Goodbye B'wat, HELLO Eddy!

Sorry about the lack of updates in such a long period of time. I guess I've just been really busy with the hectic Katima-life, that I haven't had a chance. It's hard to get any free time, especially in Edmonton when we're always able to do something fun.

Our goodbye party last rotation was the best one we've had. Granted we'd only had two by that point, but considering how big of a flop our first one was, this one was EPIC! We had it at John's workplacement - Hillside Pines Senior Centre - and everybody came. All of the billet families (mostly), all of the work partners, and a lot of the friends we made in Bridgewater. It was a huge success. There was good food, we did it potluck style, music, a slideshow, a little presentation, and socializing. Rachelle, Phil, and I went outside after with our work partners to say bye... can you say, tears? Despite how sad it was, we definitely got in some good laughs. COUGAR CAT! If you were there, you'll understand that comment.

The end of Bridgewater was a sad one. It started off with my job, saying goodbye to the kids was harder than I ever could have imagined. It's so sad seeing them leave with their parents, knowing I may never see them again. And ontop of that, saying bye to some of the most amazing women I've ever met (other than my mom) was incredibly difficult, too. My work partners gave me the lovliest card ever, and bought a cake and had a little going away party for Rachelle and I. My boss gave me a Bridgewater hat and t-shirt... I can't say I still have the hat, but I do have the t-shirt!

My boss gave Rachelle and I such a great speech as we were leaving... it lasted about 10 minutes, so I can't say I remember it all, but it followed the idea of following our dreams and making the best of our lives. She said we both have great potential and she hopes we continue working with people, because that's where we should be. I can't say I've ever seen someone so sad to say goodbye to me. She is one of the best people I've ever met, and I hope to go back to Bridgewater again to see everyone.

Our group left Bridgewater for Windsor, Nova Scotia for our final rotation camp with the Wolfville, Halifax, and Spryfield groups. It was so nice to see the familiar faces! Our first night we did our rotation presentations, and surprised Matt with a song to the tune of Wagon Wheel. We got him to come up and play guitar for us, and he got all teary eyed! One of the saddest moments of that rotation was saying bye to Matt. It's crazy how I didn't like him at the beginning, and he ended up being my favourite PL out of the two we had. He helped me so much, with my confidence and with my guitar playing. He always took time to help and talk to me when I needed it. As he left in the van, a couple of us ran outside to wave. He stopped the car, and jumped out and ran over for one last hug, then went back to Bridgewater.

Afterwards, Val and I sobbed outside.

But camp WAS really fun. We had a ton of free time to hang out with the other groups and catch up and just relax. Windsor is a really beautiful place. It was interesting to see how independant everyone has become. In our orientation and first rotation camps, everyone kept together. But in this rotation camp, people still hung out together but I also saw a lot of people taking time to theirselves. I think that's one of the great things about Katimavik... it makes you confident in who you are, and gives you the ability to find happiness in being alone. I was alone a lot of one day. I sat by the water, went on a walk through the forest, and walked up to the top of a hill to look down on the view of beautiful Nova Scotia. During that moment on the hill, I really appreciated where I was from and the person I've become. I'm glad I didn't have a camera to snap a photo... I like keeping this memory in my mind.

In a frenzy the morning we left, because the bus arrived an hour early at 2am (at which time most people were not awake), all four groups packed the bus to go to the airport. We arrived there and made it through security with enough time to get some breakfast. Our flights were alright, apart from some crazy turbulence, so bad at one point that they made an announcement to not panic! I find I'm getting way more used to flying though, and sitting beside a very calm woman helped as well. Her Vogue magazine was more interesting then that hunk of metal we were in that was bumping about in the middle of the sky.

So, we got to Edmonton, all in one piece. Set up our rooms in the basement. YAY TO AN ALL-GIRLS BATHROOM! I'm rooming with Robyn, Jillian and Val, which is really nice, although a little cramped. I room with 3 messy girls... and I'm the only clean one. Frustrating, but I can deal with it.

I work at a french senoir centre named Manoir St. Joachim. It's an alright job... not the best, but it passes the time and I get those little moments that make me happy to be there. It's A LOT of work, my lunch break is usually about 30 minutes, some days 5 minutes and standing. I mostly to maintenance and cleaning work, and I serve lunch at 11 to the residents. My bosses are both very nice people and I will have lots of opportunities to do things with the residents.

My group has gone out to a few of the bars and clubs on the weekends. Our first night in Edmonton, Val, Jillian, Robyn and I went to Devaney's Pub near our house. Weekends after we've all gone to The Walkabout, Hudson's, and The Iron Horse, and plan to go to other places later on.

Billeting starts next week, which is a little intimidating. I've never really liked billeting, even though my last billet was an amazing experience. It's always very nerve-wracking, but I'm just hoping I get a good family this time around.

Until next time!