Hey readers, I'm excited to say that I've officially been a VISTA for one month. Being a member of AmeriCorps really does provide opportunity to learn about prioritizing, financial needs vs wants, and even yourself. I can't believe the roads I've traveled, literally. I've actually been excited about getting lost because I'm forced to learn my way around the Capitol. [[I hate 83]]
The most impacting thing though about being a VISTA besides the Habitat position is the living allowance. A large part of being a VISTA is living in the life of poverty. I've been pretty lucky for the last month living in this apartment and making it on $50 a week. A big factor about that though is that I don't have my own car to be paying for gas all of the time or making any other regular car payments (otherwise i'd be in trouble). I've been able to pick out reasonably priced and essential groceries and actually make them last. It's the living in this apartment though that makes the budget so tight. It's been worth the pretty penny though for the past month........But unfortunately I have to leave this dream apartment that I've already fallen in love with. I've already started packing which is never fun......... However, I'm looking forward to moving in next week to my new house!
My wonderful big sister Mavourneen and her boyfriend are being ever so gracious and coming out for the day to help me move in and give me some really nice living essentials to add to the collection I've started. [[that's pretty lucky if you ask me]]. I'll be living just 5 minutes from my current apartment with two girls, Malinda and Alyson (alyson being desiree's cousin) and we already get along great. I'm so excited about this place too because since Malinda owns it I can make it my own by painting the walls and framing more pictures and even tend the backyard for some fun patio-l[i/o]ving! (i'm going to be pretty busy...)
but anyway, I can't believe I only have 5 more days to work with Des and then its just me. I'll be on my own as the Faith Relations Coordinator. It's frightening but thrilling at the same time! There is still so much to learn but that's also a part of the job... There will always be more to learn and I have a great team here to depend on if I ever lose my way! It's just sad that Des and Jen will be leaving us :(
but that's okay. desiree worked so hard in the last year to build these relationships with the 100something Congregations as the first VISTA in this 3-year program and now i've got this amazing opportunity to truly engage in their desire for service.
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