(no subject)

[violachic]

I've decided that I need to be actively doing something in my life that reflects my values on peace and justice. I hate sitting around, and reading news reports and bitching to people aren't really the same as a practical application. So in light of this, I started a new volunteer gig: Teaching assistant for citizenship classes at fantastic place down the street from me called The Centro Romero. Right now I've signed up for Monday nights only, and will wait and see how that goes. If I find I have the spoons for more, I'll do it after Christmas. In November I'll also take their ESL training, and am thinking of adding Friday afternoon one-on-one tutoring (I usually get Fridays off from The Peanut) to my schedule. The center is named after Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, who has long been one of my personal heroes.

Last night I went to my first citizenship class. At the volunteer orientation I was under the impression that the classes would be primarily led by an experienced teacher, with occasional break-out groups led by volunteers. Maybe its different other nights, but last night I led a small group of four to seven people (there was some migrating in and out) for the entire three hours. What I discovered was that not only am I capable of that, but that I'm good at it, too. Drilling them on the trivia questions they'll need to answer for their citizenship interview is good for me, too; its been too long since high school political science class, and I've forgotten more than I care to admit. I promised the women in my group that if they have to memorize it all, I will too. Our collective biggest challenge is making sure we know the name of all 13 original colonies. Can you name them, without cheating?

I also discovered some very interesting life-choices coincidences with the woman who leads the class. She would like to come hang out at The 'Nidge and talk about the Church of the Brethren, living in Intentional Community, going overseas to do humanitarian/activist work, and just general peace and justice stuff. I take this as a good omen.

I'm feeling much better these days in general, if only emotionally, but not physically. Its kind of a stretch making myself do a journal post- as I'm sure you can tell by my stilted writing style- but I think its important for several reasons, not the least of which is that I desperately need to keep my grip on the people around me. A large part of my upswing in mood stems from the vacation I took a couple weeks ago with divalibby76, a trip to Old Mission- upper Michigan, just outside Traverse City. I have about a gazillion pictures, which I'll upload as soon as I am not lazy enough to go find the cable to do so, and will post them as soon as I have the time and energy to write it all up.

Anyway, I'm alive, and if not "well", at least "sustainably okay".


**Edit: Huh. I really need to fix this animated icon to reflect my change in hair color. Anybody remember how to find that website?**

Comments

[ironheadjane.livejournal.com]

This sounds really awesome. I am still looking for good work/volunteer options. I'm glad you found this current one. It sounds like a great opportunity for local impact. That was something I was missing from my last volunteer gig.

[violachic.livejournal.com]

I just couldn't sit around with my finger in my navel anymore, but my options were so limited by my stupid body. I was really excited to find this place just down the street. Actually, to be honest, I rode past that place on the bus for 3 1/2 years before I checked it out, which I'm a little ashamed to admit. But I'm extremely excited about it. The women in my group were actually disappointed that I wasn't coming back till next Monday, which made me feel so good!