Quite a bit has happened since my last post- I have finally shed the feeling of "missing something" because I am no longer in school-which may sound strange but I assure you it is not. When UM started their classes and I remained going to work everyday I felt out of place and slightly lost. If you know me you know that in school I was always studying, reading, and doing school work. I could be found writing a paper just about any day of the week- and now this has all changed. I come home from work and I have no assignments, no required reading- no nothing. I have begun to realize how freeing this is- I have what seems to be infinite amounts of time to spend with friends, cooking, doing strange DIY projects I find on pinterest, among other things. In college I was used to not only being a student but also an RA and involved in other orgs on campus- I had no free time to myself. So this is a new feeling to say the least. This weekend I not only started a vegetable garden in my backyard but I refinished an old desk in my room. While this may not seem very exciting- its things like this I've always wanted to do but never had the opportunity.  

Now a little bit about what's going on at TML... 

This past week was filled with lots of prep for upcoming events. One in particular is Give Miami Day- this is a one-day event sponsored by the Miami Foundation, in which people in Miami (and outside Miami) are encouraged to donate to their favorite non-profit in Miami through the Miami Foundation website. The Miami Foundation will match a certain percentage of the funds raised for the top earning orgs. Last year TML placed in the top 20- this year we obviously are aiming to do better. While it may only be the beginning of September the need to begin reaching out and informing people of this day is important to reach our new goals.

I've also been working to prepare for the basic computer courses I will be teaching to adults in Overtown beginning Sept. 17th. I am so incredibly excited, yet nervous for this opportunity. I have put together a detailed lesson plan for each session and have had a great response from the community. I have had multiple community partners reaching out to me to sign up their clients and it appears I will have a full class. This has been very encouraging, but I can't help but to be intimidated at the thought that I may not be ready or qualified to teach this course- and I am worried I will not be able to teach them all they hope to learn. Hopefully, with some more preparation these worries can subside. 

I continue to be inspired by working at TML and by my coworkers who without knowing it challenge me to become more invested in my work. As I get to know more of the kids and their stories I have been moved in profound ways. I also have the blessing of living with two of my co-workers. This has not only made my transition easier, but seeing the dedication they have to the community of Overtown is truly an inspiration for me. 

By the way, if you are interested in learning more about Touching Miami with Love you can check us out at www.touchingmiamiwithlove.org - always hoping for more volunteers and generous donations of any kind