The Dogs Are Gone!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited I can't stand it!! If you will remember, my block has been inundated with dogs over the last 4 or 5 months. Tons of dogs on the block, barking all the time. I have been 99% sure that these dogs were being used in dog fighting. I have been praying for a while that something would be done about these dogs, especially the ones that bite.

About 2 months ago the police showed up and were looking at a few of the dogs and didn't seem to mind them being around. They were even laughing and joking with the owners, which I took to mean that nothing would ever be done about the dogs. My dad told me that the officers were probably gathering information to use later, but I wasn't sure Philly police were that good. :)

Apparently, my dad was right! (Who would have thought that my dad, Chief of Police, would know something about how police officers work?!?). The police showed up yesterday and took away every single dog on the block!! Well, there is one left, because he was actually well fed and taken care of, but the rest were taken away. I had never seen all the dogs at once, and it was disturbing. Most of them looked horrible...angry and beaten up. It was so sad. The owners weren't arrested, but they were given lots of tickets and summons to appear in court. Apparently other neighbors have been calling the police complaining about the dogs. They had been getting out of their cages and running up and down an alley behind some houses and even attacking other dogs. Not to mention the barking day and night. We have all seen people urging their dogs to attack other dogs. Apparently they even found the house that was being used to actually fight the dogs. So disgusting.

I do feel kind of bad for one neighbor. He has a dog that is very well taken care of and doesn't fight. Their backyard is way too small to house the dog, so they keep him inside. However, they will let him in the backyard to go to the bathroom if they don't have time to walk him (they always clean up after the dog). Unfortunately, the police came just as the dog was going to the bathroom in the backyard, so he also got a ticket for unsanitary conditions for a dog. (His yard is in the same alley that the other dogs were terrorizing). He was pretty upset, and it is an unfortunate coincidence. But, I would rather have that than the dogs still be here.

My block has been SO much quieter!! No barking at all!! I had literally forgotten what it was like to go through an entire day without hearing dogs fighting and growling at one another. Or what it was like to walk down my block without looking around to see what fence or post I needed to avoid. Its SO nice!!! :)

Yesterday wasn't all great though. I got a phone call from a girl's mom asking me to talk to her because she has been getting in a lot of trouble at school. It broke my heart. I know this girl has been going through a lot over the last year, and I know exactly where her anger stems from. But, what do you do with that? How do you counsel a 12 year old girl through her anger while teaching her to be respectful and follow the rules at school? This little girl has the odds stacked against her to say the least...so how exactly can I help? What am I supposed to do?

I feel like that's the question I am constantly asking right now...Lord, what am I supposed to do? I'm not a mom, I don't have children. I have no idea how to handle these kids...yet I'm the one mom's are calling for help?? Lord, what exactly am I supposed to do? There are a million parenting books, but there aren't any "How to Parent Other People's Children" books. Lord, what in the world am I supposed to do?!?

Back in Philly

I am back from staff retreat, and for the first time ever I can honestly say that I had a lot of fun!! We laughed so much together over the last 2 days! It was a really good retreat for us. We shared a lot, laughed a lot and overall just had a really good time together. I'm really glad most of the church wasn't there though...if they saw all of us together like we were the last few days they would have some serious questions about how our church survives, haha. I even really enjoyed all the kids, and they seemed to have fun too!

I always like getting away from Philly for a few days here and there, so I need to make sure I do it more often. I don't like leaving Philly for long periods of time, but a day or 2 here and there can make such a difference in my outlook on things. And, we are so close to so many things (Washington DC, New York, Baltimore, the shore, etc), it shouldn't be hard to do.

Now that I am back in Philly, I am in overdrive, haha. I have to make up my AIM stuff from Monday and Tuesday, so I'm working 9-5 the rest of the week. Kids Club starts next week and I'm really trying to get a lot done for that as well. I have already organized the roster and made new name tags for all the kids. I even made sure they were all the correct ages! (We had a ton of kids with birthdays over the break, so, for example, while they were 7 before, now they need an 8 year old name tag). Next is getting all their pictures sized right with their names on them and then hung on a bulletin board. I am hoping to really work on that tomorrow and Friday. And, of course, planning the lesson, haha. I'm not so good at staying ahead of the game with lessons. I remember Carisa used to have 2 or 3 lessons (if not more) already done by the time we started up again in the spring. That's not so much me, but I guess as long as it gets done...

