Thinking

Today was my (Katie's) last day at the Evergreen House, and as it always is for me, was surreal. I don't like goodbyes, so I ended with "I'll see you later's". Thats alot more comfortable for me. My experience at this job was the first adult professional experience that I have had in my short life. I had two very amazing bosses, but the one that I worked most closely with was Dee. In short, she was the most amazing boss that I've ever had. She taught me about how to be a leader, about how to have compassion with those that you work with, for, and manage. She taught me how to be professional, leave work at work and not bring it home, how to not let others interfere on your work performance. She cared as much about me growing professionally as she did personally. Really though, how amazing is that? I can honestly say that I probably won't have a boss again like that. So though I am moving on to a different kind of work, I'm thankful for the experience that I had there. I feel like I left on a good note, and I feel like God has given me an open heart to learn from everything and everyone there.

What I will sorely miss is the kids. I loved them, all of them, with all of their dysfunction and problems, attitudes and misconceptions. I wanted to make them feel loved and valued, and I think that in some small way I accomplished that. It hurts my heart to know that there are so many kids out there who have crap for families, but in that way I am truly thankful for places like the Evergreen House and Birch Bay House, who have staff who value them just as they are, and put everything they can into making them know that who they are is who they should be.