What. A. Week.

I'm sorry for those of you that have been repeatedly checking back to see if I have posted something new in the past two weeks (MOM). I have done pretty much zero studying, and haven't really been home. Last Friday, I went to Indiana to visit family, go to a wedding, and traditionally celebrate the 4th of July.

When I got home on Wednesday, I unpacked to repack for Cincinnati on Thursday. I accompanied my mother to the North American Christian Convention, "Unleashed". What an experience it was. We only went for the one day even though it lasted all week, but it was our first time attending such an event. Honestly, it was completely exhausting physically. We woke up at 6am, drove two hours to Cincinnati, listened to a number of wonderful speakers, sang praise songs, attended workshops, zig-zagged our way through a huge room of exhibits, and spoke with many people about all sorts of things.

We bought some things from the Rapha House, supporting the rescue and support of girls exposed to slavery and sexual exploitation. You can visit their website at http://www.raphahouse.org/ if you are interested in learning more or would like to help support the cause. We also spoke with many different organizations about mission opportunities since I am interested in traveling to Europe for a cause. I probably won't have time to travel next summer, but a trip after graduation is being kept in the back of my mind.

The speakers we listened to at the convention were uplifting. They had some great ideas and wisdom to share. One of them was also a comedian, and connects to her audience through laughter. We arrived to our hotel around 10pm and didn't want to do anything but sleep. Although physically exhausting, it was definitely spiritually refreshing. I am seriously considering attending next year's convention in Orlando.

Yesterday, I volunteered at the hospital for the second time. Once again, I couldn't help but smile as I was assisting with all sorts of people and tasks. I met some other great volunteers and we enjoyed each others company when work was slow. I even found out one of them attends the same church I do. I discharged a few patients by myself and ran specimens to the lab. I answered many phone calls and directed many people to where they needed to go. I became much more familiar with the hospital and believe I am ready to take on the job next week by myself.

Because I only volunteer at the hospital once a week, I have been looking into other volunteer opportunities since getting a job didn't really work out. At the convention, I spoke with a man involved with one of the assisted living communities and asked if they had a need for short-term volunteers. He told me they absolutely had a need, so I plan on calling the facility early next week to see what I can do for them.

Not much is happening around here otherwise. My best friend just returned from a study/internship abroad experience in New Zealand, so I am definitely looking forward to hearing all about her trip and having someone to hang out with for the rest of summer. I need to get back to lifting weights and working out next week and step up studying after my "vacation". I am definitely looking forward to getting back to real life when I return to school in August.

Sorry this post wasn't more exciting, but thanks for reading!