Well, my immune system is still the same as it’s always been and I’m sick. I’ve successfully made 3 consecutive trips to the hospital/doctor over the past 3 days–1) bloodwork, 2) work permit checkup, and 3) sick-ear/nose/throat doctor visit. After all of that, I can confidently say that I’m clear of all STDs, mental disorders, and leprosy; I’m not an alcoholic; I’m getting over my fear of needles; I have a “common cold”; and the nurses most likely assume that I’m knocked up with 2 options for “baby daddy.” Allow me to explain…

Everyday, I walk home with my BFF David. He’s the EIP 6th grade English teacher, and he lives in my apartment building. He’s probably the person I’m closest with over here because we spend a lot of time together. I go out to dinner and grocery shopping with him and his friend Jere a lot, and David’s really taken me under his wing. So, we have to pass through St. Louis Catholic Hospital everyday on the way home, so we just stopped to get my bloodwork done for the medical exam portion of my work permit application on Tuesday. When the nurse was asking for my information, I really had no idea what my address was so I kept looking at David with a confused look so he would answer. We looked like a classic couple, even though that would clearly never be the case. On Wednesday, I made round two to the hospital to finish up the medical exam for my work permit. I’m seriously a 12-year-old when it comes to the doctor, so Joey went with me. When we walked up, perhaps it was my humorous imagination, but the nurse (same one as before) gave me a rather odd look. She probably thinks I’m such a player…rollin’ in with 2 different guys. You know me…I’m just tryin’ to figure out who baby daddy is. Ha. Right. So today, I had 5 hours free during the day, so I just sucked it up and went back by myself to get some meds for my cold. Yeah, I’m the epitome of independent now. I’ve heard rumors that hospitals here have a tendency to overmedicate…aaaand true story. I have 3 different pills to take 3 times a day for my “common cold” diagnosis. Ok whatever. As long as I get better and start feeling like getting out of bed, I’m down for whatever. I even drank this nasty herbal tea energy drink that David gave me and it did NOTHING! (P.S. My students accused me of drinking pee during class…and then they decided it was beer. Ha. Of course.)

Ok…so I’m sick, but I’m proud to announce that the social life status is looking more optimistic everyday. I have hang out options and I love it! I decided to stay in town this weekend and go to Coyote with several people from work on Friday night, and then we’re gonna watch the US football game somewhere. Woo…fake football. Yeah I said it. So anyway, I’m also probably gonna hang out with my favorite Brit–Andy Bottom–and make him quote Harry Potter to me or something. Love that accent. Mmmhmm. And I’m thinking about going down to the slums with a team from Newsong to teach some English…if I can force myself to get up on Saturday morning. Hmm…we’ll see about that. And then I’m excited about church on Sunday. I hope I get to start singing or something. I just wanna get involved. We’ve sang “How He Loves” the past 2 weeks and that song never ceases to give me chills. I LOVE it…probably my favorite worship song.

The one thing that I really want to do SOON is buy a bunch of food and just walk around the city and give it to homeless people. I keep thinking about what Jesus said, “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for Me.” So, I’m going to make that happen on the ASAP. I can’t wait. I will be sure to take lots of pictures of the city when I do that, too. I know I’ve been such a slacker when it comes to photography over the past few months, but I should be getting my good camera next week, that will change my friends. No fear. I will have photos to share with you soon.

Ok, I’m gonna go watch Grey’s Anatomy or something. Same story, different time zone…I know. Peace and blessings…peace and blessings.

I’m out. //Cwalk.