Smile because tomorrow is another day

its been a while from my last entry...sorry about that...i try i swear...but anyways

So not much to really report. Its April Vacation for the kids so this week has been pretty relaxing during the day but filled with field trips and luckily beautiful weather. Syracuse NY is really not that bad when the sun is out and shining. I had another girls night this time with a little more staff support so that was much more successful.

I officially have a plan after this year. I will be attending James Madison University in Harrisonburg Virginia. They offered me a hall director position, which means free housing and tuition. I am pretty excited about it because when I went to visit I really liked the people I met and the campus was really pretty. I am not so excited about moving again and starting to try and create a life for myself in another city. I have gotten use to Cuse and it is going to be really hard to say goodbye in July. Side note- I finish here July 31st and I am suppose to start there July 26. One that is impossible and two that means I am not home at all this summer, which is going to be hard not seeing my friends and family like I am use to. =(

In the past month I have had both family and friends go through so really challenging stuff,such as depression, eating disorders and dealing with the death of a high school friend. Needless to say, this all has been very tiring on me. I wish I could understand why or have the perfect answers to some of these issues. I have used this time during lent though to pray more often and started attending daily mass at least once a week. It was a nice way to start my mornings and gave me the confidence I needed each day. I realized that while at times my life was not a walk in the part there are always people that have it worse off and so I thank God for what I have been given and go and try and make a difference in others lives.

On another note, FCX had a much needed Lenten retreat the weekend before Easter. It was down at the Jersey Shore and it was wonderful. I really feel like we talked and laughed and just enjoyed each others presence. One day was a day of silence and fasting from anything that we choose. I decided to give up all electronic devices and to not snack during the day. It was challenging for me the big mouth not to talk all day and to really just take it as a day of prayer. My intention was for all those that suffer from mental illnesses especially depression and in memory of Sam. This day challenged me to think about what I am doing with my life both here in Cuse and for the future. It allowed me to think beyond just the job but my goals for the future. I dont know, it was helpful. Feel free to ask I can fill you in on my life dreams and desires HA.


Community life has been going okay. I love my housemates but we do have our moments. However, I am already sad realizing that I will not have a community next year and that we are all going to be in different places in just a few months. Matt and AJ to Boston area. Fem is heading back home to CT, Mary here in Cuse and then John in DC. If I include the Costa Rica volunteers it is even more spread apart =( Ed is off to Florida, Kiz in Costa Rica again, Lara in Cuse then DC and Erin is going to Tulane for med school. Oh well, plenty of nice places to visit I guess.

So much more to write but I got to get going back to the real world.

"Preach the Gospel if necessary use words"