Homeless at Home

This past weekend, I was waiting in the car for Sean to pick me up from Sara's apartment to go grocery shopping. I didn't have a book (a surprise, I know), so I started praying. I asked God to open my eyes. Daily in Nashville, I ponder my role in life, the lives of my students and the people my community serves, how I can overcome any stereotypes or misconceptions I hold, and many more things. In my hour to and hour from school, I have time to stare out the window and really take time and think. Before JVC, I thought about these things, but I certaintly didn't ponder life and it's joys and challenges for hours everyday. I was afraid that returning to Peoria would cause me to fall into a comfort zone where I put on shades and ignore things that I have been seeing in Nashville.

Luckily, God threw my eyes wide open. I looked around downtown Peoria and saw all of the homeless gentlemen. I didn't do anything different, but I felt "ruined." I couldn't sit there and say, "Oh, that is too bad." Instead, I began wondering how those men became homeless. I prayed for their warmth and safety. My brain refused to return to it's prior state.

Again, when we went to Chicago to see "White Christmas," I was drawn to the homeless. Because I was with my sisters, I didn't talk with any person very long, but I really wanted to grab a spot on the sidewalk and have a chat. The one guy I met called himself Napoleon Bonaparte. Pray for Napoleon in Chicago.

During the winter, I often tell people to stay warm. Rather, pray for those without heat or without homes to stay warm.

Dreaming of Christmas

Sorry that I haven't written in so long. School has been crazy and then I got a little break for Thanksgiving. I'll break my life into different areas so I can catch you all up on the happenings in Nashville.

FAMILY-My parents visited for 4 days over Thanksgiving break and it was incredibly nice. We went thrift and vintage shopping, say Belmont Mansion and the Hermitage went to a Predators game, ate out, and watched a movie. They let me crash at the hotel, which was a nice change. The first night I was glued to the television. I didn't care what I was watching. I just wanted to see what type of TV shows was on. We ended up watching Cash Cab. It is amazing how easily I can be entertained. At Goodwill, we picked up some clothes, movies, and Christmas decorations. I'm happy that I was able to spend some time with my parents. Even when living at home, I saw them a lot but most of my time was with friends, working, school, etc.

SCHOOL-School is rough. Some days I make it through with energy to go to the gym and "get ripped" as Scott likes to say. Other days, I'm lucky to make it home...and then back to school the next day. I've realized that this school is not the right place for me. I can do good things here and will continue to thrive on my little successes. A co-worker described it as culture shock when she was talking about her experience at SCA last year. After she explained, I think I completely agree. I'm working in a culture where disrespect and defiance towards adults is commonplace. I'm trying to be nurturing within an environment of yelling, bullying, and fighting. I'm shocked by it all and frustrated that I have to accept things as they are. Every day, I look at the 6 of 26 who listen, treat myself and others with respect, and are goofy and I am thankful. I am thankful that they are with me every day to make things a little more tolerable.

HAITI-My church's sister parish has fallen out of contact with us so the trip is on hold. Fr. Carre is trying to find another parish that I can help when they go for mission trips later in the year. Cross your fingers! Going to Haiti is really important to me.

LIFE-Life is good. I might really dislike my job, but my community, family, and friends have been incredibly supportive. I really enjoy my little church more and more. Celebrating the holidays with my JVC community has been really nice. Our Thanksgiving dinner was a mixture of donations from the employees of Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement. The turkey came out perfectly as did our decorations and Christmas card. If you've seen the picture, you are probably asking yourself, "Is Scott wearing a skirt?" In truth, he is. Jimbo wanted us to dress up for Thanksgiving dinner, something that Scott rarely does. Jimbo suggested that Scott find something without holes (Scott did Habitat for Humanity last year so a lot of his things have holes). In retaliation in the funniest way, Scott wore clothes donated to the homeless center that he works at. So, our lovely Scott Newhouse IS wearing the hottest ladies' fashions! That Christmas picture perfectly represents the community. It is beautiful!

