soon. Roberts Wesleyan College is located in Rochester, New York. It's more town than city and you can read in my previous post about my apartment there.
I am graduating with my Bachelors in Social Work from IWU on April 30th. I'm going to RWC for my Masters of Social Work. I was accepted into the Advanced Standing program (because I'm awesome), which means I'll graduate with my Masters in only 10 months instead of the traditional 2 year program. I take an online class this June, summer classes (2) in July/August, then the semester starts. It will be a total of 38 credits/units. While I'm there I'll be doing a 500 hour practicum - at a "yet-to-be-determined" agency. My specialization will be Child & Family. The Field Work (practicum) Liaison will make 3 referrals to agencies with my resume. I then call them to arrange phone interviews, talk about job descriptions, and then I ultimately get to chose at which agency I want to work (for free). The ones she talked to me about are school social work, center for Burmese refugees, and a place for homeless women and their families. When I get my placement I'll let you know ;)
Anyways, I was super excited with my visit. I loved the campus and everyone I met. They were all so sincere and nice. Everyone went out of their way to make me feel welcome. I didn't feel as if I was intruding on anyone - they all seemed to truly enjoy what they do and were just as excited for my visit as I was. I took a tour of the campus, met with the Field Work Liaison, Admissions Director (who is also my landlord), Financial Aid (as if there's such a thing), and the Prof for my online class. I also made arrangements for registration. The only disappointment was our hotel didn't have a pool or hot-tub, haha :)
Here are some pics from my tour:
I didn't get pictures of the cafeteria (Garlock Dining Commons), but when I asked my tour guide about the food she said "It could be worse."I also didn't get one of Voller Athletic Center, which was really neat. The bookstore is there along with a cafe. They had a 25-yard swimming pool, two weight rooms (free weights and cardio equipment), racquetball, and a huge gym/track. Oh, and they have 2 saunas :) How awesome is that!
I like it, I'm excited to go there!
I am graduating with my Bachelors in Social Work from IWU on April 30th. I'm going to RWC for my Masters of Social Work. I was accepted into the Advanced Standing program (because I'm awesome), which means I'll graduate with my Masters in only 10 months instead of the traditional 2 year program. I take an online class this June, summer classes (2) in July/August, then the semester starts. It will be a total of 38 credits/units. While I'm there I'll be doing a 500 hour practicum - at a "yet-to-be-determined" agency. My specialization will be Child & Family. The Field Work (practicum) Liaison will make 3 referrals to agencies with my resume. I then call them to arrange phone interviews, talk about job descriptions, and then I ultimately get to chose at which agency I want to work (for free). The ones she talked to me about are school social work, center for Burmese refugees, and a place for homeless women and their families. When I get my placement I'll let you know ;)
Anyways, I was super excited with my visit. I loved the campus and everyone I met. They were all so sincere and nice. Everyone went out of their way to make me feel welcome. I didn't feel as if I was intruding on anyone - they all seemed to truly enjoy what they do and were just as excited for my visit as I was. I took a tour of the campus, met with the Field Work Liaison, Admissions Director (who is also my landlord), Financial Aid (as if there's such a thing), and the Prof for my online class. I also made arrangements for registration. The only disappointment was our hotel didn't have a pool or hot-tub, haha :)
Here are some pics from my tour:
Carpenter Hall - Social Work :)
Carpenter Hall from another angle
Heading towards the library
B. Thomas Golisano Library
This is the newest building on campus - built in 2007
The library was my favorite building on campus.
There is a study area just for grad students and a computer lab open 24/7
(Library) Study area in the library outside the coffee shop
A pretty open layout with lots of study areas.
There are also rooms for group meetings.
