While you might have read about my time in St. Louis, I also went home that same weekend. From Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon, I was in a car for over 16 hours! Despite the long drives, I had a blast.
Saturday night I stopped by my grandma's house to say hi before heading home to pick up Megan and Dad. We went to Granite City for dinner with some of my close friends and family before heading over to EP High School for The Penguin Project's rendition of High School Musical 2. Seeing the show from the audience was a treat. Having worked with the artists in December, I had a little insight into how far they had all come. While silly and ridiculous, it was a treat to be entertained by 40+ people having the time of their lives! At intermission, I ran backstage to give hugs and well wishes to my favorite Penguins and mentors. It felt right to be home for that. After the show, I had friends and family over for a game night (a little abbreviated because I was so tired), but fun nonetheless. My sprint home was completed by an omlet for breakfast and a brownie with a candle.
While the 6 hours of driving weren't necessarily simple, I really needed to see the Penguin Project. To say the least, a weekend filled with friends, family, Penguin, and salsa is a dream come true!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Playdates with St. Louis
My roommate Sophie calls our rendezvous with the St. Louis community, playdates. However juvenile that word may seem, it perfectly describes our time together. In December, they came to Smashville for a fun weekend of fellowship, dancing, Jersey Shore attitude, Preds hockey, playing in the snow, and an epic battle for our belongings around the neighborhood. This past weekend proved to be just as fun, but luckily, a little less dramatic.
They greeted us with soup and bread and a killer dance party on Friday night. STL knows how to cook, so while breakfast wasn’t served until 12:00 p.m., it was worth the wait. I left Saturday afternoon for home, but returned a day later. While we ate breakfast, I was entertained with stories about the previous night. Finally, Megan got Monday morning off work, so we piled into the Catholic Charities van and drove downtown to the Arch. We took a few pictures and looked at the museum. I was hoping to visit the zoo, but it was too cold. I guess I’ll have to go when I’m there for Madri Gras in March. Forest Park (which has the free zoo among other things) is only a block from their house.
After a lovely dinner, I was told to get dressed up, but nothing else. Apparently, they had planned a birthday surprise for me. We all put on our “sexy clothes,” and headed out. Chino navigated as I drove us to the Atomic Cowboy. When I entered, I heard music playing in the side room. It wasn’t until I saw the sign listing each night’s music that I realized that they had brought me salsa dancing. Jumping up and down, I gave Sophie a huge hug and sprinted into the other room with the other girls in tow. With my friends’ encouragement, I asked random guys to dance with me, forced the STL and Nash JVs to dance, and just had a great time.
Receiving the present of salsa dancing was so uplifting. It made me aware of how supportive not just my Nashville community is, but how we are all connected. I love sharing stories about community highs and lows, spirituality nights, and everyone’s work experiences. I can’t wait until Re-Orientation when I’ll be able to connect with some other friends and build relationships with the rest of JVC Midwest.
They greeted us with soup and bread and a killer dance party on Friday night. STL knows how to cook, so while breakfast wasn’t served until 12:00 p.m., it was worth the wait. I left Saturday afternoon for home, but returned a day later. While we ate breakfast, I was entertained with stories about the previous night. Finally, Megan got Monday morning off work, so we piled into the Catholic Charities van and drove downtown to the Arch. We took a few pictures and looked at the museum. I was hoping to visit the zoo, but it was too cold. I guess I’ll have to go when I’m there for Madri Gras in March. Forest Park (which has the free zoo among other things) is only a block from their house.
After a lovely dinner, I was told to get dressed up, but nothing else. Apparently, they had planned a birthday surprise for me. We all put on our “sexy clothes,” and headed out. Chino navigated as I drove us to the Atomic Cowboy. When I entered, I heard music playing in the side room. It wasn’t until I saw the sign listing each night’s music that I realized that they had brought me salsa dancing. Jumping up and down, I gave Sophie a huge hug and sprinted into the other room with the other girls in tow. With my friends’ encouragement, I asked random guys to dance with me, forced the STL and Nash JVs to dance, and just had a great time.