HOME- I know feel like I have 2 homes, but I am coming back to Peoria on December 16th. I’m SOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED! I’m going salsa dancing on December 17th, which will probably be the highlight of my year. I miss salsa so much. I’ll also be visiting the Penguin Project, taking Joe out, seeing friends, and spending time with family. If you want to meet up, just shoot me an email (cswanson@mail.bradley.edu) or call.

HEAT!!!

Growing up, my dad kept our house quite chilly! I was used to wearing gloves downstairs and using my rice bag to warm me up. I was not accustomed, however, to my workplace and home being an icebox because of broken heaters. After huddling around a space heater and hitting the Y's sauna all weekend, I was looking forward to a toasty SCA. Sadly, the boiler is broker and the vents are leaking. Right before buying 2 space heaters for our house, my roommate's dad said, "Simple living is keeping the heat low, but it is not freezing!" Despite my complaints, last night I realized that I've had a glimpse into the winter months for the homeless. Even in the south, it gets cold. For those homeless people who don't get into a shelter, they are left to fend for themselves on the streets of Nashville. All humans deserve protection and heat. It is unfair that many people throughout the world spend cold nights huddled in doorways, walking around, or curled up on park benches.

Good news everyone! I’m going to Haiti in January. My church is visiting its Sister Parish. The details are few, but the date is set. January 31st-February 5th!

just fine

Every day, I have probably 6-8 people ask me, "How was your day?" I've realized that I have been responding, fine. At first I was a little surprised, since I normally am more descriptive. I try to give details and to be honest. I thought that I had become one of those people who say fine, but who really isn't feeling that way. In truth, work is fine. It is not bad, miserable, or like hell. It is not great, exciting, or fantastic. Work is tolerable. The boys are making some progress. A lot of things are still wrong, obviously, but I can't change them. When we don’t have physical altercations, the day has been a success. Sad, huh, that my standard is so low. For my boys, however, it is hard for them. They argue constantly. Today, when I heard 3 boys helping each other on their worksheet without arguing, I wanted to jump with joy.

Last week, I learned that my student’s grandma died over fall break. This boy already struggles with depression, so I’ve been watching him pretty closely. He has really been struggling. He wants to sleep in class, isn’t paying attention, and is quick to anger. When I talk to him, my heart cries. This little boy has dealt with so much in his 10 short years. I am amazed by his strength (even when it is misdirected). Please, pray for his safety. Please, pray that I can show him how much I care about his happiness and health. Pray that he may find comfort.

Falling for Fall Break

I LOVE FALL BREAK! I spent the weekend at various church events and had a potluck with friends and coworkers. Yesterday, I went to morning mass and then hung out with the refugee elders at Catholic Charities. The rest of the week I plan on watching TV, going to the gym, and spending time with my friend Bilin (visiting from Peoria).

The elders are the cutest things known to man. One man from Iran and another one from Somalia spent time practicing a skit for their upcoming talent show. The two are George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The skit is a little hard to understand, but they are both dedicated to the performance and I'm sure it'll turn out wonderfully. After watching them practice, the elders learned about the United States' government. Part of the lesson included identifying pictures of America's first leaders. One guy (from Iran) joked with a woman (from Somalia) that the guy in the picture was her husband. While she didn't get the joke at first, the Americans in the room cracked up laughing. Her husband, you see, is playing Thomas Jefferson in the skit. After a few minutes of explaining and pointing and laughing, finally she got the joke. The 3 hour class was filled with smiles, celebration, friendship, and learning. Really, it was beautiful. Another woman got a call at the beginning of the class from her children. They had landed in D.C. and were calling to tell her that they'd be arriving in Nashville that night. She and 2 of her children came from the Congo 5 years ago, while her 2 other children stayed behind. Finally, Marie Clare gets to see her "babies." The joy she felt filled the room and many of us had tears in our eyes. While the elders are from different countries, speak different languages, and have had very different lives, they are all connected because of their status as refugees. When she shared her news, everyone celebrated. The support the elders give each other (even when they can't communicate in words) is beautiful. It reminded me that support and love can be expressed in very basic ways. Omar saying to Marie Clare, "So happy," and smiling was just as powerful as any other long list of congratulatory words.

