A Final Farewell

Well-
It is finally here. You have put up with my posts about Bluffton's awesomeness, my struggles, happiness, and tears. I want to thank you. I like to think that sometimes when I open up my blog prospective students are out there reading what I have to say-- if there aren't any, oh well, I think my mom still reads! :)

Bluffton will always be a part of me. The people, place, and values. I am forever grateful for what I've learned in the classroom, internships, Chapels, and the people. I almost don't want to finish this blog because this is the first real end for me. I'm on campus for a few more days until graduation, but that doesn't feel strange yet.

I am forever blessed and bid you my final farewell as a Bluffton University Student...

Blessings of a Deep Peace,

Anna

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A Celtic Prayer


Deep peace of the
running waves to you.

Deep peace of the
flowing air to you.

Deep peace of the
quiet earth to you.

Deep peace of the
shining stars to you.

Deep peace of the
Son of Peace to you.

Tears of Joy

1. When your best friend is surprised with a birthday gift.
2. When you get to celebrate your best friends engagement at a Bridal Shower.
3. When your roommate helps take down your loft and finishes it even when you have to leave.
4. 12 days of Grad with some of your closest friends.
5. Pushing your beds together in a messy room and staying up chatting with your roommate.
6. Bluffton spring mornings.
7. Laughing until you cry with old friends that come back to visit.

8. Pre Graduation jitters....


Oh how I love tears of Joy! :)

It's a strange feeling to walk into a place and know that it's your last day... know that you might not see these people again, but that they have changed your life.
Today is it. My last day at my internship in Lima. I will deeply miss the people, the place, and the community. I've learned more from them then they could from me and I am grateful for that.

As for this week--- I will be starting that process of packing. I will be throwing things away, recycling old clothes and remembering a lot. This weekend was the start of alot of tears... but now that I know that-- I guess I'm prepared for it. :)

Blessings of Peace to you all--
Only a few more posts from me....


Anna

The Busiest of Weekends

One more “free” weekend left. It’s strange to think about where time goes after you hit a certain point. Last weekend I was busy working on things for my internship, planning bridal showers and finishing up last minute journals. This weekend— those particular events took place and at 11:00pm last night, I had nothing to do.

My weekend was filled with a lot of fun. From Friday night Live Band Karaoke to Saturday’s Ottawa River Clean-up and Sunday’s Shining Through party. I literally had a few minutes to breathe. But the best part, is that I was ok with that. I had fun this weekend, I spent time with friends and I cried (once again) over leaving this place that I’ve called home for the past 4 years.

Last night was my “last” Sunday Night Worship. This time the speakers were friends of mine talking about “senior reflections.” They talked about what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown and most of all a little advise. Some of it was funny, a lot of it was meaningful, and most of it hit home. My lovely friend Megan spoke of attempting to be content with uncertainty. Not knowing what she will be doing in a few weeks is terrifying, but she needs to also be able to live in the moment and not panic. Brendan, spoke of understanding everything that has brought you to the point where you are today… not just looking towards the future, but also acknowledging the people, circumstances and lessons that have gotten you where you are.

I’m not very good at “goodbyes.” I actually refuse to say them. My best friend moved to North Carolina and I always said that it was a “see you later,” not “goodbye.” But somehow when I looked around last night at the individuals in Chapel I realized that it was a goodbye for some of us. It has to be. I may not see these faces again, and that in its’ self is a bit sad. I received a letter yesterday from my lovely Shining Through-ers and one of the notes that hit me to the core said… “I hate that I’m writing this note… it means that I will be desperately missing you soon.” How true. I don’t think that people ever realize how much they impact my life… and with that small token of gratitude and love, I am forever affected.

So only a few more days left—and possibly a few more goodbyes.

Blessings of Peace-
Anna

Final Journal...

As I was in my Field placement today I wrote my "final journal" for the class....

I thought it was alright, so I decided to share it with you--- since you have been on this journey with me. :)

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There are so many things that I can say about my field placement. Almost all of them good, but there should always be some sort of constructive criticism, or just a little more advice.
When I picked the Department of Community Development I was walking into this placement with little understanding of what a city Community Development department does. It felt like I was walking in “blind.” After catching up on who is who in the department and what happens when—things started to pick up. I was involved in Press Conferences, press releases, workshops, board meetings, neighborhood meetings, implementation of new ideas and projects but most of all I was apart of a community of people that wanted to change their city. Whether or not they had different ideas, views, political agendas or backgrounds. I was a part of this community. Throughout the past 15ish weeks I was literally apart of community development.
After that first week, I chose my paper topic for capstone. I wanted to know the basics, what community development was, how it can be implemented, what jobs are available when working in this sort of department and I was flooded with books, journals, articles, blogs, and much more on different ideas of development with the community. After all of that I started to look at Community Development a bit differently. It is more than just neighborhoods, more than just nonprofits; it literally is about the people. Macro Social work is about the mass of people that want to see change.
I’ve learned so much over the past 15 weeks that I will always be thankful for. Whether it is learning about fundraising when researching for a workshop, or about property maintenance when going on a walk with one of the inspectors, there was a huge variety for me.

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It's strange to think that this will be over on Tuesday of next week...

Blessings of Peace-
Anna

I also encourage you to check out another Bloggers posts for April. Tasha is a Sophomore at Bluffton and has alot of really great things to say! :)
Living and Loving Life

One of my habits---

I love to read. Anything. Books, magazines, cereal boxes, flyers, etc. This list could go on and on. Recently I have picked up the book Eat Pray Love, which I have read before, but wanted to work my way through it again. Just the other day when it was 80 degrees outside, I picked up my book and magaznies and made my way out to the grass with a blanket. A friend of mine was already out there laying out in the sun. It was the greatest picture ever--- it was as if she was worshiping it. Here eyes closed, a smirk on her face and at peace sweating like crazy. :) I stopped next to her and dropped everything. I couldn't wait to lay there. As I stopped unfold the blankets I noticed a few things, student teachers walking back from school, students coming from class, some lucky ones that were done with class playing tennisball golf, and the individuals around me. We all looked at peace. I picked up my book, opened it to the 5 chapter and continued to read and read and read. I was in my heaven: sunshine, and books. :)

These next few weeks I will hopefully get to enjoy those two things a lot.

After an exciting and crazy semester, I like to think that I deserve these next two lazy weeks. :)

Blessings of Peace,
Anna