Receiving the present of salsa dancing was so uplifting. It made me aware of how supportive not just my Nashville community is, but how we are all connected. I love sharing stories about community highs and lows, spirituality nights, and everyone’s work experiences. I can’t wait until Re-Orientation when I’ll be able to connect with some other friends and build relationships with the rest of JVC Midwest.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Return Home from Home
Returning to Nashville has been an interesting experience. Once I landed, I was anxious to get home and catch up with my roommates. Since Courtney and Scott had worked overnight shifts at Oasis, I was left for a few hours to sew, take a shower, and grab lunch by myself. Once awake, we all went downtown to watch a few football games. It was comfortable, fun, and relaxing...just what I needed. It felt odd that only 3 of us were back, but great nonetheless.
Sunday started the quick return of the rest of my community (minus Megan). After so long apart, our reunion was extremely celebratory. I loved hearing everyone's stories and seeing what gifts they received. James brought back a head scratcher and a Pee Time golf game for the boys' restroom. They both made me laugh and will be a lot of fun. Courtney got Scott a Shake Weight which has prompted a bicep competition and random spurts of working out in the house. Zumba with Sophie was a blast and the instructor was this little white girl who held her own in a very diverse (talent, race, gender, age, etc.) crowd. Caley got me hooked on her class. I'll be back for sure!
School has improved a little bit because I asked to work with really small groups most of the day and am doing so. Half of my day is with the whole class and the other half I spend with 1 or 2 kids per period. Those students are getting much needed attention and I’m allowed to create some of my own lessons. Using the standards taught by Miss Kline, I am plan lessons that correspond but are on a much lower level. For example, the rest of the class is reviewing cause and effect, while my boys are relearning it. I’ve also started working with a 6th grader who doesn’t understand what is being taught, so he acts out and gets thrown out of class. It is rumored that he’s moving, but I hope not. His home life is really rough, so I can’t imagine what a move would cause.
One of my students has been living with his Grandma for a long time. He calls her his mom and she is a tough woman. She makes him do his homework (which isn’t always right, but at least he tries) and has taught him to respect his elders. His dad was recently released from prison, so he came up to say hi to all of us today. He was really clean-cut, articulate, and interested in being involved. I am hopeful that he will be a part of his son’s life, but nervous about the impending transition. Lots of prayers for this little one!
Sunday started the quick return of the rest of my community (minus Megan). After so long apart, our reunion was extremely celebratory. I loved hearing everyone's stories and seeing what gifts they received. James brought back a head scratcher and a Pee Time golf game for the boys' restroom. They both made me laugh and will be a lot of fun. Courtney got Scott a Shake Weight which has prompted a bicep competition and random spurts of working out in the house. Zumba with Sophie was a blast and the instructor was this little white girl who held her own in a very diverse (talent, race, gender, age, etc.) crowd. Caley got me hooked on her class. I'll be back for sure!
School has improved a little bit because I asked to work with really small groups most of the day and am doing so. Half of my day is with the whole class and the other half I spend with 1 or 2 kids per period. Those students are getting much needed attention and I’m allowed to create some of my own lessons. Using the standards taught by Miss Kline, I am plan lessons that correspond but are on a much lower level. For example, the rest of the class is reviewing cause and effect, while my boys are relearning it. I’ve also started working with a 6th grader who doesn’t understand what is being taught, so he acts out and gets thrown out of class. It is rumored that he’s moving, but I hope not. His home life is really rough, so I can’t imagine what a move would cause.
One of my students has been living with his Grandma for a long time. He calls her his mom and she is a tough woman. She makes him do his homework (which isn’t always right, but at least he tries) and has taught him to respect his elders. His dad was recently released from prison, so he came up to say hi to all of us today. He was really clean-cut, articulate, and interested in being involved. I am hopeful that he will be a part of his son’s life, but nervous about the impending transition. Lots of prayers for this little one!
Friday, December 24, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, December 10, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, November 8, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
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.
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.
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