chin up, costello.

a self-affirming post, no more.

i'm working at a wonderful school, really my dream job (nojinxnojinxnojinx). i'm back to nights spent knee deep in IEPs, and sleepless nights praying for GAA evaluators to go easy on me/ my kids; and they are my kids, my sweet little pups who come to play. my students this year are more than endearing... they're impossible not to love.

so with that, i'm mentally carb loading for the next day, every day. while i love my job, i keep this picture on my desk to remind me how i fell into this life.

these girls have guided a lot of big decisions in my life thus far. and they keep guiding them. i'm thankful for such sweet career counselors, who've led me from afar. i saw them both last year (refer to blog posts: Shakira's Story and Vivian's Story), and am eager to see them again. i worked with their families and teachers to understand their needs, and (hopefully) guided them through the changes that may come with puberty. i keep in touch with their teacher via facebook and skype, but there is no greater anticipation than that i hold for when i see them again.

i say my prayers at night and usually light this candle*. it reminds me of the nights i spent in the convento de la merced in cuzco, praying for these kids to get out of their situations. the night when arturo's feet were burned, when we suspected uncles and mothers of abuse but had no better option than the roof currently over their heads. i try to remember the softness of my heart then, so that when i try to impress my cause onto your heart, it is authentic.

and so, thank you to those who have wholeheartedly accepted my bleeding heart cries for help, when i know that you have not seen what i have and you have not felt what i have. your contributions require a great deal of confidence in me. and i am humbled by that.

so, with no clear resolution of why i am writing tonight, thank you. for reading. donating. liking my haircut***.

S.

* i'm not catholic in real life.

** i realize that our lady of fatima is actually a portuguese figure, not spanish. but she appeared to three shepherd boys--- i mean, right?!

*** shameless plug for Kristo at Melrose & McQueen.