December is... already here! This month I have done a lot of meeting with kids, catching up on paperwork and planning. A frustrating aspect to working with teens is that many meetings are cancelled, or no-shows. Right now I am working with 8 teens, but regularly meet with about 4. It is frustrating knowing that I would be a resource to their success and independence, but not being able to work with them due to not meeting or not having any enthusiasm for working with me. Something that keeps me going is knowing that I am doing all that I can and having activities and worksheets and conversations prepped for when they do meet and are ready to work. I am trying not to have my enthusiasm and excitement extinguished by not being able to maintain (or even start in some cases) relationships with the youth I work with.
This month I have been able to visit home, which was much needed. Two days before I left for CT, my roommates (other AmeriCorps members) and I settled on an apartment. It's downtown, close to parks and it will be nicer to be in a city- feel again. Going home I was able to visit with my brother before he left for his 3rd term oversees in Afghanistan, my grandmother, and my parents. I was also able to go back to Boston. I surprised one of my teachers and showed up at the New Orleans Service Learning class (which I was very involved in in college). I was also able to visit friends from college who were scattered around Boston and catch up on what has been going on in the four months I have been in Denver. Time seemed to fly by and now I'm back in Denver.
Yesterday, AmeriCorps CBPYT had a split service day. Half of the team was in Bloomfield working and the other half was in Denver. I was working in Denver with the Salvation Army handing out toys, gift certificates and food boxes to those that had signed up. It was really nice to get into the giving spirit and see the good of organizations whose entire goal is to help others.
Christmas is coming, and as an avid holiday enthusiast, I am excited. Cards are being written, cookies being baked, and delicious food eaten. Potlucks have filled up my week, moving into my apartment and keeping in contact with those I love around me. 'Tis the Season!