Soccer fields and track :)
Rinker Community Center -
Financial Aid, Presidential people, Human Resources, Registration, etc
Cox Hall - music
Northeastern Seminary
Northeastern Seminary from another angle
Anderson Hall - one of six dorms
Quite the contrast to IWU housing :/ haha
For when I get lost... haha
Just a couple random snapshots of the yucky snow
I didn't get pictures of the cafeteria (Garlock Dining Commons), but when I asked my tour guide about the food she said "It could be worse."I also didn't get one of Voller Athletic Center, which was really neat. The bookstore is there along with a cafe. They had a 25-yard swimming pool, two weight rooms (free weights and cardio equipment), racquetball, and a huge gym/track. Oh, and they have 2 saunas :) How awesome is that!
I like it, I'm excited to go there!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Apartment
During my visit to Robert's Wesleyan College (Rochester, New York) over SPRING BREAK I spent the day Tuesday with Jim Sheets, the graduate social work admissions director. This was my third time meeting with him. He's the reason I was interested in the school to start with. You can see him standing on the front porch below. Anyways, he has a house he rents out to MSW students from out of state. Everyone currently in the house graduates in May. We went to visit the place and I decided I liked loved it enough to live there. I'm the first one to put "dibbs" in so I got to pick my room.
The house is 3 minutes away from the school. The school is in Rochester but the house address is Churchville. It's in a quaint, little homey-town. There aren't many chains stores, so everything is the personal "Mom & Pop" kinda stuff. I get the feeling that everyone knows their neighbors. In Rochester, 55% of those 25 years+ have at least a Bachelors degree, so I'm assuming it's at least high middle-class living. Pretty much all the houses are big (2 stories) and old.This My house was built in the 1800's. It has it's own drive and enough parking in the back for everyone. There's a nice front porch and a small back patio. All the floors are wooden except the kitchen, family room, and maybe the laundry room. I don't really know what else to say about it. It's very reasonably priced and fully furnished, which means I only have to take my personal belongings (as if I was moving in to a dorm). High speed internet and cable are included... I've never had cable at college so that's super exciting!
There will be 5 of us living here. Two girls downstairs share a bedroom suite with its own bathroom. Three of us will have our own rooms upstairs with one bathroom, though after 5 of us sharing one bathroom last year that will be more than manageable. I'm the first one in but when others put their names in Jim will send us each other's contact info so we can become best buds before we move in :) I didn't take pictures of the other bedrooms, you'll just have to believe me that mine's the best!
This is just a quick little tour of the place.
Outside
Kitchen - fully furnished with 2 refrigerators. Little dinette under the window
Dining room - through the back you can see the living room.
Living room in the far back - 2 full couches and 2 chairs - windows to our backyard
Hallway - looking out from the bathroom. These are 2 more bedrooms.
I'm really excited, much more excited than I thought I would be. It feels much better seeing where I'll live and go to school for 10 months, and I met so many wonderful people there (the school). Though I'm sure nerves will kick in later. For the past four years I've only been living 10 minutes away from home... 10 minutes to 9 hours is a big jump, but I think I'm ready. Living with four other strangers will be different because Jewel's always been around up-until now. I'm sure we'll become friends fast, we've at least got a passion for helping people in common. Once I'm actually moved in (middle of July) I'll repost personalized pictures :)
The house is 3 minutes away from the school. The school is in Rochester but the house address is Churchville. It's in a quaint, little homey-town. There aren't many chains stores, so everything is the personal "Mom & Pop" kinda stuff. I get the feeling that everyone knows their neighbors. In Rochester, 55% of those 25 years+ have at least a Bachelors degree, so I'm assuming it's at least high middle-class living. Pretty much all the houses are big (2 stories) and old.
There will be 5 of us living here. Two girls downstairs share a bedroom suite with its own bathroom. Three of us will have our own rooms upstairs with one bathroom, though after 5 of us sharing one bathroom last year that will be more than manageable. I'm the first one in but when others put their names in Jim will send us each other's contact info so we can become best buds before we move in :) I didn't take pictures of the other bedrooms, you'll just have to believe me that mine's the best!
This is just a quick little tour of the place.
Two pictures of my room - first at the top of the stairs.
The personal items you see are whoever lives there now, but the furniture stays.
