As a new year approaches…I look back on 2010 and think of the things I have learned, the people I have met, the changes that have occurred in my life.
This past year I completed a service term in Boulder, Colorado and many of you have followed me through my journey. In thinking back on my work at Imagine!- I reminisce thinking about the participants I interacted with and the time and passion I was able to put into my work. My job truly opened my eyes, not just to the dignity and worth of each human being, no matter their limitations or abilities. But also to the love, compassion, and hope I found both in my co-workers and participants. Working with those who have developmental disabilities has certainly left an impression on me and a mark on my heart. In retrospect, I miss the work and the people. I think I mostly miss being out in the field and out in the community as much as I was. I don’t know where I will be led vocationally, but could definitely see myself working with this population again. I miss the smiles and laughs, the talks, and the cute little things individual participants were known for.
Also this year I have transitioned into working at Children’s Services of VA, Inc. as a foster care case manager. It was helpful to have some background on the agency, after completing my senior practicum with them. I continue to learn something new every day whether about parenting or how the system works, and combined with the patience and understanding I learned from Imagine! –I feel I could raise a flock of children, no matter their issues. (Lord, willing I’m not requesting this..or any time soon!) Case management is hard work and I’m learning what it means to truly be “the middle man”. Paperwork consumes my day and every little detail, phone call, email- has to be documented. My caseload is small and will stay that way for the first year. I often wonder if I could really manage a full caseload, as sometimes I feel I’m going crazy with just 4 or 5 clients. I stay busy writing reports, making phone calls, and going on home visits. The only thing about having a small caseload is that I don’t have as many children to go see- leading me to a lot of office time. Which I am not keen on. I miss the frequent, daily interaction with clients and sometimes feel that I don’t have the skills to offer a foster parent guidance with parenting and problematic children, when I am not a parent myself and actually quite young. But alas, I continue to plod away, trying to be consistent and good at my job. However, I do not feel a life-calling to case management or foster care.
Highlights from this year (whether humorous, ridiculous, or serious):
- Being sick for 4-6 months of the New Year! (sinus infection, cold, bronchitis, black lung, strep throat …okay no black lung..but serious about the rest)
- Dealing with loneliness and disinterest in my “community living” arrangement.
- Winning the March Madness bracket with 75 points. (I did not cheat.)
- Meeting and hanging out with a guy named Asher (later to become my boyfriend J ).
- Having good friends Mary and Jenna visit Colorado.
- Going to the young adult snow camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite camp...this certainly didn’t help the being sick thing.
- Having my basement room flood for a second time and the landlord doing little about it.
- A visit from my parents and siblings...filled with good food, beautiful weather, and quality time together.
- Getting locked in the bathroom for 9 hours. I think I could set a world record. But it’s not exactly good for one’s mental health. Makes for an entertaining story though.
- Trip to Ohio: Being in my good friend, Jenna’s wedding and seeing family from near and far at a family reunion.
- Having Seth and Theresa visit while on their road trip through the west…great times!
- Lots of Rockies games over the summer with a church small group…lots of twizzlers and “Party in the U.S.A.”!
- Fun outings spent with Asher…finally in the same place for a few months..whew.
- A ridiculously awesome 23rd birthday- tubing down Boulder Creek (fearing death or serious injury!), free lunch at sub shop, relaxation, and Japanese Steakhouse with Asher.
- An overall splendid summer filled with poolside fun, BBQs, hiking, friends, family, and other fun activities.
- Finishing my term with MVS and saying good bye to participants and co-workers that I had built rapport and relationship with for a year…tough.
- Spending a week “vacationing” in Boulder…
- Saying “adios” to Boulder, Asher, and lovely church friends.
- Transitioning to Harrisonburg, after a week spent in Ohio…whoa tiny apartment and being on my “own”.
- Meeting and falling in love with my niece, Amarisa JoyAnn.
- Learning my new job and getting to know my co-workers and clients.
- Asher visiting at the end of October! Hiking, good food, DC trip.
- Dealing with some personal issues and figuring out where I stand and what it is to be an adult.
- Adjusting to living alone and cooking (or not), paying bills.
- Holidays spent with family…always a pleasure.
Whew…lots of things have happened…it’s amazing to look back at a year and the progress one has made…despite challenges, bad health. I have grown a lot and overall am pleased with 2010, even if it wasn’t all easy or pleasant. I have said “goodbye” and “hello” to a lot of things…and look in anticipation at greeting the New Year, 2011. I have much to look forward to and have plans for self-improvement and growth once again.
I wish you all a Happy Year…not just celebrating life and newness on ONE day…but all 365. God has blessed us beyond belief. May we feel His presence in a fresh and new way these coming 365 days. May we love more passionately and see more clearly. May we be kind, compassionate, and true to our word.
Blessings and much love,
Lindsey
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