Since it is fall break, my coworker's parents are in town from New Orleans. Last night, they took me out to dinner at Brick Top in West Nashville. We had a beautiful meal and conversation. It was nice to connect with my coworker's parents. I think seeing where she has come from will help me understand and support her even more. Her parents have generous and supportive hearts.

With two very different groups of people, I was reminded that humans are good, loving creatures. When humans love and share it with others, life becomes magical.

Paz y amor

Reading Rocks

I am constantly amazed by the support of my family and friends. I get mail frequently and am becoming more and more aware of people who read my blog. Everyone, thank you and keep it coming. This past week, I got a letter from my 11 year old cousin. It was the cutest letter and set of computer drawings. It definitely warmed my soul.

Two weeks ago was Homecoming at Smithson Craighead Academy. Students were excited to participate in different spirit days and to cheer on our undefeated football team to another victory. Our team won the city championships last year (the school’s first year of operation) and it seems as though they are making another run for the top this year. Twin day was hilarious because so many of the students just wore their uniforms and then declared someone in the same color polo to be their twin. I had a group of boys argue about which red shirt classmate was their twin. They can argue about ANYTHING!

I’ve had teaching positions in which time seemed to drag on forever. My days here are the exact opposite. I realized that time flies because we spend SO MUCH time breaking up fights, solving problems, and getting the boys to listen before we even begin to teach. I wouldn’t say that the class is out of control (all though sometimes it is close), but our boys definitely struggle to follow what seems like the simplest instructions. If we let the boys have an ounce of freedom or fun (working in groups, using whiteboards, centers, etc.), they eventually abuse what we’ve have given them. A few of the smartest and well-behaved boys have become disrespectful and barely do any work. Their behavior makes me the most upset because they have digressed so much. Not only is their behavior hurting their learning, but also affecting other students. I’m hoping that after some serious conversations with them and a day of In-school suspension for the entire class that this week will be positive.

Miss Kline, one of the 5th grade teachers, used donorschoose.com to get over $600 worth of books donated to our classroom. We are going to have a grade leveled library filled with new, high-interest books. We started independent reading on Friday and it went pretty well. Today, the boys will be able to choose books from the new library! Their reading will only improve if they read chapter books and do so every day. We can’t rely on them to do it at home, so we are going to take time in reading class. We are SO excited. I also used money donated my grandma and a friend’s parents to buy folders for math and science. I’ve put paper in each folder and labeled them with the subject and students’ names. Like with Language Arts and Social Studies, the folders will be kept in the class. Finally, the boys will have a way to keep track of their notes and homework in all of their classes. Their learning will sky rocket! I’m excited for this week before a week-long fall break!

Paz y amor!

Artist in the Making

I have been a Jesuit Volunteer for 2 months. Wow, that really amazes me! These past 2 months have flown by with a whirlwind of meet-and-greets, community and spirituality nights, soccer games at the Y, hanging out with my community, and attending free or low cost events throughout the city. My job has changed many times (with the most recent change happening this past week—no more Spanish class).

Discussions with some friends this past week really got me thinking about how I want approach this year. I feel as though I have tried to portray my job in an accurate way and I want to continue to do that, no matter my experience. A former Jesuit Volunteer told us a few weeks ago that JVC isn’t about liking your job. It is about serving, learning about the injustices of society, and sharing those with others so they can learn from your experiences, too. I attempt to paint a picture for others that represents my reality. If 80% of my day is stressful (student fighting, disorder, lack of learning, etc.) and 20% is rewarding (working with small groups outside of the classroom, mentoring my coworker, listening to my students’ problems, etc.), then I express those feelings in the proportions that I experience. I refuse to put on an act. Good and bad, I want those I care about to have an accurate portrayal of my year. I pray that you’ll see it as me being ‘real’ versus negative. I hope that those proportions will get more even or even reverse before my year is over!

