Back at work week #4 behind me now. Not unlike most times, it was busy but somehow felt harder than usual. Chris says I have a crazy job. I tend to agree, even though I love it. Still, there are times when it just gets me and my heart.
Being an "administrator" means all those regular things like HR, management, finances and budget. But being an administrator at an NGO that works with homeless youth means a whole lot of stuff that probably doesn't apply if, for example, I worked at a bank. Youth struggling to make ends meet, struggling to keep families together.
We had a session on integrated mental health services for homeless youth with our local children's hospital, health centre and mental health and/or homeless NGOs. Six youth participated. I learned afterward that three of them had spent the previous night on the streets and came to a 9am session with powerpoints and presentations. None of us "professionals" had spent the previous night trying to keep warm or find some food. There is a righteous rage that threatens to consume me at times.
In any case, I write this after uploading all these pictures. They stand in stark contrast, evidence of the beauty and joy of friends, family, home, good food, nature, this city.
Peace out, Miia
Moon can peer into souls.
Neighbours and friends Silas and Louise cooking up a storm for American Thanksgiving.
A cat's tongue is faster than a camera's shutter.
Lise and David pondering Settlers strategy...
Voila! The organic happy chicken from NS Valley donated to our household by our energy auditor. (Long story there.)
Much fun chez the park.
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Apple cheeks.
This makes me so happy.
More birthday party. Good friends and mentors Jen and Jackson, David and Tim, Fiona
Dylan nearing the end - chocolate face and shirt untucked... a boy who had a blast.
Our neighbours came too with their kiddies.
Dylan welcomes Grandpa to the party.
Aunt Pam.
Cousin Tawnya and baby cousin Calla. Also neighbours!
