All things considered, I think I know more than I did back in August. Good, right? I have a much deeper understanding of the social policies and the history of social welfare in the United States. I think I understand a little bit more what social workers do (they don't just take kids away from their parents). However, it is really broad so I won't go into a lecture on social work. I would like to give you a highlight of this semester.
I struggled a little in the beginning with my English. I know, hard to imagine that four years in a Spanish speaking country would change me. Thanks to mom and James for reading countless papers over review boards, research questions, ethical dilemmas and more. I am studying with a cohort of about 11 other full time social work masters students. We have all our classes together so you can imagine that we have begun to know each other pretty well. I had class all day Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, I had my internship with the local MHMR, the Betty Hardwick Center.
My work during this semester at the MHMR was mostly with the Mental Health intake department and the crisis services. I shadowed two LPC's (Licensed Professional Counselor's) in the intake area. We listened to what was going on with the client and then determined if they fit the eligibility requirements. I have learned a lot about mental health disorders through this work. The crisis department focuses on helping people in the community who are suicidal or homicidal. I shadowed the LPC and MSW (Masters in Social Work) on crisis assessments in the local hospitals, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, psychiatric hospital, juvenile detention center and more. Some of the crisis calls were not too serious and we were just called for precaution but others were difficult and very sad. The suicide rate here in Abilene is very high. The job that we have is very serious and can often mean life or death. Needless to say the burn out rate for workers in the crisis area is very high.
All the rest of my time, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and evenings, were spent doing homework. I talked to some other friends who are doing other masters programs and discovered that what I affectionately like to call the Master's roller coaster of emotions fits about every full time program. Within a week I will be so sure that I it is impossible to complete the assignments that I will be in tears, the next day I will on top of the world sure that it can be done only to hit the valley the next day. If any of you have seen Tangled (my favorite movie) it is a little like the scene where she is leaving her tower for the first time. The feeling at the end of this semester is only utter relief that I get a few weeks break before starting all over again. They assure us that the first year is the hardest and the classes lighten up in the second year. Why you ask? Only because we will need to focus on writing thesis. Yes, a thesis. Of course they had to bring this up on our last day of classes right before we are about to enjoy a break. Come on! Let us live in a little denial for a few weeks!
I have also been working with OM Ecuador via internet this semester. It has been a challenge but we have survived so far. They are starting a new one year program called Transmission 4x4 that is a training time and traveling ministry across Ecuador for foreigners. It will start next year. We have had some missionaries come back to Ecuador and a few more work on extending their time on the mission field.
Many of you know that in September my mom was diagnosis with non-hodgkins lymphoma. Her spleen had grown to double the normal size so her doctor had her get a PET scan. This cancer thankfully is a slow growing cancer and we had caught it in the very beginning stages. She had four weeks of chemo where her only side effects (that she shared with me) was an inability to sleep at first then a very irritable attitude. Her blood work now shows positive results and she will get another PET scan in February. She has been joyful and at peace during the whole process, which she attributes to God and the prayers that have gone out. I would like to say that dad and her children were also at peace and joyful but ... What can I say, I have an amazing mom.
My plans for the next couple of weeks are to spend some quality time with my family and catch up with friends. I also am praying about the next steps to take in regards to my living situation. My aunt and uncle had graciously allowed me to live in their guest house free of charge this whole semester. However, they are moving soon so I will need to find a new place. I am excited to see what God has planned. He has never failed me and I know that if my time living here out on a ranch has been awesome then wherever He will move me has to be that much better! Pray with me about my decision and that God will be very clear with what steps I need to take. If you can and would like to meet up with me, these next four weeks are the perfect time for me!
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| Two of my new friends and classmates |
