Another Post :)

Hey everyone!

This week was a FAST one, surely because we didn't have work on Monday, but I think even if we would have worked it would have flown by. It was just that kind of week. So there's not much more to say as far as what we do. It's pretty much been the same jobs...kind of random tasks in the morning and then playing with kids in the afternoon. I still absolutely adore the kids. I don't think I'll ever get over that. My heart goes out to so many of them though. This town is filled with poverty which brings alcohol and drug use. And unfortunately it also brings child abuse and neglect. We've had multiple incidents where the children tell us about something that's happened to them, and sometimes it's really hard to take. Of course we talk to staff, and follow everything we're supposed to do. Nevertheless, it's a really hard thought to shake sometimes. I'm not really sure where I'm going with this, and it just makes me sad to think about. So I'll move on.

It's CRAZY that this round is almost over though. I just can't believe it's almost been two months already. It seems like we just got here and were actually surprised to have TV, WiFi, laundry on site, and all that jazz. It's going to be tough to leave. It really messes with your head to be so familiar with a place and people and then just like that you up and leave. One person in particular is the Unit Director at the branch club that I get to work at on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons..her name is Sara and I have so much respect for her. I think it's hard for some of the staff here to really give effort into getting to know us and make us feel welcome. They're used to so many people coming in and out, it's probably not worth their time to get too invested in us. But Sara treats us different, and I'm so thankful for that. I've gotten so close to her that I actually asked her to write a letter of recommendation for me for graduate school. And while she's pretty much the busiest person I know, she of course got it done in like, 2 weeks. It's going to be so tough leaving her because let's admit it, I'll probably never see her again! I guess all you can do is be thankful for the people you meet and the time you get to spend with them, so I'm sure trying!

On a different note, I read my teamate and friend Alyssa's blog the other day and she did a neat little "Lists of 5" thingys that described our project. I'll copy her and do a few :)

Top 5 names that kids refer to me as:
1. Staff
2. Americorps
3. Teacher
4. girl
5. Abby (if I'm lucky)

My top 5 favorite things to do with the kids (no particular order):
1. Xbox kinect (they usually beat me)
2. Arts & Crafts (glitterrrrr!!!)
3. help them with their homework
4. hula hoop
5. play with them in the park

5 things I typically have on me during work
1. phone
2. chapstick (it's SO dry here)
3. schedule for the day
4. usually some kid's toy, glasses, artwork, etc.
5. there's also usually a kid clinging to my arm or leg

I think that's enough for now..maybe i'll think of some more funny lists and share them. Hope everyone is doing well at home, I've been really starting to miss it lately. I cannot wait to (hopefully) come home over Easter! :)

xoxo,
abby