8 days a week.

yep. 8 days left. Not much has changed from that to-do list. I'm making some great progress on the directory and the final report. I was really feeling good about getting 90% of the work done before Sunday. Then, I was asked to go on the Children of Inmates bus trip tomorrow. I really wanted to say "no" because I'm on a roll getting work done, but I said "yes" because I know it's a unique opportunity (and they already got me clearance from the prison).

So, tomorrow is going to be a super long day because I have to get up early to pick up some of the inmates' family, be at the prison from 10-3, and then go bowling (or something like it) for 2 hours afterwards and take the family home. Then I plan on going home, having dinner, and heading out to Starbucks for the night to finish some work. Saturday will be similar. I plan on getting up early (for a Saturday, that is) and working on my papers some more. I plan on taking a 2 hour break to go to local thrift stores hunting for an espresso machine so I can make Cafe Cubano and Cafe Con Leche at school.  and then writing some more.

It's been really great living with Yvonne the past couple of weeks. She knows SO much about community development and has worked on the legal and religious side of it. We have some great conversations together.

Ok. and here is the list we've all been waiting for...
THINGS I WILL MISS ABOUT MIAMI:
1. My co-workers. They are beyond awesome! They've been so wonderful to me.
2. The cultural diversity. yeah, it's pretty unique how many cultures are active here and it has stopped surprising me. It doesn't exist in Cape Coral or Chattanooga
3. Hearing spanglish all the time.
4. Crossbridge Church and my Tuesday night small group. They've been a huge encouragement to me and have really helped me adjust to Miami.
5. Drinking Cafe Cubano almost every day and being dared to try drinking a 2nd cup.
6. How easy it is for me to find time alone. Yes, I don't like being alone 24/7 hence the complaints earlier one. but i like being able to just go up to my room and be alone when needed. I love how many people are around at home and school, but it's REALLY hard to get away from everyone (especially at school).
7. Being surrounded by like-minded people. Seriously, working in a non-profit community developing organization has spoiled me. I've rarely had to explain my work or major and everything I've learned from school has come into play here.