Somethinnn'. Somethin' about this place...

Last week flewwww by! We had Monday off for Columbus day. A few of us went to the beach because it was free (no fees after labor day!) and it was sooo nice. The weather was beautiful and there was barely anyone where we parked it. Then we had school Tuesday-Thursday. Thursday afternoon we went to our Community Retreat at a retreat center conveniently located 1/4 mile from where we live :) The weekend was centered around our community and how we relate/clash with each other. We took the Enneagram test to find out our personality types. I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of the test because it puts people in a box and can be focused on negative things, but it was a good test for becoming aware of differences between me and my community members. We also got to see the other Good Shepherd Volunteers from NYC... it's always fun to see them! :)

Mid summer, I made a comment in a blog about wanting to feel healthier by Christmas. I think I've definitely made some positive changes. First, being at this school and working with these kids has been such a blessing. I can tell that my heart is happier here and I'm doing something that really makes me happy. My thoughts and relationships are all a lot healthier. Also, while it's a work in progress, I've definitely had a better perspective on self-image recently. We have to learn to love ourselves. Lots of prayer and self love and acceptance are key recipes for happiness within.

So, here I sit, listening to country music on my computer (through my headphones cuz my roommates don't like country music haha), sipping tea and reflecting on the year so far in NJ. I've already thought about how sad I will be when I have to leave (although I try not to dwell in that and just enjoy the moments). I feel spoiled to be here. So many learning opportunities and experiences. The joy I have has lead me to believe that this sort of work may be what I've been called to all along. Why I didn't turn to this sooner, I'm not sure. But I do know that all things lead us to where we're meant to be. Our ways are not always God's ways! We may feel uncomfortable or like we're not happy at times, but truly, with faith in the One who loves us, we can have hope for good things to come.

Let nothing trouble you,
Let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.
-St. Theresa of Avila

A word from Ms. Skrobacz in the Rec Room :)

The rec room is a place the students can go after their done eating during lunch. They love to go in there because they can use their phones, play pool, play ping pong, and just hang out. I was on duty in there today and had a strange and awesome feeling. I just felt really alive and happy. It's not really explainable.... because rec room duty is probably one of the more stressful jobs of the day. Most of the kids like to go in there and it gets loud, crazy, and out of control. But for some reason, I was overcome with a ton of love and so much joy. Philippians says that after prayer and petition with thanksgiving, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will be with you". Maybe that's just it. Pray, pray, and pray some more. I'll admit, I'm really not the best at keeping a consistent prayer life. But I know that when I DO make time, my day is so much better, I'm a lot less stressed/anxious, and my view of the world is a lot less cluttered.

Do you have those moments in your day that make you happy? What makes you feel alive? Do you follow your heart or the world? If you asked me a year ago (when I was sitting in a computer lab coming up with design ideas) if I thought I'd be hangin out in a high school rec room in New Jersey, trying to love kids who want to push ur buttons as far as possible, ummm I probably would have chuckled. I'm so thankful to be where I am and for all the people who have lead me here. I pray that you and I would follow the plans of the Lord and what makes us truly alive. That plan may change unexpectedly in a couple days or maybe even years down the road. Own it and follow it! :)

Happiness is in the heart, not the circumstances

OKAY PEOPLE... In case you didn't know, tearing up in spinning class is definitely RIDONKulous!! haha nevertheless I DID! ;) The teacher probably thought I was working so hard that I cried or some sort of crazy wacko. Moreso the later hehe... but in all seriousness, I think I'm feeling my first wave of homesickness today... Lucy got homecoming queen last night and I so badly wish I could be home to help her get ready for the dance tonight. I'm really close with my siblings and fam so things like this are hard to miss. Kate, I can totally appreciate how hard it's been for you to be gone! We all need to get matching underwear or SOMETHING to have on these days so we're all connected hahahaha ok so maybe underwear is a littttt-tle bit weird... ;) these are definitely eye opening learning opportunities!

I'm going to visit with my Aunt Bern this afternoon, and then go to confession and mass with her and my uncle so hopefully that will distract me. I was thinking about it this morning and realized that I scheduled our visit during the time Lucy is getting ready for the dance... I got really upset because it would be fun to skype in for a bit but as I write this I'm realizing that it's probably better that I don't... it may add fuel to the fire. There will be plenty of other opportunities to skype with her :) look at me, trying to counsel myself baha ;) My mom always says "your mind is a dangerous place to go by yourself"... thus, I share this all with youu! Thanks for reading and not judging me for my crazy thoughts :P!

Things are going well at school! The students are more and more challenging and humbling each day. Each day I also realize I have more and more love to give. Jillian Michaels has work out DVDs (which I own and highly recommend... they kick ur a$$ if you're interested in a good work out!) and at one point she says "You know I expect a lot from you, but I know you've got it to give." I think that's so true- it's a lot about mental power and determination. While we give, it's also important to feed ourselves (mentally, physically, etc). Someone once told me we should have our cups constantly full so that what we are giving is the overflow- ie. not emptying our cup, filling it up, emptying, filling, etc.... sooo I took this weekend to do some things for myself that I've been putting off, because I think I've been giving a little bit from inside my cup... from the little things of doing my nails and relaxing to bigger things like finding a young adult group, I'm really cherishing this time to myself.