The personal items you see are whoever lives there now, but the furniture stays.
I really liked the horizontal dresser (left of bottom pic) and tall wooden bookcase.
It has a twin-sized bed and three windows.
It definitely has the smallest closet of all the rooms, but that's okay because I don't need much.
Bathroom - just outside my room
I'm really excited, much more excited than I thought I would be. It feels much better seeing where I'll live and go to school for 10 months, and I met so many wonderful people there (the school). Though I'm sure nerves will kick in later. For the past four years I've only been living 10 minutes away from home... 10 minutes to 9 hours is a big jump, but I think I'm ready. Living with four other strangers will be different because Jewel's always been around up-until now. I'm sure we'll become friends fast, we've at least got a passion for helping people in common. Once I'm actually moved in (middle of July) I'll repost personalized pictures :)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Derek Redmond ~ Weak leg, Strong Father
We watched this video in youth group.
When Derek stood up and limped to the finish line, I couldn't help but ask myself...
What's my excuse? What do I blame for the reason I get down and can't get back up again? Do I let those roadblocks stop me from doing what I set out to do? Do I still accomplish my aspirations or get too easily tripped up? Do I let the pain of life's events stop me from seeing the glory in the end? Do I let the fear of failure keep me from even trying? Do I have the courage to keep going when my good isn't good enough and everyone else has surpassed me? When I do fall, do I let others come and help me finish? Maybe God gives me those struggles just to test how dedicated I am to my call...
When Derek stood up and limped to the finish line, I couldn't help but ask myself...
What's my excuse? What do I blame for the reason I get down and can't get back up again? Do I let those roadblocks stop me from doing what I set out to do? Do I still accomplish my aspirations or get too easily tripped up? Do I let the pain of life's events stop me from seeing the glory in the end? Do I let the fear of failure keep me from even trying? Do I have the courage to keep going when my good isn't good enough and everyone else has surpassed me? When I do fall, do I let others come and help me finish? Maybe God gives me those struggles just to test how dedicated I am to my call...
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Random thoughts about the "Weather Advisory"
Random thoughts regarding the forecasted icy blizzard and power outage
The IWU emergency supply list says to have "warm pajamas that are appropriate for mixed company"... is there such as thing as warm pajamas that are inappropriate for mixed company? In my mind warm means every body part is covered...
IWU said "make sure your cell phone is fully charged." Do you really need to tell text-aholic college students to charge their cell phones?
They also told us that if we lose power we are not to reside in the building overnight. But, who is really going to wake me up to say we lost power and I have to walk *through the treacherous weather* to the student center to sleep on a cement floor with lights on? I might consider discontinuing that friendship... jk. But really...
Finally, the last bash on IWU's emergency preparation email... They said, "In the event that the power to your Residence Hall goes out, assume that it will not be coming back on." How long is that assumption supposed to last? Forever? hahah·
Is it still considered a blizzard if it is more ice than snow?
If it wasn't for the windchill it really wouldn't be that cold outside. Hell is not going to freeze over
It's just my luck that campus may close when it no longer affects me... my last semester when I don't even have any classes to be cancelled!
I am really really really thankful for the awesome guys that plow our roads and clean our sidewalks. They deserve mucho bonus pay!
Everyone's facebook status is about the blizzard... but surely there's more going on in their lives than that.
The storm is being called "Snowpocalypse 2011"... really? I highly doubt that.
I feel awful for the homeless and those who don't have adequate heat supplies. It makes me want to invite them all over to my townhouse. The school would frown on that though :(
My internship agency isn't closing because "social work problems don't solve themself just because of snow & ice". However, how are social workers supposed to solve those problems if they die risking their lives on the roads?
Even if I wanted to go to work tomorrow I don't think I could get my car out of the not-plowed parking lot
The ice really stings when it hits your face.
Ice pellets going "tink tink tink" against my window sounds rather relaxing... until I remember what they are.
Why does everyone buy milk & bread when there is a storm advisory? They're really not that nutritious or sustaining. I would rather have comfort foods like chocolate and ice cream.
