In Virginia

My Work

I haven’t been outside all day today and there are no windows so I don’t know what the weather is even like. The florescent overhead light has been on all day and makes it feel like there is some light, but I hate the contrast and feel. I pretty much read through the whole manual throughout this morning and early afternoon and then sat in on a VEMAT meeting. VEMAT (Virginia Enhanced Maintenance Assessment Tool) is an annual check-list that gets reviewed for a child, looking at emotional, behavioral, and physical/personal care needs. Depending on how the child scores, additional monthly money is allotted to foster families. The higher the score, the more money. This is a new enhanced system and honestly I don’t see how it’s possible to grant more money to families. Where the money comes from when cuts are being made in other places, I don’t know. So I am becoming oriented on this assessment tool because it’s new since I last worked here. Tomorrow I go to court for two of my clients. Basically my case load will be 3 sibling groups in 3 different foster families. I am “trainee” status since I didn’t have the needed one-year experience, prior to working here. But I’m fine with that because it means a smaller caseload for the first year.

I am a little intimidated because the lady that I share an office with started in February of this year, but is older and experienced. And then sitting in with families and other caseworkers…I just feel young and innocent. Plus it doesn’t help that I look young and innocent. But as I’ve always thought before, life is what you make it and how you come into a situation. A positive attitude is everything and I HAVE done this work before. But now it’s serious and I am a real case worker here. This is my first real job in more of a Social Work role and needless to say, I’m a little scared. But I know that all things come with time. Everyone at one point in life, starting working and was young and naïve. So here I am world!

My Life

This weekend Josh, Hanna (Amarisa), and I are traveling up to Ohio for my dad’s farewell weekend as part of his resignation from Wooster Mennonite. It’ll be nice to see the church family one last time and reminisce about the last 14 years in Ohio. To some extent it’s sad and sometimes I don’t like changes like this and closing doors of my childhood. But at the same time, I know it’s right for my mom and dad and a good step towards whatever is next in life for them and our family.

My Apartment

Too put it simply…it’s tiny.

Stats:

-Exactly 21 steps from bedroom to kitchen

-3 windows (but 2 of which aren’t worth calling windows)

-Small fridge and stove (the cookie sheets I had purchased don’t even fit in the oven! Haha)

-Lots of wood paneling and built-in storage (almost too much, but this is a good problem)

-Best way to define: Kinda feels like a trailer, just straight back and small

But it’s sufficient for me and I’m waiting for more decorative pieces and furniture to arrive. I’m excited to have a place to myself for once, but also hoping that I don’t get too lonely. It seems that food is more enjoyable when shared with others and that time goes a little faster with internet and T.V. and people J But with a busy schedule at work and plenty of wonderful friends and family around, I think it will quickly turn into a sanctuary for myself to get away and find my peace of mind.

My Thoughts

As the familiar verse in the Bible says, and I’m reminded from the wall-hanging above my work desk; Faith Hope Love: The greatest of these is love. I have received a lot of love already since I arrived. I finally met my little niece after a month (Amarisa Joyann) and am already thoroughly enjoying being around her. I know that my faith and loads of hope will also come into play throughout the year. God is good and has provided me with this job and I’m surrounded by wonderful people to work with. To Him be the glory!

Best wishes to all who continue to read this,

Lindsey