I also have a completely new support raising organizational plan that I am working on. I'm trying to get super organized with it and really kick that into high gear over the next few months as well. I REALLY want to only have one job in the fall! (I think that will allow to me start up after-school again, even if I don't have an official co-leader). So, there is a lot to do, but I am ready to get started!!!

And of course there is my continued eating and exercise plan. I am still doing SO WELL!!! And I can't take any credit, that HAS to be all God!! I even stuck with my plan while on the retreat. I ran on the treadmill there, and stuck very carefully to my eating plan. I did not have a single dessert at meals NOR did I eat a single cookie that Miss Denise brought!!!! (She brings 4 or 5 Tupperware boxes full of cookies. I don't want to know how many cookies we each eat over the 3 days...but not me this year!!). I'm not really noticing a difference in my appearance or anything, but that isn't really my goal anyway. I am feeling really good; physically, spiritually and emotionally, and that's all I really care about!

My Hair is GONE!!

Okay, so its not completely gone, but a good portion of it is. 10 inches in fact. Actually, more than that after it was styled and such. I am still getting used to it...I think I like it.

T (one of the teens) and I both have (rather, HAD) VERY long hair and we both agreed that it was time for a change. So, we decided to cut and donate our hair to Locks of Love. For those of you who don't know what that is, Locks of Love takes hair donations and makes wigs out of them and then donates those wigs to cancer patients who had lost their hair to chemo. I have donated before and never regretted it, at least not in the long run. I have to admit, though, its quite the shock at first.

So, this morning T and I got up and went with Joy to her cousin's house (about an hour away) to have her cut our hair. We were both very nervous. Our original plan was to cut only 8 inches, but we decided to go for 10 once we saw how long our hair really was. In no time, our hair was gone. Generally you get one pony tail of hair from each person. However, Tina and I both have so much hair that we were actually able to part our hair down the middle and make 2 pony tails each!! I couldn't believe it!!My hair didn't seem too short to me at first, but my curls quickly kicked in and shortened it significantly. When my hair was really long, the curls were weighed down and my hair was barely more than wavy. As soon as the weight was gone, the curls came back!! So, now I'm also getting used to shorter, much curlier hair. I'm not complaining though, I feel very blessed to have my hair (thanks mom!). I may have to straighten it for a few days so I can get used to the length and then slowly reintroduce the curls to my system. :)

Okay, I know you're all dying to see the pictures...so here you go!!!

Me and T before the cutting began:

Here is my hair before:

And T's hair before:

10 inches of my hair!!!

T's finished product. How beautiful is she?!?

This is my hair after. It doesn't look so short here, but the curls hadn't quite set in yet...

And the finished product:

Trust me, my hair is even shorter now that it's dry...and very curly! Overall, we were both very happy and had a lot of fun.

After out haircuts, we all headed out to eat with Joy's grandma. From there we did a little shopping. T needed some new clothes, and we had some gift cards donated for her, so we took her shopping. It didn't take long for her to find some things that she needed and then we headed home. We were in a rush when we dropped her off so I didn't get to see her family's reaction to her hair, so I can't wait to hear all about it tomorrow at Sunday School.

Tomorrow afternoon I will be heading out of town for a few days for our Winter Staff Retreat. I am really looking forward to a few days out of the city. We are staying at a retreat center that has a gym, so I am hoping to keep on track with my running while I'm there. I also have a lot of Kids Club prep that I want to do as well; and hopefully I will be able to do it without my phone ringing off the hook! :)

I'm also hoping I can get used to my hair before I have to go out in public. :)

New Reality Idea

Okay, I have a new idea for a reality TV show. The basic idea is this...I will give contestants some random materials to work with and a construction problem to solve. Their goal? Complete the task before Frank Hinson. If they do, they win a million dollars. Why a million dollars? Because I don't think its possible to beat Frank. He seriously can do anything! He connected my ice maker today despite me having bought the wrong parts. (I blame the guy at Home Depot who was supposed to be helping me but literally walked away from me mid-sentence to say hi to someone). It took Frank some time, and I have no idea what he actually did...but it works!! I think I could have given him a nail and a straw and he would have made it work. If anyone knows TV people, let me know cause I think this show is a winner!

