I am thankful for...

Hello y'all...or since I am in the Northeast, Hello you guys.  I am still in New York, in Times Square.  Awesome living conditions for us.  Work is going okay.  We finished our last shelter day about an HOUR AGO! Thank God.  We are happy.  Tomorrow we will be moved to bulk distribution to start delivering supplies to those in need.  I can't wait to see what another sector of Red Cross does for disaster relief. 

We had to say bye to some clients this week who, again, have changed my life.  I met a grandmother, "Mama" and her 5 grandsons that she raises on her own at our first shelter.  These boys are full of life, spunk, and energy.  I loved them.  They got placed in a home this week with Mama and watching them react to the housing decision was awesome.  They at first were so upset because they were leaving us, one actually asked how to join AmeriCorps when he is 18.  They were so down until someone told them their new apartment has a basketball hoop.  Little things in life make people happy is what these boys taught me.  Their grandmother is a saint.  Another couple told me they want to adopt me to make them PB&J everyday.  I was told I make a mean sandwich, I have a gift what can I say.  All of the clients we have met in the shelters are amazing.  I hope they all recover quickly and find a warm home for the holidays.

Since it is Thanksgiving week, I thought I would share what I am thankful for...

I am thankful for:

My mom & dad...they are my rocks.  Without their love and support over the last 10 months, I would not be where I am today.  I loved during training calling in the morning and talking to Dad-Z and I love the inspirational texts I got from the best mom in the world.  I would be lost without these two.

Bobby..There is no way I would have even heard of AmeriCorps without Bobby.  My brother is one of the people in my life I look up to most.  He calls weekly even during his busy schedule to ask how my spike is going, uses the AmeriCorps acronyms that nobody else in the world knows, and is constantly checking up on me.  This Ameriworld is a complicated one and it has helped so much to have a family member know what I am going through.  I am lucky to have such a positive role model in my life.

MaryKathryn...My birthday wouldn't have been the same without my sister.  I am not just thankful she came to visit me, but I am thankful I got to share my life that I am living now with a family member.  I am also thankful for the fact that MaryKarthryn has taught me the true meaning of teaching.  She is an unreal teacher, but she also teaches me about life.  Without an older sister to guide me along some tough roads, I probably wouldn't have survived as well as I have.  I am so lucky to have the support of a sister like I do in MaryKathryn.

Paul...This is Paul's senior year in college and as many of you know has played hockey for the past 3 years at Worcester.  This year he is not because he wasn't happy.  I am thankful that Paul has taught me, without knowing, that if you aren't truly happy and don't do what makes you happy, you ultimately won't be happy.  I am so happy Paul is doing what he wants and is enjoying his last year in college.

Bridget...I am more than thankful for Bridget.  Her curiosity and love for everything I am doing makes me happy everyday.  I joined this program to try to make our country a better one for Bridget to live in.  I hope someday I can share with her in detail my projects and all I have done.  From the day she was born until now she has been the most important person in my life.  I bring her with me everyday in my pocket through a sock of hers I found in my clean laundry and I can't wait to come home and finally see her play hockey.  She makes me happier than anyone in the world and I am so thankful she is my little Mini Me.

River 10...Beste, Sam, Chris, Terrell, David, Johnny and Lannise AND Jamie have changed my life in ways they don't even know.  I have learned so much about people, myself, and our world just from these 7 people.  I am so thankful for this program for bringing these people into my life.  My River 10 family have been the reason why I do what I love everyday and I honestly wouldn't have had the year I have had without them. 

Rachel, Margaret, Julia, Tiffany, and Sam...these 5 girls are 5 of the best people to have ever come into my life.  The past 10 months have been a roller coaster of emotions and without these 5 to go through it all with, I would be in Burlington by now.  I know that I have 5 of the best friends across the country (kind of) now because of them.  I am more than thankful I met them, they have changed my life forever and I wll forever be thankful for AmeriCorps for bringing them into my life.

Jill...I have the best friend in the world.  Jill is the one constant friend in my life that has been there for me through EVERYTHING.  Without her support this year through my journey, I would be lost!  She has been my touch of home daily just by saying hi.  I am so lucky to have a best friend like her that cares so much about what I am doing.

My GF's, haverhill girls, and the suitelife...where would I be without Bridgewater?  all of my gf's are the best!  They know how thankful I am for them and I honestly would be lost without them.  I know I say that about everyone, but these girls are it. 

Alyssa, Julie, Jen, and Amanda...they may be younger than me, but my gangstas are awesome.  I am thankful for their constant friendship and love.  I am lucky to say I have so many groups of friends especially these ones to count on.

My extended family...I have one giant family that I miss a whole lot.  I have heard from a lot of them this past year and I am so thankful for everything everyone has done for me.  I can't wait to see some of you over the holidays!

AmeriCorps & every person I have met this year...this year has changed my life.  I am not the person I was when I started.  I am so happy I joined the program and met everyone I have whether it is fellow Corps Members, Team Leaders, sponsors, people of the communities we have worked in, or a stranger in WalMart.  Everyone has changed me for the better and I will be forever thankful for AmeriCorps.

Last but not least...
Volunteerism...I said this last year in my blog, but without volunteers, the would would not turn.  Volunteerism is so important and I am so happy I chose this path for my life right now.  Volunteering makes me so happy and I can honestly say, I am so happy in my life right now.


I have several other things I am thankful for, but I wanted to highlight my important things in life right now.  I am such a lucky girl to have the life I do.  Everyday I am thankful this is my work and I am serving others.  I have a lot to be thankful for this year. 

Enjoy the turkey, family, friends, and relaxation.  I know I sure will be at 10 Thomas Street with the bread on the table and hoepfully a win from BHS.  Yes, I am going home!  I am thankful for that!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!