"What Makes YOU Come Alive?"

So yes, it is now December and I believe I updated this blog ONCE in November. I cannot stress enough how quickly time is passing here. I cannot believe Christmas is less than two weeks away! It has been a different experience to be hanging up Christmas decorations and listening to Christmas music in 80+ Fahrenheit weather. If I take nothing else from this experience, I'll at least know that I enjoy the four seasons and that I don't think I'd like to live anywhere with constant "summer" weather. (Daddio, I know you're probably shaking your head right now and thinking I'm crazy since you mention you're dying for some nice sun on your face ;) )

Where to begin? Well November was definitely my hardest month here thus far. I have now been here at the hogar 3 months ago today and have been here in Central America for over 4 months. Time is flying but also going very slow... I feel like I've been here for a lot longer. However, the beginning to mid-November time was my roughest point thus far. I was very homesick and there were a few days in particular that I wanted to come home. However, through prayer and the help of my community members, and of course these beautiful boys, I found incredible strength. I also in this time received a quote from a friend that really helped me, "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." (Thanks PMF)

Something I have also been working on since being here is making sure I am being present. It's hard to get wrapped up in what I'm missing out on at home (especially with the holidays) but each day I do my best to remind myself of why I'm here and that is to love these boys and be here FOR THEM for these next 11 months.

I've started to have some amazing conversations with some of these boys. They're really starting to open up to me and tell me about their past, what they've had to go through to get here to Amigos. I have realized just how incredibly lucky I am to have two living parents who have always loved and cared for me and done what is best for me. I am lucky to have 5 healthy siblings who are also incredible support systems and with whom I have countless ridiculous memories.

Thank you to all of you for your continuous support. I cannot say enough how much your emails and letters all mean to me and how incredibly fortunate I am to have all of you. I apologize for the lateness of my responses to those letters and emails but I know you all understand. It is because of all of you that I am able to find strength to continue to be here. On some of my worst days I have received emails, letters and packages filled with inspiring words to boost my desire to serve here at Amigos. So please, keep them coming! :)