My morning was not very fun at all today. I got up early and went to truancy court with Bonita and her mom. We had to wait about an hour before Bonita was called in, but it all went pretty well. It turns out that most of Bonita's absences (over 80%) are due to appointments that her mom makes for her (not doctor's appointments, other stuff). So, while they are excused, they are excessive. So, the judge ordered that Bonita is no longer allowed to have ANY appointments during school hours (unless she is really sick and needs a doctor right away). She also has to have a daily report filled out by her teacher and will have to serve 35 hours of community service (it will probably be done at the school). We are supposed to go back in 30 days to see if everything has been completed. As long as she has done the daily reports and the community service and hasn't missed ANY school, she will be fine.

Linda, on the other hand, will probably be in more trouble. Despite Bonita's absences, she still has good grades. Linda does not. In addition, Linda doesn't have nearly as many appointments as Bonita (Bonita is in speech therapy), but she has missed more school...which means her absences are her own fault. Its going to be interesting...

Well, I find myself really tired again from the day. I had a TON of AIM work to do when I got home from court and we had the members' dinner tonight (which was nice, but it was another thing I had to do). So, I think I am going to head to bed. Ahhh...I love my bed.

New Fridge!!!

I got a new refrigerator!! I am SO excited!!! My kitchen is seriously now almost finished. I have a new microwave that needs to be put up (its the kind that hangs over the stove), and of course the ever problematic ceiling is still not finished...but I am almost there!! YAY!!!

It has actually been a long process to get this fridge. First, I have to say THANK YOU to some wonderful people who gave me the money for the fridge (not sure if they want their identity revealed). Once I learned about this amazing gift, I went shopping. I ended up finding a fridge that I LOVE at a Sears Outlet store in Delaware (it was 50% off!!! Yay for Sears scratch and dent!). So, on Friday I bought the fridge and they told me that I would have until Monday to pick it up. That's when all the fun started...

Leaving the Sears store on Friday is actually when I twisted my ankle, which pretty much took me out of commission on Saturday. On Sunday I got a truck for a few hours and drove to Delaware to pick up the fridge. My friend Shera came with me, as did 3 kids. (Incidentally, we had some time to kill before I could get the truck so we all hung out at Arbys. The kids were getting bored so I suggested they run laps around the building. They ran 16 laps, and apparently had a blast!)

We got the fridge, loaded it into the truck and drove slowly back to Philly (its about a 30 minute drive normally, but I was terrified the fridge was going to fall off the truck, so it took closer to an hour). Once we got back to Philly I met up with Pastor Joe and a friend to help me take the doors off and get it into the house. Unfortunately, but this time it was dark and had started raining and we had some trouble getting the doors off. Eventually we called Frank (who, I am convinced now more than ever, knows EVERYTHING) and he said he would be able to help in the morning. So, we drove the fridge to the church for the night, and I finally took the kids home around 9. I was exhausted...and still didn't have a fridge.

Frank and Joe came over this morning and within an hour had the fridge in the house and ready to go. The ice maker still has to be hooked up (I have never had one of those before!!) but Frank said he could easily do that this week. (I'm telling you...he knows everything!).

So, the fridge adventure was pretty much over, but I still had a very busy day. I went grocery shopping, unloaded my groceries and then left to pick up 7 kids to take them to see the new Veggie Tales movie that is in the theater. It took a while to round them all up (apparently Bonita and Linda can hear neither the phone or the door), but we got there just as the movie was starting. I think everyone enjoyed it, although 4 year old Little A had a hard time sitting still and quiet for the entire hour and a half. He did GREAT for him, but it was still a challenge, haha. He was really sweet and fun though, and especially enjoyed being the only boy. He and Bonita bonded and hung out together. I also took Linda, Monique, Tasha, Mercedes and little K. Shera was with me as well, so we had a lot of fun.

