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!