the Good, the Bad, and the Sad

   On Monday, I came home to a surprise, an envelope with the results from my licensing exam for Marriage and Family Therapy which I took in May right before training camp.  Much to my delight and surprise, I passed! This little bit of icing on the cake is truly proof of God’s provision and what I can only describe as a huge relief.  So, yay!  God is good and now I can leave with the peace of mind that I have completed my work in Chicago and can go freely. 

Alanna, Emily, supervisor Nancy, Priscilla, Marta from MFT grad school

the Bad…

Monday, our program director at Asian Human Services announced potential layoffs and possibly terminating treatment for some of our clients due to the current state budget crisis in Illinois with a significant debt and politicians fighting not to raise taxes.  However, this could potentially mean many mentally ill or emotionally disturbed people without treatment.  Additionally, many of my colleagues have begun to look elsewhere for their futures.  While this is good news for many of my colleagues, it is unfortunate for the clients who benefit from their compassionate care and faithful service.  Please pray for God’s provision for the many clients who are left behind both by the budget crisis and AHS staff changes. 

  
and the Sad…

   Wednesday was my last day employed at Asian Human Services.  While there are many things for which I am concerned for my agency, there are many more things that I’ll miss, especially my dedicated colleagues and resilient cilents. 

   Saturday, I left my home of 8 years in Chicago and so many beloved friends who have made Chicago home for me.  Saying a multitude of goodbyes when I’m already struggling with feeling like I’m abandoning or leaving close friends is an emotionally difficult and challenging part of the World Race.  So during the interim prior to launch, I’ll be staying with my parents in Michigan to spend some quality time with the family and work through details in preparation to leave the country.