hey everyone!
This summer has been amazing. I went to Italy for a week with my school orchestra! Italy is an indescribable place; so full of beauty and peace (and tourists!). That trip gave me peace and excitement at the same time. I also learned some independance!
Then, I went to MUUSA, Midwest Unitarian Universalist Summer Assembly. That place is soul-changing, soul-healing, and soul-loving. I learned a lot more about my identity, and I truly felt loved enough to be able to just cry. Sobbing your heart out is not always easy. It means opening up.
The week after, I was going through postMUUSAsyndrome, which is an actual disease, I'm not even kidding. I was lonely and I longed for the comfortable, loving, and summerfull atmosphere of camp. I was really messed up that week.
Then, there was Habitat for Humanity. My church youth group traveled to Oceana County in Michigan to build a house for people who can't afford one. I got to know my youth group so much better, and I felt so free there. I could go to the beach of Lake Michigan when I wanted, I didn't have to take a shower every day, and I could be myself. That is a gift that you can't take advantage of. I worked harder than I thought I would; I thought I would be lazy, but I worked so hard! I wanted to prove to everyone and myself that I was not lazy. Ed's beautiful house on Lake Michigan is a magical place I'll keep in my heart till next year.
There have been so many changes in my life lately. My second mother, Karen Brown is leaving. I could never imagine life without her. I'm a sophomore now. I can't afford to be lazy in school. I'm looking at colleges, my older sister, Leslie, is a senior. This is going to be a very interesting year.

This has been a soul changing summer.

help me through this,
elise