A whole month!!!

Wow. I can't believe it's been a month since I've updated. I'm so bad at this. It's been one hell of a month too. Times were tough for a long while. City Year is amazing, but intense. It kind of started to hit everyone. I was taking it in stride until Laurent left. Then things were pretty much rock bottom. I was still loving it. I mean, who wouldn't love hanging out with kids and when you aren't hanging out with them you're planning ways to teach, inspire, and connect with them. But it's typical to get burned out and we were all feeling that. But the couple weeks before Thanksgiving break things started to miraculously look up. My team had been having some issues, which were finally resolved. The connections with our kids were getting stronger and they were filling us with this unbelievable energy. So now I feel myself on the steady climb up. Back to the top of mountain where I know I belong because let's be honest. I dig this place, this work we're doing, and I wouldn't trade this experience for any other.

Jill, Kristen and I went up to Lilly's parents' place for Thanksgiving. It reminded me a lot of my dad's and that helped with the homesickness that comes along with the first holiday away from family. But my family here was a great substitute. I definitely can't wait to go back to Georgia over Christmas. Two whole weeks!!! I know it's going to fly by, but I'm going to soak up as much dad, lexie, leigh, mom, sarah, brooke, ashley, katy, layton, meredith, Athens, and pure Georgia goodness as much as humanly possible. I'm sure Koda and Falkor are going to soak up as much farm time as caninely possible.

Jill and I have been checking out the Unitarian Universalist church here. I really like it, but I've been reminded lately of what attracts me to seminary so much. It's made me think about the importance of finding a Presbyterian church here. This past weekend I went to University Pres and it seemed to fit nicely. It's kinda small, but not too small. There was an inviting group of young adults and decent youth group that I can be involved with. What really sold me is this SOL learning center the church runs. And starting in January one of the classes you can sign up for is cooking: quick, fresh and local. Needless to say I'm definitely sold. I think it's important for me to find an outlet other than City Year. As much as I love living, breathing and embodying City Year to the best of my abilty, I know it'll be healthy for me to have something else passionate in my life.

That's all the updating for now. More to come soon, I promise.

Peace.