Year in review

January:

• finally got the hang of my job at the agape center
• Flew to Minneapolis with the HLIC interns for an amazing weekend of fellowship and spiritual growth
• Ate my first juicy lucy
• survived snowmaggedon 2011 (over 20 inches of snow)

February:

• most depressing weather of my life. i hate february.

March:

• urban immersion students came! Heather, Shane, and Noel came to help..lots of laughter!

April:

• decide I want to go into the zoo field as my career...learned the difference between vocation and occupation
• my first Easter away from home; had an "orphans" dinner with the Harry's
• traveled home for my friend brandon's wedding in ashville, NC

May:

• begin searching for jobs and housing in the city with Meredith
• S.A.Y. Yes! ended
• ended my time at Dunne Elementary
• went to Michigan on a staff retreat

June: 

•  Moved into the dorms at Illinois College of Optometry for the summer- amazing!
• Summer in the City students came! We traveled all over the city and visited some amazing places and people.
• hit my rock bottom and learned so much about grace..so thankful for the patience and wisdom of my mentor
• Sister got engaged
• best friend got engaged the next day

July:

• sent out my resumes to brookfield zoo, lincoln park zoo, and shedd aquarium
• found a house with Meredith in Humbolt Park
• Stressed about future jobs
• Went to CSU in Fort Collins as my last intern trip. Heard from some great speakers, spent a lot of time sitting at the Father's feet. Had great fellowship with my fellow interns.
• Flew home for Mom's surprise 60th birthday!

August:

• move into new house with Meredith
• still not job, hear back that I need more experience
• start looking for nannying jobs in the mean time 

September:

• start nannying for family from church
  

October:

• fly to Ohio for cousins wedding
• Allison Smathers comes to visit for her fall break. So much fun!!
• Mom and Dad visit Chicago for my 24th birthday for the first time. I took them all around the city and ate some great food

November:

• applying for internships at zoos in Chicago
• stayed in Chicago for Thanksgiving, had an "orphans" dinner with friends
• very lonely time

December:

• get accepted to Shedd Aquarium internship in the Marine Mammals department
• flew home for Ali's bridal shower and bachelorette party
• flew home for Christmas 2 weeks later!