In the basement of a school, which is freezing.
Eating out of a soup kitchen, which is hearty and delicious but not so healthy.
I am overwhelmed with the realization that next transition means I am half way done with this program and I still have no idea with what I am going to do with my life when it is over.
One could say my life is kind of shitty right now.
But I am so in love with it.
Exhaustion? Who cares. I still get out of bed every morning with joy.
The work is tedious and boring. I sit on my butt all day either in front of the computer doing data entry or labeling bags that will be filled with goodies come Christmas. I eat candy all day to help stay awake and inhale incredibly weak coffee. It makes me feel gross, fat, and lethargic.
I can't tell you how much I love this project. It's not the most fun right now, but in a couple of weeks I am sure we will see the pay off. One more week of computing and labeling and we begin mall set up. I'm working with the Salvation Army to help organize and setup their Christmas Tree Angel Program, have I mentioned that? We're giving children a Christmas! That's so great.
I am really really happy.
I have some goals I would like to have accomplished by December 16 which is the day we leave.
PT goals: run 1.5 miles in 14 minutes, strengthen my upper leg muscles (I am already beginning to see definition!), 20 real pushups (none of that on-your-knees-shit).
SLI goals: (its AmeriCorps jargon, I'm too lazy to explain)
Personal goals: money, relationships, inner happiness. I don't want to go into detail on the world wide web.
 |
| Labeling! We label the bag, the angel tag, and tape the tag to the bag. Then a counter counts ten, a checker checks the number/names, then we box 'em up. |
 |
| Chels, rubberbanding her ten count like a pro |
 |
| Denny with the data entering. |
 |
| These fools, getting things done because that's how we do in the AmeriCorps. |
Because a coffee filled Ashley, is a happy Ashley.
I'm an alum and try to keep up with NCCC news and found your blog as part of a google search. I normally wouldn't comment, but your post brought back many fond memories.
ReplyDeletePlease know that what you are doing is so worthwhile, I find it hard to put into words. Ya'll are changing the world. Especially for those kids who will benefit from the work ya'll are doing right now.
Service is not always glamorous, but it is rewarding. Keep your head up and enjoy the happy moments.
Send our best to your team and know that you all (and all CM's, TL's) are in our thoughts and prayers as you complete this service.
Thanks for your service.