Peace Corps Update

Online status update!!

As I'm looking out the window at Hurricane Irene whipping through all the trees in my neighborhood, I'm trying to stay focused on other things. The storm has not been too bad but the wind and rain kept me up for most of the night. Minimal damage has ensued to our area but I'm thinking about my friends and family in the Northeast who might be affected by Irene as well.

My Peace Corps status is moving along quite well at this point. Since I arrived back from Europe to find a medical packet in my mail, I have been going to the doctor and dentist quite regularly. I don't even have to sign in anymore they already know who I am! I've been to the doctor for four visits, the dentist for three, and the health department twice. All in all I've completed all of my dental and medical paperwork and am just waiting for one more shot on the 31st and I can send it all back to Washington. I can't wait!!!

I am one of the few that has already received my legal clearance, which from what I've read is sometimes takes the longest and typically doesn't clear until after your medical clearance goes through. So I'm feeling like I'm in a good place to leave in June or maybe even sooner. Who knows!! If there is one thing that Peace Corps is not good at, it is keeping applicants abreast of leave dates/locations. I'm constantly sitting on the edge of my seat through this process.

Good luck to all those that are waiting out the storm!!!

Surfer's Healing

Today I got the chance to spend the day at the beach instead of sitting at my desk. But really it wasn't just a day at the beach, it was so much more. This is the third year I have volunteered at Wrightsville Beach with an amazing organization called Surfers Healing. Today more than most days I'm feeling extremely lucky for the life that I've been given and the constant reminders of how easy most of our days are despite our simple complaints.

So, I'm guessing you're wondering why I'm being so sappy and want to know what Surfers Healing is. Well today I got to spend the whole day with over 200 children who have some form of autism. Surfers Healing is an organization who sets up camps all over the United States for one day to take children with autism out into the water and show them what it feels like to surf.

There are lots of reports that show the healing power of water for children with autism just google - autism and water therapy. Pretty amazing stuff. However, it's a different kind of therapy for those of us who have life so easy compared to the families of these children. I have the utmost respect and admiration for some of the daily struggles that these families go through every day.

Although I was just a volunteer today helping the kids put on life jackets before the surfers took them out into the water, I took away so much more than just that. I learned that every person, no matter what their physical or mental ability, deserves to be given the time and chance to try something that will make them smile and for so many kids (along with their families) that is what Surfers Healing brings them.

This event is truly amazing! The only moment I felt sad today was watching one boy have an outbreak of emotions when we couldn't get to his turn fast enough. The boy was told his time was at 11:30 and at 11:32 he gave up and walked away. Because he didn't get to go right at his time he just couldn't focus on having the opportunity to do what all the kids around him were able to. It truly broke my heart that I couldn't get him to take his focus away from the time and think about getting in the water. His mother then told me that they same thing happened last year as well. I wish I had written the families name down so we could ensure that next year he'll get to go at the right time. I just wish I could have helped him, but it's impossible to understand the thought processes of another human being.

The surfers that make the event what it is truly have a gift. They take each individual child into the water and work with their individual capabilities. To watch them sit out in the surf waiting for the perfect wave and get almost every one of those kids to stand up on the board is an amazing site.

I'm truly blown away when I get to take a day away from my desk to do things like this. I learned some valuable lessons.

Check out this video: VIDEO: Surfer's Healing at Wrightsville Beach | WWAY NewsChannel 3

Amazing Peace Corps slogan

Crafting!

Now that I'm officially done with school I've been doing lots of crafting. Here are some of the things that I've been making. If you want one of something just let me know :)

Yarn wreath with seastar embellishment

This is a terrible picture of this necklace but it's made from an old t-shirt

Beaded Earrings

Pumpkin and peanut butter dog treats...obviously Prince really wants some :)

Bead braided necklace with black/clear beads

Up close picture of the necklace

Bachlorette Weekend

This past weekend I traveled up north to visit my best friend and celebrate her last two months as a single woman. All the girls got together and drove up to Philadelphia for a weekend of fun and relaxation. It was so great to spend time with so many wonderful people. Crystal and I started the weekend early getting crabs at Middletown Seafood, yummy! Something I can't pass up on a weekend to Maryland in the summertime. The weather was absolutely perfect,too. A great break from the 105 degree heat here in the North Carolina. We spent the evening sitting around a fire in the back yard gabbing the night away about the upcoming wedding.

Bags for the girls with all the goods!

Upon arriving in Philadelphia we headed straight to Toppers Salon and Spa where I got an amazing massage and facial. Just perfect to relax before a night out on the town. To get the party started I made gift bags for all the girls, which I think really got everyone in the spirit of a Bachelorette Party!! Dinner was amazing! If you are ever in Philadelphia and are looking for a great place to eat please go to Continental Midtown. The food there is absolutely amazing! We basically ordered one of everything including:  Lobster Mac n Cheese, Cheesesteak Eggroll, Black Quinoa "Tabbouleh" Salad, Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and the most delicious fresh fries EVER (And that is saying a lot because I'm basically a french fry connoisseur). Yum.

Here are some pictures from the evening!

Crystal and I, best friends since 2nd grade. dang.

All the ladies taking it to the basement.

I'm so excited for the wedding but more excited for them to spend there life together. So precious. Love!