Bell Ringing

The Salvation Army is one of our community partners at my work. I have the privilege of working very closely with their organization since my site is held at a Salvation Army community center. The work that they do there is simply amazing, they are so involved in the community. Today, my co-workers and I had the chance to volunteer as bell ringers for them. It was an absolute blast! And to be honest, it really got me in the holiday spirit...which is rare for me. But we managed to get a lot of donations which made me very happy since the proceeds will go to a lot of great programs; including mine! Which means more goodies for my kids! 

One Year

I can't believe it will almost be a year since the day I took off to what would become the best decision of my life. 

I miss this place everyday.

I also miss my crazy adventures with these boys. 

Luckily, that Seth Rogan looking boy with the green mohawk is making his way across the pond and coming to pay me a visit in March! So excited!

In the meantime, I'm watching countless episodes of Top Gear, listening to the Viva playlist we listened to endless amounts of times, and watching all the hilarious videos we made to cure my homesickness.

(Yes, I'm homesick for England, my "fake" home)

The Kiddos

Today was the last day with the kids until next semester. We planned a super fun day for them and we had a blast. I am so proud of each one of them! I absolutely hate the last day of site, but luckily I will only be away from them for a month and a half! 

In the mean time, I'm working on a ton of new projects for next semester. I've also been given an additional tutoring site to run and I could not be more excited to meet my new kids!

The Staff

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my staff?

They are some of the best people out there, seriously. Each one of them has been 10000x helpful and amazing this semester. I absolutely love coming to work with these guys, we have a blast. We've spent countless hours together this semester at meetings, trainings, site, fundraisers, you name it. Our site would never run as smoothly without them. I'm excited for all of our plans for site next semester, plus the endless meetings we'll be in...

 Bianca, my other half. Without her, I would run around like a headless chicken.... more than I already do. 

The staff + tutors.

Katherine, my go to girl. She's my right hand woman, car pool buddy and McDonald's drive thru accomplice. Pretty much without her, I wouldn't function. 

Our activity coordinators, some of the most creative girls I've ever met!

The Staff

Our Christmas card!

anonymous

To be honest,
you're the only thing about home that is still real. 

Everything else has been
changing so much, it feels really good 

to know that you're still there.

I don't remember the sunsets we used to watch. 

I can't remember the heat of the summer, the names of the roads we used to drive down, or even the feeling of reading an amazing book. But I remember you. 

I don't really know what to say about life.

Just that we can't do everything.

We're not all perfect, and that includes you.

But that imperfection makes you who you are, beautiful and smart.

First Friday

Just a couple of shots from an eventful Friday evening.

Slowly but surely I am falling in love with Downtown Phoenix.

PS. I rocked that internship interview so much that I actually got it. I will be working in the International Relations office for the City of Phoenix, holla! 

Being Forgetful

One of my kids handed this book to me at site yesterday and told me that I should read it....

dang kids and their brutal honesty...