Now I am finally home and literally haven't had a moment to just sit and chill since Saturday. I still need to go for a run tonight, but other than that I plan to just chill!!

Tomorrow is going to be a pretty busy day as well. Bonita has to go to court for truancy in the morning (don't get me started on that...) and I am going with her and her mom. We are supposed to be there at 9, hopefully it won't take too long. There is a chance that she will get taken away from her mom (considering their history), and Linda has her own court date next week, so everyone is a little nervous. (Well, Linda isn't...she is clueless about consequences). Their social worker seems to think things will be okay though. In fact, this past weekend the entire family attended parenting and family classes together. They are scheduled to attend several more as well and we are hoping this will look good for the judge. And I am hoping they will all actually learn something!! Anyway, if you think about it, please be praying for all of this!!

Tomorrow night is the member's dinner and then Wednesday I have dinner with a teen and Prayer Pals. I am also sharing at teen club (not the whole message, just part of it) on Thursday. Thursday also marks the beginning of an enrichment program that will be run by students from Philadelphia Biblical University (PBU). I am supposed to be inviting the kids this week and I have barely started. I am also supposed to be the one getting at least 6 of them to and from the program. Whew, what a week!!! I also have plans all day Saturday, so I am really hoping that I can take Friday afternoon (after my AIM stuff) just for me!!! We'll see, though.

I am very tired and can't wait to relax, but I'm also SO excited about my new fridge!! I LOVE it, and I still can't believe all the amazing people that continue to support me here in Philly. I know it seems silly, but this fridge makes me feel so loved and cared for...thank you Jesus! :)

A Walk with Jesus

I twisted my ankle yesterday. Its not bad; I'm positive it isn't even sprained, just soar. I stepped wrong off a curb and twisted it. I can still walk fine, with only a small limp. I iced it all last night and for a while this morning. Its really more stiff than anything. But, I am frustrated.

I have been doing SO well with my running; enjoying it a ton, learning a lot and feeling great about myself. I have a schedule to keep if I am going to be ready for the 10K in time, and a few days off was NOT in my schedule. And for the first time in a LONG time, I have the discipline necessary to actually keep on that schedule, as well as the motivation to push myself when its hard. Why now?!?

Even spiritually, things are going great. I listen to worship music when I run, take time to pray. I am seeking to learn all I can about Him through this...things were so good.

As I sat on the couch today, staring at my treadmill longingly (who would have ever thought that would happen?!?), I started asking God why now. Why in the world would I have to stop running when everything seemed to be going so great...especially when I feel spiritually great as well? No, I haven't had a lot of time to just sit and read or sit and talk or sit and listen...but I have done all of those things while I run. I feel very close to God while I run, and I feel good about myself while I run. I am killing two birds with one stone here, what's the problem?!?

That's when I realized it...God doesn't want to be a bird. (That's a quote to write on your mirror, haha). He misses me. Yeah, we spend time together while I do other things, which He loves...but more than that He loves my complete undivided attention...and He loves to give me His. Its not all about productivity with Him, its just about Him.

I am involved in a very serious and very intimate relationship with a God that I am completely in love with. Yet, it appears that there are very few times that I give Him my undivided attention. I don't ignore Him, we spend a lot of time together. But intimacy can't really be developed when my mind is also on other things and when I am distracted by plans and goals.
When I run, I am focussed on running...how far can I go, can I push myself more, etc. Its a fun time with Jesus as He is the one continuing to push me and encourage me, but it isn't intimate.

So today I went on a walk with Jesus. I am walking with only a slight limp, and my newfound love for running means that I really enjoy myself while I am walking or running. This walk was different, though. I walked with no distance or speed goals...I just walked alongside the love of my life. I talked, I listened, I limped. :) It was wonderful.

As soon as I can (I'm praying for tomorrow), I will be back on my running schedule and I will continue to focus and keep challenging myself; and Jesus will continue to be with me; strengthening and encouraging me every step of the way. But, I also want to (need to) make time to just be with Him. No plans or goals, just intimacy. Whether thats reading the bible, worshiping, praying, or just listening...I just want to be with Him. And He desperately wants to be with me.