Hey everyone. Below is an update I sent to my fellow Mission Interns and US-2's. It pretty much sums up my current situation(still waiting for my visa). It was written on 9/16/07.
So I don't really feel like I am a Mission Intern yet because I'm living in the same place and working p/t at the same place. What has been WONDERFUL is that I've been able to hang out with others in my program: David (Jerusalem and Nazareth), Lindsey K (Phillipines), Jamie (General Board of Church and Society in DC), Rebecca (Church World Service in DC), and Katy (Foundry UMC in DC). Yesterday, on my birthday :)(9-15-07), Alycia, Dakin and Sara came down from NYC and Jamie, Rebecca, Katy, Roger, a couple of my friends from work, Jamie's friend Jessie, and I went to the Anti-War protest. It was a perfect day for the protest, not too hot, not too chilly. And a perfect way to spend my birthday! I am grateful to be close to the DC ladies, Lindsey K and David, it has helped me to feel a little more like a mission intern and to feel connected to our communty. And it was so good to see Alycia, Dakin, and Sara. (Dakin and Sara are the regional directors for Latin America and the Carribean, for those of you who don't know) (Alycia is my Missionary in Residence of Young Adult Programs, MIRYAP for short)
Something else that I am very grateful for is that I've been able to see many of my high school friends that I've stayed close to over the years. These are the friends that we always say that we should hang out, but never get around to it b/c we get caught up in life. Work, kids, etc. Always excuses. But because I'm leaving...more effort has been made and I've gotten to spend quality time with some very dear friends. I should leave the country more often... In fact, I've had so much fun over the past month, that I don't know if I want to leave. HA. YEAH RIGHT! But it has been a good lesson in priority of relationships and community. For sure.
So, although it has been frustrating with my visa situation, I have been enjoying life and I feel very blessed to be where I am right now.
Something else that I am very grateful for is that I've been able to see many of my high school friends that I've stayed close to over the years. These are the friends that we always say that we should hang out, but never get around to it b/c we get caught up in life. Work, kids, etc. Always excuses. But because I'm leaving...more effort has been made and I've gotten to spend quality time with some very dear friends. I should leave the country more often... In fact, I've had so much fun over the past month, that I don't know if I want to leave. HA. YEAH RIGHT! But it has been a good lesson in priority of relationships and community. For sure.
So, although it has been frustrating with my visa situation, I have been enjoying life and I feel very blessed to be where I am right now.
Here's a picture from the protest. In it are: Rebecca Yount, Alycia Capone, Jamie Michaels, Katy Wheat, and me. Rebecca, Jamie and Katy are US-2's serving in DC and Alycia, my MIRYAP.