When I wrote my sister Sara about the overwhelming number of changes that need to occur at my school in order for these children to experience success, she shared some inspirational words with me. She wrote, “Most importantly. Don’t fear. If you haven’t fixed everything at the end of your time there, well it’s not failure because you’ll still have succeeded in making some change for the better. Right? Get excited. You have a canvas that is grotesque and you can use ANY colors you want to paint it beautiful. You are the artist. Let your creativity flow and be confident that the painting you end up with in May will be far lovelier than what you see today.”

Her words encouraged me. I look at this past week and try to count all of the little changes, or brush strokes that I added to my canvas. I have 2 students who are reading novels at home and when they finish work. They are not only staying out of trouble in class, but also enriching their learning experience. During my lunch period, I’ve started tutoring an eighth grader in Spanish. He has learned to say his name, the difference between feminine and masculine words, and even gained a greater understanding of the “macho” culture evident in many Latino cultures. I had another student proudly tell me, “I’ve been so much better today, Miss Swanson. Don’t you think?” All of those experiences were drops of yellow falling onto my experience.

Right now, my canvas is a dark, saddening mixture of blue, black, brown, and gray. In the corners and across my large canvas are drops of yellow, red, pink, and orange. I am hopeful that those drops will turn into splatters, which in turn will become blotches and so on. Realistically, I know that when I leave next August that the canvas will still have darkness, but I’m confident it’ll be much prettier and filled with color.

New Beginnings

I just wanted to give a quick little update to all of my loyal readers....

School--I've been riding the school bus home, but I think I've found a way that I can rotate between having a ride and taking the bus. Yesterday, for the first time, I used my time well. Instead of playing bus monitor and arriving home with an upset stomach and headache, I worked for 30 minutes after school on my lesson plans and grades. When I left, I was done for the day. I'm productive during the school time when I plan, but unfortunately, it is never enough. Those extra minutes after school with Internet and printing access made a huge difference. I've realized that being a teacher and not having a car or Internet at home doesn't work very well. When I signed up to be a teacher freshman year of college, I knew that I'd be spending a lot of time working outside of work. Throughout college, I had access to the resources necessary to be an effective teacher (computer, Internet, library, etc). Here in Nashville, working outside of work is highly inefficient (a pet peeve of mine) and overall frustrating. Last week, for example, I would look through my textbooks, come up with ideas, and write them on a sheet of paper. I would think about games and activities, but couldn't create them without Internet. I knew that many things that I wanted to do could be found online. I was confident that with a little of time on Google, I'd have the flashcards, games, rubric, etc. I needed or something close to it. I am grateful that I now have a way to work and be productive! woot woot! I'm impressed by teachers who do it all themselves in areas that have so much less. My struggles, in comparison to theirs, are minute.


Life--Life is happening (good and bad.

GOOD-I'm teaching 1st-3rd grade students at a local Catholic Church called Holy Name. It is my new parish and I absolutely love it! A large portion of the parishioners are Haitian refugees/immigrants and their children. The priest is actually from Haiti, too. It is a small, yet diverse community of believers that love each other and God. It brings me such joy to have found MY parish so early in the year!

