Well 12-18-08

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Well... I got the kids packed up, driven down and dropped off at my mom's by 10:15. Whew...that was the most stressful part I think. Then I made the additional half hour drive to the office. The whole time I kind of wanted to throw up and laugh out loud at the same time. I waffled back and forth between anxiety and eager anticipation. Of course about one mile from my exit was an accident...which made me 5 minutes late, which is the cardinal rule of new employment...DON'T BE LATE. Oh well...I did the best I could with what I had. I filled out the necessary paperwork, got set up with a computer and then attended my first staff meeting. I met all of the counselors, and I have to say that I was taken aback by the genuineness and the skill of all of them. We prayed before and after the meeting and the counselors were so helpful and real and kind and did I mention helpful. I went to lunch with my supervisor and another counselor and I was absolutely blown away by the knowledge and applicable skill these women have. I feel like I have a whole new way of thinking to learn. I feel like I will never be where they are...they are that good. Really...the cases we discussed and their ideas for helping and therapy...were so practical and realistic and useful. I can't believe I get to learn from these people. At three on Wednesdays I head over to the Well of Grace House, a residential facility for young women trying to get a grasp on life. I am there until 11pm. This is going to be a challenging aspect of my new job...but one I am sure I will learn so much through. Yesterday I shadowed an intern who is just finishing up. I was, again, completely blown away by this girl's skill...ability to think quickly on her feet, her ability to think outside of the box and to confront in loving ways. She taught me more last night than I learned in an entire semester at school. I have no doubt whatsoever that God planted her there last night for me. When I got there, some miscommunication had occurred and there was a tad bit of chaos. I have rarely felt as uncomfortable as I did in those moments...but having her there to process the situation and knowing that a few months ago she was feeling all that I was feeling...and understood and knew exactly what to say to me so that I was reminded that feeling inadequate and out of place and overwhelmed was completely normal...was absolutely invaluable. I thank God for her...she will be one of the best counselors out there...I have no doubt about it. She was that good. Today I will see my first client. I feel inadequate and scared to death. I also feel excited and ready. But then there are the thoughts of, "what if I miss something." What if I do a diservice." You know the nature of counseling is people's lives...which is something that cannot be taken lightly. I just can't believe that I am being entrusted this responsibility...and yet, in my uncertainty, I feel confident. It is difficult to explain. But you can pray for me. My heart is in my throat. Thank you so much for your encouragement yesterday. You have all walked this journey with me...and I am taking your support and encouragement with me into that office today. Speaking of, I need to get going...yikes. Just got butterflies again Here I go...wish me wisdom!!!