Kat and Emily's birthday party pre DisO

Denial is not healthy.  Lately, it’s been getting harder to meet the enthusiasm of friends who ask me if I am getting excited for Costa Rica. Deep down, I am thrilled; I know this is the right next step for me and I am so looking forward to the experience. But for now, I am trying hard to focus on the present (and I think I’m doing pretty well!) I have one week left in Los Angeles as a Jesuit Volunteer. You probably wouldn’t hear me say that out loud; I’ve been trying to avoid facing the “end” of my year here. Yet after this weekend’s DisOrientation retreat, our last JVC retreat, I am realizing that to make a healthy transition from LA to home to FrancisCorps, I need to honor the end of this incredible experience.

We have been busy as a house, trying to wrap up and start the goodbye process. Last week we went out to dinner with our support person Krista and her boyfriend, Erik. We reminisced about the year and talked about future plans over $3 margaritas.  She and Maria have been a wonderful resource for us as a house this year, and it was sad to say goodbye. I was also able to go see Julie’s brother perform with the Philadelphia Boys Choir at a church in Orange County last week; I remember seeing their Christmas concerts when I was little and it was fun to meet another member of Julie’s family. Her dad and uncle were out earlier this month and we had a blast hanging out with them.

The boys singing our anthem, "Colder Weather"

Our final JVC retreat was last weekend in Orange County. I was not looking forward to it at all, mostly because of the ridiculous level of denial that I am experiencing. It turned out to be fun, though. The Los Angeles JVs took over two cabins at the campground and hung out pretty exclusively (oops!) for most of the weekend. The site had a pool and an amazing outdoor chapel, and Emily from JD gave an amazing talk to kick of the retreat. Overall it was a good time, especially because the LA crew spent the last day on the beach since we didn’t have to travel much!

Casa DK pride at DisO

About two weeks ago, I was reminded of what a blessing our small LA Jesuit Volunteer Community is. Earlier this month, Hannah from Casa Jean Donovan lost her father. She was able to be home since she lives in Orange County, and I was moved when I saw a full row of JVs in the church at both the Rosary Vigil and Funeral. Please keep Hannah and her family in your prayers.

Urban Compass Summer Camp ended yesterday and was a blast. We took the kids on field trips every day after doing some academics in the morning. We went bowling, miniature golfing, to a concert, to parks, museums, surfing, swimming, and to movies. It was hectic keeping them under control and in the right place, but we have a great staff and a lot of volunteers who have been helping us out every day.  On one of my favorite days we tye-dyed shirts, decorated kites and made cookies! We also had a drum set donated to us, which has been a LOT of fun, especially for the older boys.

Today, we helped Casa Jean Donovan move into the upstairs of our house. Their house is closing next year an their community is merging with ours; my house will now hold 8 people (JVC has rented the apartment upstairs in addition to our floor). It's really sad for them to be moving out of their house, and has also been a lot of work. They are champs!

I don't know what I'll do without Emily!

Yesterday I said a final goodbye to all my students, all the volunteers that helped us this summer, as well as 3 of the LA JVs who are leaving this weekend. I also said goodbye to my friend Matt from BC who I’ve been able to see a bunch of times out here. All the goodbyes are surreal; I don’t “feel” them on the inside yet because there is so much else going on, but I’m really sad about leaving all these people that I’ve grown to know and love this year. With one week left, I will be trying my hardest to be present, be attentive, and be loving. It’s been a good ride! I’ll have more updates once I’m home and have time (though, there’s not much of it!).

Baby, You're a Firework

Hours after my last day of school, the Zippilli family rolled into town for a week in Los Angeles. We spent a few nights in Santa Monica and I got to play tour-guide and show them around.  I really enjoyed showing them everything that has been "home" to me this year. Later in the week we spent a few days poolside on Coronado Island, enjoying beautiful weather and much-needed time to relax for all four of us.  We did a little sightseeting in San Diego as well and enjoyed the week together. A highlight of the week was having dinner with my family and my housemates at a restaurant near USC. I was glad they all got to know each other a little bit, and we had a lot of fun!

Next up was 4th of July weekend! At Casa DK, we seized the opportunity and threw our first themed party of the year: JVC Prom. Everyone was encouraged to dress up in their thrift-store finest. The prom's theme was Never Never Land (inspired by the boys' favorite movie, Hook) so some people dressed for that! We gave out superlatives to all the LA JVs and some other friends.  My good friend from BC, Erin, was also in town which was amazing; she got to meet all my JV friends and come to Prom! The next day, many of the JVs came back for an impromptu BBQ and to watch fireworks from our roof. We got to see shows all over the city; it was really cool!

DK ready for prom!

Me and Erin!

This week was the first week of Summer Camp. We have the kids from 9am until 3 or 4 in the afternoon four days a week. For the first hour, we do academic work and then take the kids on field trips to places all around LA. We started camp on Wednesday with a half day, and then went to the California Science Center/IMAX and Griffith Park & LA Zoo. The kids had a wonderful time and are just so excited about the trips. For the most part, they were incident-free, though chasing after my group of 12 6-7 year-olds is exhausting no matter what.

That's all for now, more to come soon!