May 24, 2005 17:56
I know its been forever since I've updated, my internet at home has been down, so I've had to use the library computers for e-mail, and there's just not enough time to update! Summer has been great, but its a bit bittersweet, because I miss everyone from school terribly. I've got to talk to a few people on the phone, and Anna sent me the cutest e-card :) I'm going to try to e-mail everyone before I head out to Italy, since I won't know what communications will be like there. As I said head out to Italy, a chill ran down my spine! I can't believe I leave for Europe on Friday!!!! I got an e-mail from Trina, she got to London safely, and gave me directions on how to get to the hostel. I've been dreaming about this for so long it doesn't seem real! But even before Europe I've got to do some awesome things. I spent my first week and a half home with my family, which was wonderful but exhausting, because since that's about all the time I'll be home this summer, my sibs each demanded they have their own special day just me and them, which was fun, I love to see how they've developed as individuals. And then it was off to California! My first time west of Chicago, and its been awesome, though it did take me a while to adjust to the time zone difference. I've been training with Swithin all week, working with 6 different kids, and its been amazing. Each is unique and great, and one has a crush on me, which makes things interesting,,,Swithin exploits it for all its worth, and for me he'll do without complaint things Swithin would have to drag him into, I must say, sometimes its nervewracking, the thought of all this responsibility. The father of the kids I'll be working with called today to discuss apartment options, and it made it feel so much more real-I'll be living independently, as a therapist, before I'm even 20. Craziness! Swtihin, who is not overflowing with compliments, said today that I'm far exceeding his expectations, and he is waiting for the day when I'll be better than him. I don't know if that will ever come, but it made me feel good but at the same time very pressured-what if I'm not as great as everyone thinks I'll be? I certainly don't know why the kids and parents love me the way they do-more than one has asked me when Swithin is bringing me back. I just don't understand, but if it will help me help these kids, I'm grateful for it. It is exhausting work though, and I'm glad I'll have the month abroad before I settle down to do it for the rest of the summer. How the heck did I get blessed so overabundantly? I'm really excited about everything, but a part of me can't wait till school starts again, and I'll see all those I've come to love so much!