I'm going to get cabin fever if i'm cooped up in my townhouse all day tomorrow. I've already done my homework through next week. Movies movies movies :)
I have the feeling i'll be lulled to sleep with the sound of snow plows passing my window.
I felt like I was defying gravity when I walked on top of 6 inches of snow and didn't sink down because the ice on top was so thick.
A foster parent I met with today said she's out of cigarettes but she's not going to risk her life to go down the street and buy them. I'm proud of her :) But I really wanted to tell her that she's risking her life by smoking them...
I thought ahead and got 2 sandwiches at supper tonight so I don't have to brave the weather to eat tomorrow :)
I was made to live in the tropics not a wintery wasteland.
How much would I have to tip the delivery guy if I ordered pizza tonight? That would be terribly mean.
I wish I had a kitten to curl up in bed with or a fireplace to sit in front of and drink coffee... or both!
I heard of people buying coolers and ice at the grocery store so they could keep their food cold so it wouldn't spoil if they lost electricity. Did they ever think about putting it outside? haha
Though a blizzard is the least harmful natural disaster I can think of, I think I would still prefer something else. Could a heat wave count as a natural disaster? If so, I chose that!
The IWU emergency supply list says to have "warm pajamas that are appropriate for mixed company"... is there such as thing as warm pajamas that are inappropriate for mixed company? In my mind warm means every body part is covered...
IWU said "make sure your cell phone is fully charged." Do you really need to tell text-aholic college students to charge their cell phones?
They also told us that if we lose power we are not to reside in the building overnight. But, who is really going to wake me up to say we lost power and I have to walk *through the treacherous weather* to the student center to sleep on a cement floor with lights on? I might consider discontinuing that friendship... jk. But really...
Finally, the last bash on IWU's emergency preparation email... They said, "In the event that the power to your Residence Hall goes out, assume that it will not be coming back on." How long is that assumption supposed to last? Forever? hahah·
Is it still considered a blizzard if it is more ice than snow?
If it wasn't for the windchill it really wouldn't be that cold outside. Hell is not going to freeze over
It's just my luck that campus may close when it no longer affects me... my last semester when I don't even have any classes to be cancelled!
I am really really really thankful for the awesome guys that plow our roads and clean our sidewalks. They deserve mucho bonus pay!
Everyone's facebook status is about the blizzard... but surely there's more going on in their lives than that.
The storm is being called "Snowpocalypse 2011"... really? I highly doubt that.
I feel awful for the homeless and those who don't have adequate heat supplies. It makes me want to invite them all over to my townhouse. The school would frown on that though :(
My internship agency isn't closing because "social work problems don't solve themself just because of snow & ice". However, how are social workers supposed to solve those problems if they die risking their lives on the roads?
Even if I wanted to go to work tomorrow I don't think I could get my car out of the not-plowed parking lot
The ice really stings when it hits your face.
Ice pellets going "tink tink tink" against my window sounds rather relaxing... until I remember what they are.
Why does everyone buy milk & bread when there is a storm advisory? They're really not that nutritious or sustaining. I would rather have comfort foods like chocolate and ice cream.
I'm going to get cabin fever if i'm cooped up in my townhouse all day tomorrow. I've already done my homework through next week. Movies movies movies :)
I have the feeling i'll be lulled to sleep with the sound of snow plows passing my window.
I felt like I was defying gravity when I walked on top of 6 inches of snow and didn't sink down because the ice on top was so thick.
A foster parent I met with today said she's out of cigarettes but she's not going to risk her life to go down the street and buy them. I'm proud of her :) But I really wanted to tell her that she's risking her life by smoking them...
I thought ahead and got 2 sandwiches at supper tonight so I don't have to brave the weather to eat tomorrow :)
I was made to live in the tropics not a wintery wasteland.
How much would I have to tip the delivery guy if I ordered pizza tonight? That would be terribly mean.