So here I am, writing about how I want to be home with everyone, but I'm loving some time to myself. haha sometimes I make myself laugh. I guess we always hear that we need to laugh at ourselves.... "A day without laughter is a day wasted".... find a way to make yourself laugh today! :) Enjoy the weekend! I'll write more again soon!

PS-- as always, sending lots of love to my Mom, Dad, Kate, Nathan, Joe and Lucy! miss youuu! xoxoxo

The Tao of Christopher Robin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tRepZdoRmY

(you'll have to copy/paste the link into ur browser... i'm still trying to figure out how to add youtube videos to my blog)

Watching clips like this reminds me how inspiring some children's shows are... I didn't realize what they were saying when I was younger ;) I probably just ran around in front of the screen pretending to catch fireflies hehe

This clip holds the theme for the year at Collier. The vice principal picks out a theme and this year, it's based on this quote:

"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

You and I should hold onto this as the theme of our lives ;) you are BRAVER than you believe you are, STRONGER thank you seem to be, and SMARTER thank you think you are. Believe in yourself :)

Speaking of Pooh, I've always loved this song... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ao9NUITRoE) It makes me think of Jen... we've known each other since we were so little and I remember watching the Tigger Movie with her. "Just think of your friends, the ones who care. They all will be waiting there, with love (and huge smiles!) to share, and your heart will lead you home." :)

Happy weekend everyone!

St. Mary Euphrasia... pray for us

Tonite, I sit in the quiet of the apartment questioning whether or not I made the right decision to stay home. There was an informational meeting tonite in NY at the Astoria residence (another GSV site) for the School of the Americas protest that happens in November. I'm not big on protesting but after thinking about it, it may be good to try it and just see what it's like. So anyways, I decided the trip would be too much for me today, and I'm just trying to remind myself of that and not be so hard on myself for not going. I guess setting boundaries for myself is part of my simplicity for this year. I think I try to do everything and sometimes I get myself into trouble/spread myself thin. Another boundary I should set is how much I let my thoughts consume my thoughts- if that makes any sense ;) Basically, I need not dwell in something but rather let it be.

St. Mary Euphrasia is the foundress of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. She helped troubled children during most of her life... thus, Good Shepherd Volunteers have a specific call to women and children affected by abuse, neglect and poverty. She once said, "You have to adapt to all circumstances. Do the best you can, while remembering that, according to the spirit of our calling, we must be everything to everyone." I love this quote and think it's fitting for my torn feelings about staying home tonight... at least the beginning of the quote- adapting to all circumstances and doing the best you can. The end of the quote- the part about being everything to everyone- is questionable to me, simply because I don't think we can be everything to everyone. Not everyone will be pleased when we try to do something or say something. Maybe she meant that we should do our best to be the best we can for everyone. That is something I'd agree with.

Another one of her quotes is, "Oh, how much love and compassion we must have for those entrusted to our care. Love them, love them very much! Make them happy, very happy." This is sort of my theme or mantra for the year.my life. Love and compassion are two things that can help any situation for anyone. The kids at Collier all need and want to be loved. Sometimes it can be frustrating to work with the kids, especially when they're stubborn or know that they're "working the system". But in the end, they just want love. I interviewed a social worker at the school today... just as an informational interview. She was talking about her experiences and about the population we're working with at the school. A lot of people suggest that if we want to go into counseling or anything with social work, we should just get our MSW because there are a lot more opportunities with an MSW vs a Masters in School Counseling. Buuuut let's be real, I don't know what I'm doing next year so I'll cross that bridge when I get to it... for now, I'll just continue the year and "love them, love them very much!"

St. Mary Euphrasia, pray for us.




"Draw near to our Lord, thoroughly aware of you own nothingness, and you may hope all things from His Goodness and Mercy. Never forget that Jesus Christ is no less generous in the Blessed Sacrament than He was during His mortal life on earth."
-St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier

Back to School

This week was our first week with the students at the school! They had a half day on Wednesday and then the regular full day schedule on Thursday and Friday.

In the mornings, I start in the music classroom with the choir 1st period, instrumental music 2nd and 4th periods, and drama during 3rd period. I'm singing in the choir because there's only 3 other girls in the class. All the girls are preparing solos and then we'll all do a song together. I'm really excited to be singing again! We're singing "Only Hope" from A Walk To Remember, which is definitely not my favorite song, but it just feels good to be singing :) During instrumental music, I help another girl with her piano song. Again, everyone is preparing solos in this class... In the drama class, they're thinking about writing their own musical about stopping bullying and using popular pop songs for the music... the faculty wants them to take it out "on the road" to schools in the area. I think it's such a great idea- I hope it all works out! :) Once things get rolling with that I'm sure I'll be helping a lot with writing scripts, helping students prepare songs, etc.

