This is an uninspired title

Hi.

I have a cold.
I was at work for 13 and one half hours yesterday.
I had to cold call potential sponsors today, one of whom called me back.

...blech.

But despite the outs of an understaffed nonprofit, the ins continue to be worth it. There are so many good and bad moments it's hard to write them as the vivid pictures they deserve. One of my two cubicle buddies, Ruby, freaking out and calling the store about floating specks in her Arizona Tea ("could it be bug poop!?!"). Lourdes prodding me to test out my Spanish on families waiting in line (thank you!). Buying the most delicious, drive-thru real-Mexican-style tacos at the end of the day and making Irene laugh with my this-food-is-ecstasy exclamations.

In that 13.5 hour day (I only worked 12 hours, so it's totally fine), I checked families into Operation School Bell, a program that gives kids new clothing. Kids can only get the clothing if their school counselor (I didn't know they could afford those anymore) deems them eligible - made fun of in school, etc. A sweet group of middle-aged ladies runs the program, and they buy a large amount of clothing out of their own pocket. My favorite is Liz, the one with librarian glasses and a voice full of cheer even when the line is backed up out the door. She often tells me about running out to buy extra clothes without any qualms or airs of being a wonderful, selfless person. I do love meeting the wonderful, selfless people here.

I helped families sign in to Operation School Bell with my limited English. It has improved to the point where I can ask more complicated questions - unfortunately this means that people assume I speak Spanish and give me - aaaah! - several sentences in response. To which I must sheepishly smile and say "uhh, no entiendo..." and point them towards any other HFRC staff.

Today, though, was not so fun - the afternoon was filled with training to be a telemarketer - cold calls to banks asking, in my scratchy cold-induced voice, if they are interested in sponsoring families. Well honestly, just asking for the manager to call me back.

Love you all! If I haven't talked to you in a while, please do call or email me.