There is so much I have been feeling about my service so far, and I tend to focus on the negatives far more often than the positives. I also have so much more to say than can be written in a blog post! However, in 3rd grade we are talking about different forms of writing. We have twenty minutes of "Work on Writing" and you can write about whatever you want, however you want! And did you know that making lists counts as writing?!?! So here goes:)
The things I love about my life...
- The man that sells newspapers on Garfield and Ashland that says "Good Morning, Sunshine" to me every morning when I walk past! It puts me at ease in a neighborhood that I am not so crazy about.
- The kids. They are exhausting, but there are things every day that I love about them. Erica is a sweetheart, and keeps me going when I am stressed with the class. She looks up at me so ready to learn, and I just have to keep teaching, no matter how tired I am. Chris is difficult, but he has a huge heart. Unfortunately he is the victim of a lot of harassment from the class. He has a hard time paying attention in class, and doesn't have good habits when it comes to taking things that don't belong to him, but when he has my attention and I can work one-on-one with him, he is the greatest kid and works hard to learn. The kids in my class have it rough, and its not easy teaching in an inner-city school, but every day I thank God for the opportunity to touch their lives, and for them to touch mine. I also ask Him for the strength to get through each day, but that is beside the point:)
- I love that I am now getting the opportunity to work with small groups and individuals in my class. And in other classes. The new 3rd grade teacher has been a blessing. She is great with the kids and is doing a great job taking over, and I am happy to have a little less stress and give these kids the education they deserve. And now I can do more things that I am actually qualified for. I'm glad I can help these kids in a way that works for them and for me.
- I love my community. I come home every night and can share my problems, and they listen (at least act like they're listening) while I vent endlessly. Thankfully, this is not the case any more, but the first few weeks were tough at school while I was attempting to manage a classroom for the first time. Thank you Sean and Stephanie, and also Lisa, Julia, Morgan, Erica, and Mike!! You are all such blessings in my life.
- I love Wednesdays!! Every Wednesday night we travel to the St. Martin de Porres convent to share community with four Dominican Sisters of Springfield, and it is my favorite part of the week. Srs. Judi, Judeen, Pat, and Beverly are the most supportive, funny, and helpful people in the world, with the biggest hearts I know! I feel so at home with them, and know that I am loved and I have four wonderful people looking out for me in Chicago. I am so blessed to have them in my life this year.
- I love the support I am getting from the other teachers and the principal. There was a little drama at the beginning, but I am glad to know that it was because everyone had my best interest at heart. And now I am in a much better place, and am finding my niche at the school.
- I love Chicago. The other night, I enjoyed downtown accompanying a friend shopping, I listened to some good free music and enjoyed fireworks at Navy Pier, then went up to the North Side with my roommate to a fellow teachers housewarming party. All before ending the night exploring Boystown! The freedom I have is amazing. I miss my car a lot sometimes, especially when i go home for the weekend, and it's no longer in the driveway, but I also love not having to drive, and the freedom that comes with the L pass.
- I love Pilsen. It's a crazy community, but I love that I feel completely at home. I am not afraid at all, but still conscious of what is going on around me. It is small town enough to where I do not feel overwhelmed by living in a big city, yet it is still in Chicago. I also love the religious and social justice aspects of simply living here. From the murals of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the spray painted "Nadie es ilegal" painted on the wall of a building, I love it!
- I love that I am close to my family. Being around for big things like MY GODSON'S BAPTISM mean so much to me, and is something I have missed in the last four years. I am happy to be where I am. I may not always stay so close (I don't think I'm done with Latin America yet) but I am happy to be here now.
- I love my family. My immediate family, my extended family, my Dominican family, my Reineman's family, my Omaha family, and my campo family (who contacts me regularly and makes me feel terrible about knowing so little Spanish). You are all so great in supporting me through this adventure. I am truly blessed, and feel so loved. Thank you all for being there for me through my life, from the first time I thought of doing a year of service, through discernment, to providing me with the tools I need to make my ministry a little easier.
It's a long list, but all very important and very close to my heart. Shout out to Reineman's True Value, Grandma, and Mom and Dad for providing me with so many school supplies! I feel so blessed and loved to have so many people who care about me. Thank you to all of you who are there for me. I love you all! And miss you so much.
And finally, a Dominican Blessing...
May God Creator bless you.
May God Redeemer heal you.
May God the Holy Spirit fill you with light.
