life updates on the weekend

Sorry it's so cold for those of you experiencing snow...

it's pretty nice here in sunny Florida :)

My dad sent me the best text the other day. 

I get to come home for one of my friend's wedding!

I didn't think I would be able to, 

and I've already missed the weddings of two friends.

And...there's a few more I probably will have to miss as well.

But this friend has been a close friend for a large part of my life

and I couldn't be more elated.

#MyDadLovesMe

My friend Daniela has been visiting since Wednesday!

I've missed her!!

She was interning here in Immokalee

at the Coalition for Immokalee Workers

from the time I got here until I left for Christmas break 

a few weeks into December.

It's so nice having friends be here. :)

Staying in on a Friday night, in sweats, watching basketball, eating pizza, blogging..

#DontLeaveMe

Oh yeah, and she has a really cool blog.

Check it out...I mean, Saczek it out ;)

www.saczekitout.blogspot.com

           Teaching in the After-School Program has been going well.

It seemed when we got back from the holidays, things were just crazy.

We had a time of transition as well, because the classroom we were using caught on fire,

well...the bathroom in the room caught on fire.

Anyways... we haven't been able to use the normal classroom for a few weeks.

We've been in a conference room.

It's been really hard trying to get the kids to focus and adjust to the new space.

I haven't really been able to structure or lead the class how I want to.

But, despite the frustration that comes from change and how it's impacting the kids, 

they still give me countless reasons to smile, each and every day.

One particular instance, happened just last week. I was sitting with one little boy and having him read to me. 

When he finished, I said "Good job, Angel!" And gave him a high-five.

He smiled and said: "You taught me!"

#TheseAreTheMoments

Other Updates:

Tutoring at Pace has also been going well. We decided recently that I will be helping with other projects and things around the center, other than tutoring. I got to go with about six of the girls on a field trip to the Equestrian in Naples the other day. They got to play with horses, it was fun. :) They want to help me make the most of my experience, and be able to interact with the girls in different ways, and by doing different things. So I'm excited for that. Will be sure to keep updating on the new and exciting things I get to be a part of down here.

Mid-year retreat for my volunteer group is also coming up soon. We will be going to Pennsylvania for that. I'm excited to see the other volunteers and hear about the things that have been going on. :)

Total side note: Locked the car keys in the car the other day...Haven't been able to get them out yet...Had a friend try with a hanger, but it didn't work. The police don't do lock-outs. (How lame is that...) They said to call a locksmith, but of course they charge, and I don't have money. So...hopefully that gets figured out soon. Thankfully the school I work at is close enough to walk..