BAD-We have mice and my roommates each as much or more sweets than I do. It is hard to have will power when 5 or more people are indulging by you. Good thing we have free memberships at the YMCA which is literally across the road from my house. phew!

paz y amor :D

Second Anniversary of our Two Week Anniversary

Life has been sooo busy! Well, busy for a JV. Wednesday we went to the Rhyman and saw "She and Him," and then on Thursday we celebrated Colin's birthday at Beyond the Edge’s Happy Hour before going to the Titans preseason game. Following the Titan's win, I accompanied Scott to watch the USC game (No worries, I'm not a Trojan fan yet). Friday, well, I was a substitute at school and then had an 1 1/4 hour bus ride home. To say the least, it was tiring. Saturday involved our typical weekend morning where I wake up too early, work outside, watch Telemundo, and read before everyone else awakes. We had our library run, as usual, before going to Megan’s work for a community celebration. Basically, I danced with some fun homeless guys all Saturday night. :D

Sunday not only had church and gardening club, but also one of our first social outings, a cookout. Sophie joked about having social anxiety about meeting new people. It was with some current and past Vandy students who were really inviting and kind. I met a special education teacher/grad student and someone who works in the YMCA Latino-Achiever program. I plan on using their connections to get involved in those two communities! It was relieving to finally meet people who had the exact some passions as I did. Conversation flowed so easily because our ideas aligned. I was really grateful!

Monday involved more yard work and going to the Percy Priest Dam for an afternoon of sun tanning, reading, and swimming. I enjoyed swimming in the huge, warm lake. I was reminded of swimming in Lake Longbow during my childhood. It is funny how many things I did when I was younger have reentered my life. Swimming in a lake (not a clean pool) is just one of them. We concluded the marathon of activities last night with a reflective (as usual) community night. Those nights are a bit tiring because we begin at 8:30 p.m., but I do enjoy having someone else lead our conversation and make it meaningful. I have meaningful conversation every day, but not always with every member of my community. Answering specific questions and responding to articles allows me to hear what everyone has to say.

School is still a little unorganized, but I’m careful to not overextend myself. I want to be a good community member, excel at living simply, be intentional with my relationship with God, and work for social justice at Smithson Craighead Academy. I do not want to be so overloaded with work that my attention to the other tenants of JVC suffers. Every day I get better at the tenants and learn more about myself, God, and others. Paz!

Lessons Learned after 3 weeks in JVC

It is amazing how my life can go from miserable to amazing in a day. I'm so grateful that I've had a second chance at Smithson Craighead Academy. The 5th grade (where I was meant to be) is challenging, to say the least, but I love it anyway. I thought that changing jobs meant I was giving up on the high school students. Sister Sandra helped me realize that I wasn't giving up, but rather finding the service that was best suited for me. Here are a few things that I've learned so far.

1. I'm meant to teach children from Latin America.
2. I'm meant to dance often.
3. I'm meant to have friends, work with, raise, etc. people with disabilities.
4. I'm meant to teach teachers to teach.
5. I'm meant to work with elementary and middle school students.
6. I'm meant to sit on the porch at night, drinking sweet tea, and shooting the breeze.
7. I'm meant to find happiness in living simply.
8. I'm meant to learn about other people, places, foods, dances, etc.
9. I'm meant to build community everywhere that I go.
10.I'm meant to take time on the weekends to do nothing.
11.I'm meant to have children of other ethnic and racial backgrounds.

More than anything, I'm meant to love and be loved.

This week during spirituality night, Courtney asked, "Why do you do what you do?" My answer, "To spread love."

So go, my few and loyal readers, and spread love. I'm busy doing it down here in Nashvegas.

P.S. I can't seem to get a good spellcheck and don't have time to proofread. Please excuse my errors. Paz

New Beginning :D

After telling Sister Sandra that I needed more resources for high school, she decided to offer me a different position! She realized (with my help) that I never wanted to teach the high school. Since I was originally hired to teach 5th grade, I'm happy to report that I'm now coteaching with a young, Teach for America teacher and also serving as a coach. I'm using my experience with small groups, differentiation, and special education to help teachers instruct their students using best practices.

Community life is still going pretty well. We've started watching documentaries together a few nights a week. I really like it because we're all learning about new things and can discuss our responses to it, too. Our dinner situation is quite hilarious. We currently eat a lot of rice, beans, spaghetti, and vegetables. Basically, we rearrange those ingredients every night to make something new. It is good and pretty healthy. The funny part is that most of us have large sweet teeth/tooth/s (I don't know). Sophie and I made a yummy vegan cake and Scott's made delicious peanut butter cookies. We're quite lucky!

