WHY?

3 letters, 1 question, 0 answers.

Why would someone murder an innocent man, in such a gruesome way, and leave him in a ditch in the middle of nowhere? I don't understand, and I don't think I ever will.

Orphee Landa, was always the life of the party. Every single time I saw him, he would make me laugh. multiple times. His energy was so contagious, and while he may no longer be here with us, our memories of him will last us a lifetime.

As the days progress, I pray that the person or people who committed this awful crime are brought to justice. I pray that God will continue to comfort the devastated. I pray God rests his soul, and that I will see him again in Heaven.

I remember my parents moving away from the crime rates of Baltimore, Maryland to Calgary to escape the senseless killings that were occurring... yet this is the second person I know that has been innocently murdered in Calgary. That's two, too many...

Rest in Peace Orphee Landa

&&


Rest in Peace Stephanie Novak

Growing up!

• February 23rd, 2011-- Engaged to the love of my life

• April 15, 2011 -- Completed my Bachelor of Social Work degree

• April 18, 2011-- New job as a Social Worker

• June 6, 2011-- Convocation...

What the future holds...?

Wedding Date Setting, Wedding Planning, Saving, Saving, Saving, House Hunting, Getting Married!!

While I've been a "grown up" for 5 years now, experiencing all of these "grown up things" really led me to reflect on my life, and the experiences which God used to bring me to this moment in my life that's rich with so many blessings from Him.

I can't begin to express how fortunate I feel. I know for a fact I wouldn't be experiencing these moments, with out God. I couldn't have done it without Him.


“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.”

Psalm 139:13-14, 17-18(NIV)

Less then a month until I finish my last class of my undergrad degree....!

It feels so good to see the finish line

... and it just keeps getting better !

I think it's safe to say that my last post was a very nice prelude to how my week is turning out. So thankful for the blessings God has graced my life with <3

This Weekend

... was pretty amazing.

* A beautiful white winter wedding

* An early birthday dinner with my family

* A chance to refresh during my short reading break..

So far this year has really flown by. It was a shock when I realized earlier this week that we were already halfway past the month. It was great to be able to take this weekend, slow it down, and cherish the special moments I that I had the privilege to share with people I love and care for <3

Hope your all having a great long weekend as well!

xoxo

Masters Degree

You may recall my previous post where I was excited about completing and submitting my application for my Masters in Social Work. From that moment, I've had mixed feelings about whether or not it was still something I wanted to pursue. Some days, I'd feel soo DONE with school, and eager to just embark into having a career and an adult life. I was sick of being a student, and was not looking forward to any more time spent within a classroom. Other days, I would tell myself, its only one extra year (two if I continue with a part time program), and it is easier for me to complete this degree now while I am still young, because once I am married, with kids, going back to school will be a lot harder for me.

I found myself going back and forth between these two trains of thought. Recently, I was speaking to my supervisor who is currently taking her Master's Degree in Counseling ( a specialization within Psychology). This sparked my interest, because I feel like I work best in a counseling setting. While I enjoyed my last practicum, it wasn't very clinical in nature and felt called to return to working in a capacity of a counselor. The more I think of receiving a master's degree in Counseling, the more appealing it is.

While the program will take a lot longer, -- from my Supervisor's experience (who also has an undergraduate in Social Work)-- the material you learn in a Master's degree in Counseling is a lot more clinical in nature, and targets counselors. I am considering taking an online or blended option for this, thus allowing me to start a career and still go back to school...

Upon graduating I will be able to be a Registered Social Worker and a Registered Psychologist... a huge perk I think...

Anyways just a tentative idea for now, but one that I think has taken root in my heart is beginning to grow. =)

My practicum...

...is pretty much amazing!! Working with youth in a Christian setting is such a blessing. While I have previous experience working within the Catholic School District, the two just don't compare!

Every morning, Heritage staff members have a staff meeting before classes (as did St. Mary's Staff), except instead of only discussing school related announcements, the staff members have a weekly schedule dedicated to praying, studying, and worshiping God. The order of tasks varies, but always consists of a day each for:

1. Devotions/Sharing
2. Praying in Small Groups
3. Worship
4. Scripture Reading
5. Chatting / Fellowship

Its absolutely great. Lunch conversations are centered around God, and his unending love and compassion for all of us. I no longer find myself feeling like I have to defend myself for believing in God. Its such a blessing to be able to pray with the students, and co - workers.

My supervisor has allowed me to grow both academically and spiritually, and I am eager to continue this growth!

I now understand exactly what kind of setting I would like to work in, and even if it may not be with Heritage Christian Academy, I will continue to seek opportunities where my work Honors God not ignores or avoids Him.