It's been a while since I've posted an update.

In the past month....

~ my family visited for an extended weekend. It was a wonderful time together...and they spoiled me. We explored downtown, ate out, shopped, etc...but the best part was sharing laughter together. I felt rejuvenated after their visit and am so blessed to have such a wonderful, loving, and supportive family. Oh and my father (bless his heart) drove my car out, all the way from Ohio. He tried selling it in the fall, but to no avail. Somehow things aligned and now I have wheels. It's a strange feeling. After 6-7 months of using public transportation and walking, I sometimes feel guilty just hopping in my car. It is a blessing though after a 10-11 hour day to just get in my car and be home within 15 minutes. I definitely won't take having a vehicle for granted, that's for sure. I feel like I have some of my freedom and independence back.

~ work has been busy. More instructors have been hired, but I think we are still understaffed. There is one shift that always ends in frustration and it mostly has to do with staffing needs and scheduling. The Tuesday swimming shift with the adults is a pain. We are short male staff on those afternoons and there are quite a few male participants who require assistance with changes. A few weeks ago, it was really bad and one of our male staff (who is fairly new) was not helping people as needed. I eneded up being a half hour late for my drop-offs. It's interesting to see how a system works when everyone is team-oriented and self-less. And then one person puts a small glitch in that system- it doesn't just affect that one person, it affects everyone because we are connected to each other. The same might be said for my housing situation. Granted we aren't as interconnected as say my work environment. But when you have a small unit arrangement- one person out of three makes for a large percentage of the vibe. I still struggle with my one housemate's personality and social awareness. It's an ongoing battle and I continually need reminders from God about patience and respect.

~ I've been hanging out with two guys from church a lot more. Which has been fun, but also makes me feel another hole in my life for girlfriends. I really appreciate these guys and they are good friends, whom I feel I can share my experience with and other joys and trials of life. I feel blessed to have their friendships and sometimes think, if I didn't have them- who would I hang out with? Good question... but I am looking forward to some fun times this summer.

We are getting closer to summer camp at work...this makes me excited and a little nervous. It means tripling our kids and hiring 40 some additional staff. I've heard mixed reviews, like either you love it or hate it. And the days are long and tiring. My term ends at the end of August...and it feels more real when people talk to me about my future plans or me leaving. I think I have mixed feelings somewhat. Especially since there are so many great people in the congregation and I am enjoying Denver and Boulder's options for entertainment and fun. But somehow that isn't enough and still leaves me feeling mediocre.

I feel like some of my experience can be attributed to this being my first year out of college. The last four years of my life were filled with quality social interaction, friends right and left, a nurturing Christian environment, etc. Plus college is a sub-reality and basically just fun mixed in with learning. So of course that has been adjustment to this year. To put myself into a place where I didn't know a soul, let alone had never visited...that's a huge step. And I chose Boulder...even though I knew it was small unit. That was a gamble. Put I still played it. So I don't know what I'm saying...I suppose...that I made decisions and was brought to this place. I don't regret it by any means...if anything this year has taught me patience and servanthood. Challenges are a part of the journey and they have developed my character and changed me.

God continues to be faithful and provides. I really shouldn't complain, considering the huge blessings I have in my life and the love and support that I receive.

Our choices do reflect on God's reputation, our witness in the world, and our fellowship with Him. But God will never reject His people, those who are truly His. The Lord cannot and will not forsake His own. (Heb 13:5)- From Our Daily Bread-