Let's be cultured!

Blog time? Sure!

Matthew came to Chicago last weekend!!!!! It was so great. I think I walked the entire city. Twice. But it was excellent. I love him.

Mushy stuff aside....

I can't believe I'm out of here in mere days. Wednesday - Last class and Policy paper time, Thursday - work (maybe a half day), Friday - work (close-ups, clean-ups, and lunch with my supervisor). Saturday. Move out. Crazy!!!

So, needless to say, this week is full of trying to get ready to pack up and ship out. And fit in the things on my Chicago to-do list that I haven't done yet. Fun, cultural things, of course. Today I went to the Chicago Cultural Center. SO COOL!! There were 3 really cool exhibits (probably more, but these 3 really hit me):
1) Photographs of churches all around Chicago. They were mostly pictures of the insides of churches.... a lot of them unkempt and obviously facing poverty. And yet, verses and sayings of hope graced the walls. God is good. In all circumstances. God is good.
2) Photographs of faces of people. I believe that they were all blind people, but I am not positive about that. But they were all so beautiful. They were all big poster-size pictures and all close-ups of faces. And all black and white. I stood in the center of the room and spun around and I saw so many beautiful faces making so many different expressions. It was so excellent. And so moving.
3) An exhibit consisting entirely of works created by those with mental or developmental disabilities. Also, entirely beautiful in a different sort of way. It is really cool to see the world through another perspective. To view life through the eyes of the people that I have gotten to know and love and serve. Such a blessing.

Also, as a side note, during exhibit #3, I got asked on a date. I think. Strange circumstance. But we had a good conversation, talked about how I was finishing school and getting married.... he talked about how he is unemployed and dating a wonderful woman, and then the conversation ended with him asking if he could treat me to something to eat, right after I told him I had to get back to work. A nice gesture or a date? And, he was like my parent's age. Take it or leave it. I left it.

I have some more great pictures to post sometime..... Again, hopefully soon, though we will have to see for sure. I don't have finals to deal with, but I do have a Policy Paper to nail out tomorrow. And I have a sweet list I'll upload of all the great things I did in the Windy City.

Also, I have been saying a lot of goodbyes lately. I have wrapped up with all 4 members (aka, clients) on my case-load and also said goodbye to my Supported Employment Specialist team, which is an absolutely phenominal team to have worked with. Props to you all and I think you are all great. I have finished up at the Mental Illness and Substance Abuse group that I've been working with for an hour every Tuesday and said goodbye to them today. I've also been starting goodbyes with friends, since Hope students left last weekend. The rest of the goodbyes will come in the next couple days..... but it is time to move on. Thanks for a great time!

Until the next post, peace out, girl scout (thanks, Lydia!)