Expectations

Expectations are a funny thing. We expect a lot out of things from day to day. We all have dreams and hopes for the expectations of different events, and let's be honest we all hope they come out close to what we are expecting, however sometimes we are a little let down.

Going to Africa for instant I had certain expectations of what I was expecting to see. Wow there is a lot of expectations, etc. going on in this post, but it's going somewhere... Anyways, I had great expectations I was super nervous for the plane ride, nervous about who I was rooming with, and anxious to see kiddos and that I would be home sick. Yes there was terbulance, there was some awkward roomie situations, and yes there were slew of emotions when I was introduced and worked with the kiddos. I was a little home sick too, not in a way I wanted to fly home right away, but in a way where I wanted them there with me for the end of the days when I was exhausted from emotions. But I made it through and all my expectations were exceeded, and yes I still want to go back.

So this summer... I had a lot of expectations too. I went through so many interviews with wonderful families who welcomed me into their homes and were hopeful that I would be the right fit for their children. After several phone interviews and in person interviews and some many days of uncertainty that I would not find a summer job. Well I did, as many of you know. 

With this job there were many expectations, I felt that this job was going to replace the job I was leaving behind of three little boys, and fill a spot of my heart with three little girls of nearly the same ages. Well it did in ways. But yes my expectations of what I was getting myself into fell a little short. A couple weeks short actually, my last week is this week.

Anyways out of every situation in life when expectations are reached or have fallen a little bit short you learn something every day and you grow. I would be lying if I said I did not leave some days in tears, that I didn't call my mom or Brittany defeated, or when I would come home and slave away in the kitchen because of the sheer stress I was under. But I grew and I am still growing. I have always had a mind set to want to change the world or to help out families, hence why I spend my free time being a nanny. Sometimes people aren't ready to accept a nanny into their family, or are too overwhelmed to have one. Through these experiences I have learned more patience, more ways to help people out, have a listening ears, I have become more aware of community resources, and I have also learned to stick up for myself (hence my last week a bit early). I have also learned, which will be a long learning lesson for me, and something those who know the situation have helped me a lot with -- is that sometimes you just owe people your time, energy, or committment any longer. You can only do so much. And with that I will walk away a better person, and maybe begin on a manuscript for some type of book, just kidding.

Not all my expectations for this summer have fallen short though, I am not some sad, depressed girl over here at all!! My other expectations were to plan our wedding and to complete all my school courses and our little unexpected, expected surprise Ellie! came into our lives! There is a very cute post coming about that little nugget. We have got a ton of wedding planning done, and I have been able to do it side by side with Brad which has been nice. We have been able to explore this side of the state together and visit some friends for a great little mini vacay! And of course we have been home bodies in Holland, and in Southfield with our puppy training and just taking in the summer. So with my couple weeks of freedom before starting to teach I will wrap up our wedding crafts, planning, etc and will be snuggling that pup. I will also spend some time recovering from my surgery, I am telling you there is never a dull moment! And unfortunately I will more than likely say goodbye to a loved one. Prayers still appreciated!! For now I am still growing, learning, and loving!

All good and dandy! Happy Monday Friends!