One Week Down...

So, I've been in Nashville for just over a week, but it seems like I've lived here for a really long time. Between seeing the community of East Nashville, taking walks, talking for hours on our front porch, eating and cooking as a community, and working, I have fallen into a laid-back, yet busy life. Every week we have a community night and then later in the week a spirituality night. We plan the spirituality night (last week was awesome and included art, prayer, yoga, music, a St. Ignatius Spiritual Exercise), the community time is orchestrated by former JVs. We have 3 former JVs who are our support people. They counsel us and are our go-to people here in Nashville. We went to the Family Wash Thursday night to see Paul Burch & WPA Ballclub. Chris Scruggs was their guest artist on guitar which was a special treat. Ed, one of our support people, bought the drinks and even my molten chocolate cake. Yum! Nashville has a lot of free or cheap entertainment options, especially during the summer. Sophie's famous quote is, "I'll do anything that is free." I really thought that the city would intimidate me, but in reality it is easy to get around. I'm saying that though because a few of the JVs in my house have Iphones. We just look up directions and go where we want. So, maybe that previous statement is mute. We'll have to see when friends come to visit.

So school, well, hm, what to say? School is really rough. It is hard to say that. I love the 4 tenets of JVC and want to love my job, but I just can't right now. I've come into a really rough place where the students don't respect themselves or others (especially their teachers and even more so their White teachers). It kills me that I have to fight extra hard for their respect. Yesterday, my entire afternoon was filled with diffusing arguments, breaking up fights, trying to explain dialect differences between Black English and Standard English, and talking to staff, security, and parents. To say the least, it was emotionally tiring.

On Thursday, when I had the class ask me questions so they could get to know me, one girl asked, "Why would you put up with us?" It was such a shocking question that it took me a minute to respond. I eventually explained, "I believe you are all young, bright, talented, funny, caring, and respectful young adults. I have faith that you will learn to show those things to me, other staff members, and your classmates." Probably the best part of my jobs is being able to use Jesus as an example when counseling or asking them to dig deep within to find the root of their disrespect. Yesterday, I felt God on my heart, so I piggy-backed the other teacher after she had a discussion with the whole class. It was freaking amazing. I didn't think a single thought. All I did was let the Holy Spirit speak through me. And do you know what? Some of them got it. They apologized and improved their behavior for the rest of that period. I guess I'll consider that my one victory for the week.

I've decided that finding joy in the very very very little things at work is going to have to pull me through until things change around. I have faith that it will get better but fear it might take longer than I can handle.

First Day of School

After a week of orientation and 5 days of in-city orientation and cleaning (eww...our house needed some major help), I'm starting school today. Most of my community members are riding the bus, but since I work in a pretty rough neighborhood and it is hard to access by public transportation, I'm getting picked up. In a few days, I'll have a loaner car from Project Reflect that I'll be able to take to and from school. Internet at home is very weak and goes in and out a lot so I'm hesitant to write anything long. We wouldn't want my great insight to be whisked away by the great internet-god, would we? Off to start teaching 9th graders!

Here and Ready to Begin

I am living with 6 other Jesuit Volunteers (JVs) in Nashville in a pretty quiet neighborhood. We have some great neighbors who keep an eye open for us. Yesterday, we went to the Tomato Festival. Apparently, East Nashville is a very trendy/hippie area where a lot of artists live. The festival was filled with original art, eco-friendly small businesses, and one of a kind jewelry, clothes, etc. It was the first time I felt the affects of living simply. 2 weeks ago, I would have purchased a handful of things and not thought twice. Instead, we all spent about $3 of cool drinks/treats and ate all of the free samples, collected coupons, and enjoyed the live, free Nashville (blues, mostly) music. With the music playing, I definitely realized I wasn't in Peoria. I looked around, hoping I'd run into one of my dance friends who would want to bust a move with me. Luckily, one of my community members likes dancing, too. We did a little, but the temperature was over 90 and no one else was dancing, so our moves ended rather quickly.