5th period is lunch and it's pretty much like eating at an Italian deli every day... the chefs at the school studied in Italy and make these awesome homemade meals for the students for lunch! They also have really good salads so I've been having a salad and fresh veggies every day fur lunch... nom nom nom

In the afternoon, I help in the office and in a gym class. 2:45 marks the end of the school day and by that time, I'm exhausted :) I tried getting up every day at 5:30/6ish to work out before school... I'm hoping my routine lasts ;) We have access to the school's fitness room with weights and treadmills so maybe I'll go in there when the weather is too crumby for running.






Last night, a few of us went into a nearby town, Redbank, and went to a couple bars there... it's SUCH a cute town and there are so many cute shops (like the irish shop in the bottom pic above-- ;) thinking of u, ma!). I want to go back and look during the day- not that I can buy much, but it reminds me a lot of old town Foco so I love it already :) One of the places we went was called The Dublin House... we had a little bit to eat on their outdoor patio in front of the restaurant. It was a beautiful night so it was perfect for eating outside... they also have seating and a bar indoors and a back patio bar so we were there for a while. We walked through the town a little and a lot of the restaurants have folding doors/walls in the front of the restaurant that open up in the summer so it feels like the whole restaurant is outside! There are a TON of home decor shops too. Maybe I'll get in touch with a designer here and at least see what the market is like. :)






On labor day we went into NYC for a volunteer picnic with the people from GSV... my friend from CO, Stephanie Pott, was in the city so I also got to see her!! Last summer, we were both doing internships (she was in NY and I was in southern NJ) and we both happened to be in the city one weekend so we met up! It's so crazy that we were both back in the city again!!! Meant to be or meant to be?

Today, my aunt and uncle(my dad's brother) came today to visit me for a little bit and I went to see my mom's sister and mom last weekend. My dad will probably come up this way at some point cuz he's out this way for business trips a lot :) I can't wait to see him!! It's nice to have some familiar faces once in a while :) Missing all my frands and family in CO and WA! xoxoxoxo

Not a fan, Irene, Not. A. Fan

Who survived an earthquake and hurricane in one week? This kid... that's right folks, ur talkin to a well rounded severe weather fightin force right hurrr.... ;) actually it wasn't bad at all and that's a highly over exaggerated statement. The earthquake felt like someone kicking my chair (aka not that big) and the hurricane involved lots of wind and rain.... There were lots of trees down on our property and some flooding in surrounding neighborhoods, but we live on a hill so we were clear of floods. The worst part was losing power and hot water for a few days but we kinda got used to it. One of the tenants of Good Shepherd Volunteers is simplicity... so it was kinda simplicity on steroids- no showers, putting together all kinds of strange meals with the food we had, candle light at night, no drying/straightening hair, no laundry. But really it was only a few days and we survived! :)

This week, we've been getting situated in the school and belay certified (maintaining, monitoring, and helping people stay suspended on a rock wall). They have a rock wall and ropes course on the school campus for the youth- I love it and can't wait to do it with the students. They have so many neat classes and opportunities for the students here like the ropes course, film classes, and a cosmetology class. We also went crabbing yesterday with Ray, our principal, in the bay off the shore. I probably caught 10 crabs but only 2 were big enough to eat. I feel like I've learned so much this week and it's only the first week! I can't wait for this year! Ray's family has also been so wonderful in welcoming the GSVs... His wife and three daughters are so sweet and I have been enjoying getting to know all of them... his daughters LOVE disney and the performing arts... automatic A+ for those kids in my grade book ;)

I may have mentioned this in a previous post but the religious sisters here are absolutely wonderful. They are so hospitable and I feel so at home. I think that has been a major part in helping me transition- I feel so safe and comfortable with them living right below us. They have made us dinner a couple times and were very helpful during the hurricane-- they gave us food, water, and ice to keep the cold food cold. After the hurricane, we helped them rake the entrance road to the school and scrubbed out their pool... They say we don't need to repay them but of course we like to give back so we were happy to help in those ways.

We were also blessed to have one of the previous GSVs from Collier stay with us for a couple nights because her flight home got canceled with the hurricane... so we had a great time getting to know her and drilling her with questions- poor girl was probably so ready to get out of here so no one asked her any more questions! haha... She said she didn't mind because of course she loved her experience here... can't wait to see what the year holds in store for us!

There's a chapel in the convent and I'm thinking about getting up and praying each morning before work. I think it's so important for me to have that time in prayer (which I haven't had recently) and a great way to start the day. Plus i've been running around the campus here- it's so beatufiul and i'll be very sad when winter comes and I can't run outside anymore. There are a few different routes I can take and it's all through the forests with a family of deer every once in a while- very peaceful here :)

That's all for now- i'll post an album on facebook with pics so you can see some of what i'm talking about :)