Training!

Well...so far the goal of blogging once a week seems to have been a failure... but only because I have been so engrossed in spending time and being present while I've been on the porch!

So some highlights so far of this adventure!

- CD hangout time!  Hanging out with all the other center directors has been such a blessing.  They are wonderful people who I am excited that I have become better friends with.  We have a lot of fun being silly and serious all in the same day.  I feel a really great sense of community this year, something that I didn't find til the end of last summer.  So many friends to talk to and spend time sharing our joys!

-General Things that happen on the Porch: Singing, praying, writing silly intro songs, candy being passed around at construction sessions, milkshakes from happy mart, 120 friends, conversations about anything.

-Special Training things: Slumber Parties, Square Dancing, Late Night Snacks, IHVs, Walmart Trips, Team Building Day

-STAFF REVEAL!!!! MY STAFF IS AWESOME!!!!!  Thankfully you are going to get to hear about them all summer long :)  Soon I will post pictures detailing our meeting and how great they all are.  There are four of us who will be living and serving in Cocke County and we are all girls.  Also we love Jesus.  And we can't wait to grow and adventure together!

-County Visit Day... I was supernervous about this ( in previous years CDs have gone out by themselves and ventured around their county.  This year I had a partner and a PM (program manager)  the three of us had an awesome trip and it was so nice to get away from the porch and see our homes!  My center is sort of like disney world... swimming pool, laundry, indoor showers, and a nice space for Evening Gatherings!  Pictures soon!

Training is getting ready to come to a close, and I have mixed emotions.  I can't wait to get to my county and  get to know my staff and families and volunteers, but I will miss getting to be surrounded by wonderful friends everyday.  I'm looking forward to load up day and getting ready to head out fro the summer!

To all of the friends who have sent me mail...Thanks!!  Starting this Thursday (5/31) you can send me mail at
ASP General Delivery- Cocke County
Attn: Caitlin Closs
Newport, TN 37821

Much love and many prayers from the porch!

less then one week til ASP!!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In less then one week I will be sitting on the porch doing a little bit of this:

singing, seeing friends, learning, and most importantly preparing for an incredible summer!

I might be a little bit excited!  Before I go I have a lot to do. Such as pack. pack. pack. And let me tell you packing is not the easiest thing.  I am planning what I might want or need for an entire summer of adventure and it all needs to fit into one nice bag so I can take it on the plane.  My room is serving as a staging room while I sort through and decide what I might be able to fit.

I also am spending time hanging out with the fam and seeing friends while I am home.  Loving having dinner and lunch with the people who inspire me most and being reminded of the wonderful support system I have even after being gone.

After training is over, I'll be moving to Newport TN, and serving as a center director in Cocke County. I am looking forward to meeting my staff, and learning  the joys and challenges of a new center and a new staff!

I am sure there will be much more to tell in the coming weeks!  But for know if you want to think about sending me mail :)

My address from May 17- May 30 will be:

ASP Jonesville Center
Attn: Caitlin Closs
P.O. Box 250
Jonesville, VA 24263

I'll have a different address for the rest of the summer, but I'll have to get back to you on that!

Love and Hugs from Colorado!