I wish I had a kitten to curl up in bed with or a fireplace to sit in front of and drink coffee... or both!
I heard of people buying coolers and ice at the grocery store so they could keep their food cold so it wouldn't spoil if they lost electricity. Did they ever think about putting it outside? haha
Though a blizzard is the least harmful natural disaster I can think of, I think I would still prefer something else. Could a heat wave count as a natural disaster? If so, I chose that!
Prepare for the worst. Hope & Pray for the best.
This is NOT meant to belittle the severity of the situation, only to add humor to our anticipation
This is NOT meant to belittle the severity of the situation, only to add humor to our anticipation
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
My Internship
This semester has totally been way different than what I expected! After 7 semesters of working my butt off with heavy course loads and hours of homework... I am so excited to be where I am now.
This semester I am doing a full time internship at Debra Corn Agency, a foster care and adoption agency. I work 34 hours a week, Tuesday - Friday. (I have a 3 hour seminar on Mondays with the other Social Work seniors in my class. We talk about our internships, debrief experiences, and share stories to learn together.) I'm working as an intern case manager. I have been there since January 10 and at this point I've just been shadowing other case workers while they do home visits, supervised visits, and private time; I go to court, probation check-ins, and doctors appointments; and I also sit in on staff meetings, trainings, and consultations. Last Friday I was given my caseload and slowly I will begin to take over responsibility for those cases. I am terribly nervous and extremely excited.
Already I have learned so much. Some of the exposures I have had have shocked me. It's the kind of things you read about in social work journals but rarely experience in life. The past 4 years of studying social work have certainly confirmed how sheltered I was as a child. Sometimes I ask myself how I can help people through problems with which I cannot relate, but it's the love and empathy of Christ that make it achievable. With patience and dedication, as I relate to people, I will understand their situations more and find ways to help them. And now, the greatest confirmation I am receiving is that this is God's will for my life. I am meant to be a social worker. I have gifts and talents that can (and will) be used to reach out to these at-risk kids in their most vulnerable state. I may not be able to solve all of life's problems, but if I can even make one day brighter for a child, I would consider that an important use of my time and efforts. Though my hope is that my effort will last longer than the day and set them on a life course trajectory of joy, hope, and success - becoming what they are in their greatest potential by moving past the degrading life experiences they face.
After only two weeks I am already emotionally overwhelmed. I've realized the hardest task in social work is to maintain my composer with clients and to separate myself from their problems and not carry their burdens home with me as emotional baggage. I continue to think about the kids, their stories, and our interactions, hours after I am home. Their stories break my heart. I cannot imagine being a social worker and not a Christian because I know I would ask myself "How could a loving God allow this to happen?". These kids do not deserve the crap they face and yet they suffer way more than anyone, especially a child, ever should. But, Christ is giving me the hope to look past present sufferings, the strength to focus on my tasks, and the love to reach out to these kids when they seem unlovable.
Needless to repeat again for fear of sounding insincere, but - I love my job! The kids have won a special place in my heart. My co-workers there area also amazing! I have the best time with them! God is so awesome for working out this placement just for me! I couldn't have dreamed of a blessing this big. The best part is that I know He is using this to prepare me for even greater things!
This semester I am doing a full time internship at Debra Corn Agency, a foster care and adoption agency. I work 34 hours a week, Tuesday - Friday. (I have a 3 hour seminar on Mondays with the other Social Work seniors in my class. We talk about our internships, debrief experiences, and share stories to learn together.) I'm working as an intern case manager. I have been there since January 10 and at this point I've just been shadowing other case workers while they do home visits, supervised visits, and private time; I go to court, probation check-ins, and doctors appointments; and I also sit in on staff meetings, trainings, and consultations. Last Friday I was given my caseload and slowly I will begin to take over responsibility for those cases. I am terribly nervous and extremely excited.