Our house was not in the best condition. Structurally, it is not too bad. The cleanliness, however, is another story. I've spent hours cleaning the house and it is far from acceptable. Last night was tough because I wanted to relax with my new community members, but I was so overwhelmed by the dirty walls and disorganization that I cleaned instead! Seriously, cleaning our house at 10:30 pm on a Saturday night is not fun. I can't wait to get it all done!

Heading into the Unknown

Unfortunately, I don't have very much time to reflect on my last week in Peoria. Stated simply, I was busy! I filled every minute with friends, family, and last minute moving preparations. I'm off to salsa dancing and then a camping/hiking trip with Danielle Wood! She'll drop me off in IN where I'll begin my week-long training! Here I go!

One Week to my Dream

I can't believe how quickly July has passed. It seems as though I just returned from Ireland and started working in Princeville. Speaking of Princeville, I'm in love. Let me explain, I'm not in love with the little-bitty town or the long drive, but rather their Summer Migrant Program. I feel so blessed that my first official teaching position was with migrants. My passion for working with Latinos has been reinforced ten fold.

It also helped me better understand the impact that moving has on a person's life. I have lived in the same house my entire life! My "big move" was moving upstairs after Sara got her own place. My students move from Texas (December-May) to Princeville (June-November) every single year. Their lives are split in half. Once they become accustomed to school here, they move to Texas (Del Rio or Eagle Pass) and have to readjust to the curriculum and teachers. Working with them has put my move into perspective. Moving to Nashville is nothing compared to what migrants endure every year. I get to be stationary for a year, build a community, make friends, etc. With my migrant students as my role models, I am more confident that leaving Peoria won't be too hard.

I haven't heard anything more about my job lately but on Monday my students are beginning their Basics Boot-Camp under the leadership of Sister Sandra. I wish I could be with them from the start, but I'm confident my transition into teaching them will be well-supported by Sister Sandra and the other staff members. Getting my head wrapped around the curriculum will be the most difficult. It seems as though I'll be responsible for teaching World History, English/Grammar, Biology, and Alegbra I. My girls also have monthly field trips that occur on Saturdays. I really hope that I'll be able to go, too. I have so many logistical questions that I'd like answered, but am unwilling to bother Sister Sandra with things that can wait, but I'd rather know now. Oh well, JVC will definitely increase my patience and comfort with the unknown.

My final week in Peoria will be spent doing my favorite things: working with Joe, working with my migrant students, seeing friends/family, dancing, and seeing my Penguin Project buddies at the Troupe's rehearsal. The day before I go, I'll also be taking one last roadtrip with Danielle Wood. All I know is-

Destination: MO
Activity: Hiking

I'm confident we'll have a great time! Off to start my last few days in central Illinois!

ALMOST THERE (but not quite ready)

I've been having some really mixed emotions lately. I love love love working in Princeville with the migrant children. They are lively, hardworking, fun, open to new activities, and challenging in many different ways. I wish I could teach these children, these 7 kids, for the rest of my life. This is my dream job.

In contrast, I'm moving to Nashville where my students will be high school age (not really my cup of tea) and not speak Spanish. I'm a Hispanic-lover, I know. I know that I'll be able to learn about an entire subgroup of the US by working in Nashville. I find that exciting and know it'll be ridiculously challenging. I have to relearn freshman algebra, english, biology, and world history. I might be learning as much as my students.

Am I scared about moving to a big city and not have a car? a little
Am I anxious to meet my housemates and students? absolutely
Am I afraid of the challenge of living simply? not at all
Will I miss salsa dancing and Forest Park Nature Center? more than you can imagine
Will I miss Peoria/friends/family? of course
Am I ready to grow and learn in my understanding of people, service, God? YES!

