Two Weeks...

Today marks the first day of my last two weeks at Epworth. For those of you who haven't heard, I accepted a position as a therapist at St. Vincent Home for Children. Beginning 7/27, I will be the therapist for the boys in the residential unit.

I have been looking forward to this day for the past 3 years. I only became a foster care case manager because 1.) It was a job and 2.) I could get licensed. Now that the end is quickly approaching I am facing a wide array of emotions. I am very sad. I'm sad to leave my co-workers and I'm sad to leave my foster kids. I've had some of my kids for the entire time I've been here. The others I have had since they originally came into foster care. I have been involved in every aspect of their lives and at times have been the most stable figure in their lives. In a way, I feel guilty for leaving them. I am just one more person in a long line of people who have left them. I really hope my replacement genuinely cares for them as much as or more than I have. I am also feeling very excited. I am so excited to finally get to (officially) do therapy. I'm excited to have a somewhat normal schedule. I'm excited to not have to testify as much in court or deal with as many angry parents. On top of my excitement is a lot of nervousness and fear about moving to a new place and starting over. (Especially with the way the economy is right now.) What if I don't get along with my new co-workers? I'm also afraid that I won't be a good therapist. What if I'm not? What if I don't like it? Then what will I do with my life? .... We'll see!

I have heard some not-so-positive things about St. Vincent and the boys that I will be working with. So, I do feel like I'm walking in with my eyes open. I really hope to be able to help make some changes there and I also hope that I can build really good relationships with the kids. Please pray for me if you think about it.

I have a ton of work to complete in the next two weeks. I have never been "caught up" since I have had this job. It really is not possible. Everyone is behind. So, I have to accomplish the impossible and I have a short time to do it in. It really does help to have an end in sight. I'm really looking forward to the weekend between ending Epworth and starting St. Vincent because I will have absolutely ZERO work hanging over my head. (And, for that weekend, I will refuse to think about housework either!) I can't wait!!!