Already I have learned so much. Some of the exposures I have had have shocked me. It's the kind of things you read about in social work journals but rarely experience in life. The past 4 years of studying social work have certainly confirmed how sheltered I was as a child. Sometimes I ask myself how I can help people through problems with which I cannot relate, but it's the love and empathy of Christ that make it achievable. With patience and dedication, as I relate to people, I will understand their situations more and find ways to help them. And now, the greatest confirmation I am receiving is that this is God's will for my life. I am meant to be a social worker. I have gifts and talents that can (and will) be used to reach out to these at-risk kids in their most vulnerable state. I may not be able to solve all of life's problems, but if I can even make one day brighter for a child, I would consider that an important use of my time and efforts. Though my hope is that my effort will last longer than the day and set them on a life course trajectory of joy, hope, and success - becoming what they are in their greatest potential by moving past the degrading life experiences they face.
After only two weeks I am already emotionally overwhelmed. I've realized the hardest task in social work is to maintain my composer with clients and to separate myself from their problems and not carry their burdens home with me as emotional baggage. I continue to think about the kids, their stories, and our interactions, hours after I am home. Their stories break my heart. I cannot imagine being a social worker and not a Christian because I know I would ask myself "How could a loving God allow this to happen?". These kids do not deserve the crap they face and yet they suffer way more than anyone, especially a child, ever should. But, Christ is giving me the hope to look past present sufferings, the strength to focus on my tasks, and the love to reach out to these kids when they seem unlovable.
Needless to repeat again for fear of sounding insincere, but - I love my job! The kids have won a special place in my heart. My co-workers there area also amazing! I have the best time with them! God is so awesome for working out this placement just for me! I couldn't have dreamed of a blessing this big. The best part is that I know He is using this to prepare me for even greater things!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2010
2010 was a good year, better than others in many ways, however it wasn't without its trials and difficulties. Looking back, some trials have been resolved while others are still growing. But, I can say, with confidence, that with Christ's power I (and my family) are strong enough to make it through whatever is thrown our way. With our focus on Christ, He will give us the perseverance, whether we know the reason or not. But, as the year draws to a close, I am going to list my reasons to celebrate. Some of these aren't necessarily blessings, but lessons to learn from or events that won't be forgotten.
Little Mallory was born and Leah turned two (my nieces)
Game night for New Years Eve with my church family
"Girl's only" spring break in Texas ~ Mom, Jewel & Bethany
Simon had to be put to sleep
Junior year was the hardest semester ever... but I got a 4.0!
Little Mallory was born and Leah turned two (my nieces)
Developed some awesome, new friendships
Ministered in the Philippines for a second time for almost 2 months
Met and fell in love with my best friend
Relationship with my King grew in strength and depth, better than I'd ever imagined
7th year as a Junior Bible Camp counselor
Sold my mustang
Dear friend Christina Ramsey died of heatstroke
My mac crashed (takes talent to crash a mac)
Grandma is healthier and stronger and we've spent lots of quality time together
Strep throat and Mono
Committee chair for young adults in Indiana North District
Internship at Carey Services with 3 guys with developmental disabilities
Lost my job
Led the girl's Bible study for Youth group, to be continued this coming semester
Second semester in a row with a 4.0 gpa
Christmas while Jewel was away in Cambodia
Jewel and Titus are engaged
Experienced a 3.8 earthquake, which surprisingly woke me up
Applied to one of two desired grad schools, Robert's Wesleyan (IUPUI in the coming days)
Spent New Years with two of my youth group girls, Hannah & Malia Neumann
My verses for 2011:
Romans 10: 13-15 "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" How then can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news."
Acts 16:31 "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household."
Isaiah 61:1-3 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort al who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Jewel and Titus are engaged
Experienced a 3.8 earthquake, which surprisingly woke me up
Applied to one of two desired grad schools, Robert's Wesleyan (IUPUI in the coming days)
Spent New Years with two of my youth group girls, Hannah & Malia Neumann
My verses for 2011:
Romans 10: 13-15 "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" How then can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news."
Acts 16:31 "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household."
Isaiah 61:1-3 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort al who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
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