I went into end of term with not many plans for my 3 weeks off on a quiet campus... but still found many things that brought me joy!

My "Easter Celebration" this year was treating myself to afternoon tea in my new spring yellow jumper(sweater)! I have found a love for adding colors back into my life since doing a color analysis in London. Afternoon tea is something I know I will continue to do back home, as it brings good company mid day and can also be a nice reset to do on your own. 

I one of the boarding house girls gave me hand made Easter card before heading into break and it was so sweet to read all the kind messages written inside from most of the girls in my house! Something so simple and thoughtful, before starting 3 weeks apart, was a big reminder to me how important relationship building makes a difference in this year! 

It was also a HUGE blessing to receive a care package with an Easter card/ goodies from Faith Lutheran Church back in Isle, Minnesota! Faith Lutheran church has been supporting me throughout my YAGM year and I am so grateful for the connections built and a special sense of home around this Easter season. 

Although I did not have a close community around for my actual Easter Sunday, since everyone left for break, I think something that I really valued this year was seeing people visit their loved ones in the Dimentia Care Home leading up to the holiday! As always, it is really special to me when I have the opportunity to sit and chat with the residents, it is one of the things I value most during my weeks! But, with so many guests visiting for the Holiday, I also was able to meet so many of the residents' spouses, a chance to provide support to them as they tried to spark memories and share stories with me about their marriage just to get their partner to smile or say a few words between a sigh or laugh. Many of the visitors were suprised, in a thrilled way,  to learn that I came with girls each week and we spend time talking to the person they care most about! As I stepped away and just casually observed many of the interactions the guests were having with their loved ones, people I had gotten used to talking to or with (even dressing baby dolls they take care of or singing songs and sharing a cake), it did bring some tears to my eyes to see/ hear more of the reality for their lives pre- dimentia and those that continue to show up for them unconditionally.

*Permission for photo was given from Care Home 

I have been really enjoying exploring my creative interests in recent months while here! From pottery classes, trying to teach myself piano or revisiting guitar skills while I have free time in the chapel, to ending my evenings with coloring or embroidery! I finally finished my first embroidery project and I think it was fitting to do so over the Easter Holiday and spring season arriving.

It was a great way to end the month of April by getting back to rugby season! Of course after many of us did see the Red Roses earlier this month, the energy and motivation was high for our next chance to play together as a Winchester team again! With many rainy months it left the pitches (fields) too flooded to play.. but, we are back to practicing and it was nice to be able to travel with my teammates to a new part of the UK and play in the tournament. A fun transition for me as break ended and I started my final term here in Winchester! 

The tournament had a pirate theme, as everyone had to "set sail" in order to come! With blow up swords, parrots and pirate hats, we got many laughs in while commiting to the role!