15 days and counting

The Start of a Journey

I graduated yesterday and had a big ole celebration with family and friends. I felt incredibly supported because a great mix of people I care about came to bid me good luck as I start a new chapter. Sitting through the marathon-long graduation, I had fun texting other graduates, waving at my parents, and getting lost (for the last time) in a crowd of many at Bradley University. I was able to think back to the last month of honors celebrations, senior celebrations, and professor-parent events. While I was hesitant to attend all of the little events, it was fun nonetheless. After 4 years of hard work, stressful classes, and great times, I am grateful for such a great university and even more excited about moving forward.

This week, I am hanging out with family and friends, working with Joe and at Byerly, and packing for the wedding in FL and then Costa Rica. Megan and I cannot volunteer with Tirimbina so now the entire trip is unplanned! Who would have guessed that organized and over-planned me would be comfortable showing up in a foreign and just seeing how things went. My life is so rick and I am overwhelmed with the changes I have experience. I have no idea where I will be or who I will become August 2011! Here we go!
~Pura Vida!

Friend and Family Letter

May 8, 2010
Dear Family and Friends,

As you may or may not know, I will be leaving August 8th to volunteer with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. I have chosen JVC because it combines Christian values, living with other supportive Jesuit Volunteers, and unmatched guidance and support. I am nervous, excited, overjoyed, and as prepared as possible to leave the comfort and familiarity of Peoria in order to serve others.

JVC is a non-profit organization that assists the Catholic Church with its educational and pastoral activities in mission areas of the United States. I will have the opportunity to integrate my Christian faith into my daily life while working those who are poor and marginalized.

By living simply (no internet, TV, or car), doing justice, deepening my faith, and building community, the four principles of JVC, I will be filled with a greater understanding of those I am serving.

So where will I be living and what will I be doing? Well, I am moving to the country music capital, Nashville, TN. I will be working for Project Reflect at Smithson-Craighead Academy, a Christian charter school, as a fifth grade teacher. Since my compensation is only room, board, and a $100 monthly stipend, I am able to save Project Reflect $20,000. Because I receive no salary, the students, 95% of whom qualify for Title 1 services based on a low socioeconomic status, will have a greater chance of receiving an individualized education.

Since other expenses are involved, including five retreats, two local field support visits by a staff member, and ongoing support program, I am required to raise at least $500 to defray those costs. Throughout the application and now preparation process, everyone has been responsive to my needs, requests, and concerns. Without the support of the JVC employees, the program would not be as successful. I hope that you will take time to consider supporting financially, spiritually, or both.

Donations are tax deductible and through checks made payable to JVC or online credit card donations at www.jesuitvolunteers.org (see attached directions for both). Please call, email, or write if you have any questions.

Throughout the year, I will be keeping in touch through email and my blog, www.colleenruinedforlife.blogspot.com. Whether financial or spiritual, I appreciate your support.

Colleen A. Swanson
309 634-6897

How you can help!
~Checks made payable to JVC or Jesuit Volunteer Corps
*It is crucial that you write that the donation is for Colleen Swanson (either in the memo line or on a separate sheet of paper). If not noted, the money will not be credited to my fundraising effort and it will go to the general fund.
*You may mail checks to:
Colleen Swanson or Jesuit Volunteer Corps
444 Nappanee Pt. 801 St. Paul Street
Peoria, IL 61604 Baltimore, MD 21202
~Online credit card donations
1. Go to www.jesuitvolunteers.org
2. Click the “Donate Now” tab on the top right
3. On the left, click “Send me to serve” and then the icon that appears
4. On the left, choose “Find a JV to Support” and searching with my name
Or
Go directly to my donation page at:
https://atl.etapestry.com/fundraiser/JesuitVolunteerCorps/CelebrateLA/individual.do?participationRef=2315.0.94618697

fundraising fun

The madness begins as I try to fundraise $500 to defray living costs. EEK!!