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!).