Whirlwind

Saturday seems so long ago already! My trip to Orlando/Tampa went by so fast it seems.  I left early Saturday morning for Orlando to do a service project at one of the service sites there, an assisted living place for disabled adults.  After a few hours there and catching up with some of the other volunteers, I hit the road for Tampa.  After hanging out with Cristina for a bit and having dinner, I met up with my friend Cub's family.  (His real name is Lucas but his camp name is Cub so it doesn't feel natural to call him by his real name.)  His all-star football game was at Buccaneer Stadium which was pretty neat.  Surprisingly, the game was pretty chilly and not what his family was expecting.  Cub was able to play alongside another friend from high school so we had a nice little Garden Plain/Kansas section going on in the stands.  Cub and his friend had a great play together in the second half where Cub blocked as his friend went in for the touchdown so that was really exciting for us to see.  Their team won 31-7 which was fantastic! We all piled in the van and headed to go eat some dinner even though it was past 11 by that time.  I spent the rest of the night with his family talking and getting to know them.  His mom teaches in GP and one of his brothers used to work at camp so it was neat to swap stories.  I just really enjoyed being with a family from home, of course.  They flew out the next day so I headed back to Cristina's apartment to get some sleep.

Sunday and Monday were pretty laid back days.  Cristina and I went to Mass together and later went for a run on Sunday but other than that, we just hung out at her apartment and lounged around.  It was nice to hang out with her and spend some time with her instead of our normal phone chats.  I do wish she was closer because I know I'd be able to see her more often but I'm grateful for when I can see her.  We have developed a really great faith-based bond and I know that has helped me grow these past 5 months.  Monday morning we slept in and after a late breakfast, I hit the road for Miami.  I got back a little after 5 but was able to catch with a lot of friends on the 4 hour drive back.  I normally do not get bored on long drives but for some reason, I just could not be with myself on that drive.  My hand had a cramp by the time I got back that evening from holding the phone so much.  I spent that evening unpacking, getting settled, and attempting to finish lessons until I realized our internet was not going to permit that.

These past two days of school seem so long but they have gone so fast.  I went to school early on Tuesday to use the internet only to discover that the internet was down there as well.  I really enjoyed being at school much earlier and just being able to mentally prepare myself for the day.  I might end up being an early-bird teacher next year as long as I can drag myself out of bed.  The rest of the past two days have been spent in the normal routine.

Today my girls brought up the hillbilly questions again and this time they gave me a list of questions for homework to answer.  I have also been getting "tipped" by one of my girls and am pretty sure I'm up to at least $.30 so far! I want to see how much I collect from her by the end of the year.  I should probably do something nice with it like give it to charity. ha ha.

I almost forgot to tell you that I was able to meet with the Director of Campus Ministry at the Catholic campus center I've been going to Mass at.  I met with him yesterday and left feeling more than relieved.  Even though he's only been at Barry (the college) for about two weeks, he has high aspirations for what he wants to accomplish.  I could just feel God working through him and he was so genuine on wanting to help me in my own faith journey.  He offered to do whatever he could as long as I am here and invited me to come to any event they are hosting.  He gave me a few spiritual readings that I think I will really benefit from.  One of them is a reflection that I will start doing each day--focusing on the positives and how God has worked through me that day and then looking at what was not so great and how I would change it for the next day.  He also gave me a book by St. Ignatius that I am excited to read.  It was such a huge relief and really strong moment for me knowing that God was completely working in that moment because Tony (the director) did not have to come up to me after Mass or continue reaching out to me.  God really wanted me to work on my own individual faith these past 5-6 months because He knows how blessed I was to have a community right there all my life.  Even if I do not get extremely involved, I know that this will be a good influence on my life down here and that God will be there each step of the way.

I have been making treats most of the evening for Julissa's birthday tomorrow.  I forgot how time consuming baking can be sometimes.  We also finally were able to get our internet fixed, not that it affected any of you a whole lot but I can finally do school work at the apartment again.  I have to go finish the cupcakes but have a great second half of your week.  I can't believe January is already halfway over! Where has this month gone?

Good night and have a peaceful day!