Short Update

Really, I hope no one is keeping tabs on me via this or twitter...neither gets much love on this end.

Basic update from the summer:
Job: Internship (unpaid of course) at the public defender's office of washtenaw county. Worked in the juvenile division, child abuse and neglect. Our office represents the best interests of our child clients, who range in age from birth-20 years. At 20, they "age out" of the system and are no longer eligible to receive benefits such as work programs, money, housing, etc. A handful of our clients (about 5 out of around 86 clients total) are parents whose rights are in danger of being terminated and who, usually, are not receiving due process. I had a "good" experience, but I will most likely pursue a different line of work. The system did work well as far as finding adoptive homes for children (we saw many of those this summer), but I also saw how the system failed multiple clients - in trying to lead them to become independent citizens, they seemed dependent on the services that were offered and did not independently pursue education/work. The reality is that only God can give the motivation that these children need in order to survive and thrive in the world, and public services, even with the best intentions, cannot supply that internal motivation. I want to offer help and find fulfillment somehow in life, and I believe that, long term, I will do that best through church involvement (probably in high school or college ministry - Evan and I share this desire, which bodes well for us).

Less than exciting news: My house got broken into a few weeks ago, and my laptops (yes, my old and new ones...) were stolen. It didn't scare me, but it did make me quite upset and it took me a little while to accept that maybe God was teaching me not to waste time on them and to focus my mind elsewhere. It sort of worked. Due to lack of motivation, my summer "to-do" list has been crunched into this last week of summer before classes start.

Exciting vacation: Oregon and Washington were beautiful. I loved spending time at Black Butte Ranch with Evan and his family (including his Nana, uncle, aunt, and many cousins). Even though we were sick, Evan and I still went hiking, white water rafting, and wandered all the way into Bend, OR for a car show. Pretty sweet. Mountains out there are huge! Coming from Michigan where you have to drive about 4 hours north to see anything remotely resembling a "mountain" and going to Oregon where the Rockies are just sitting in your face is quite a change. Loved it.

Upcoming: Sleeping Bear Dunes this weekend after Moot Court intro/orientation. Very exciting. I can't wait to go back to the dunes!