Writing about this past year is a bit of a difficult endeavor for me, as it seems like so much has happened in such a relatively short span of time! I arrived in Milwaukee by way of Iowa City just this past September, with a car full of luggage and a head full of mild but persistent anxiety. I had so many questions: What would my internship be like? What would my housemates be like? Would I like Milwaukee?

The question that was answered first was the one about my housemates. I quickly found out that I would be living with 4 other young adults, each with their own peculiarities, but united in their kindness, creativity, and desire to make a difference in the world. Living with them has been a joy, and I am deeply grateful for having the opportunity to meet each one of them.

I was also able to quickly put aside any worries I had about my internship. From day one I was made to feel comfortable at Living Compass, and was invited to work on projects that interested me and would help me grow professionally. With the support of fantastic co-workers, I've gotten an opportunity to practice my primary interest, graphic design, on a variety of projects, including creating digital memes, preparing large documents, and designing marketing materials. I've also gotten to edit and produce video for the organization, and helped manage Living Compass's social media presence. My position truly has given me an extraordinary opportunity to both work on projects that I find engaging, while also supporting an organization whose mission I deeply support.

Of course, as much as I love my internship, I couldn't really feel as positively as I do about this experience had I disliked Milwaukee. Luckily, Milwaukee is an awesome city that I thoroughly enjoyed exploring. As an avid cyclist, I've been all over the city's scenic bike routes, and get to ride along the lakefront most days on my way to work. Milwaukee also fulfills one of my most important criterion for evaluating a city: a robust and convenient public library system. Other great things about Milwaukee that I got to experience first-hand: Monthly free days at the art museum and the public museum, inexpensive tickets to watch the lovable Bucks lose games in creative ways, and a great collection of colleges and universities that often put on events that are free and open to the public. Oh, and Milwaukee's great collection of breweries doesn't hurt its reputation in my eyes either  

Camp Lakotah is located on Little Hills Lake in Wautoma, Wisconsin. Women's Mini-Week is an annual retreat for women of all faiths and their friends, offering a time to relax, to learn, to discover, to bond, to have fun, to laugh, to be renewed-and to eat meals you don't have to plan and cook first!

Each woman can set her own length of stay and her own agenda. You can be involved in planned activities as much or as little as you choose, or bring your own resources for an individual retreat-whatever is right for you to be refreshed. Activities include beach and waterfront options, massages, nature & labyrinth walks, campfires, crafts, glee club & music, talent show, yoga & other fitness experiences, book discussions, Taize service & other Christian worship opportunities, delicious & healthy meals (with adjustments made for those with dietary restrictions), and much, much, more! 

Discover more details and download a brochure with registration form at: www.womensminiweek.org, or contact us:  womensminiweek@gmail.com 

ECUMENICAL CHAPLAIN IN PUBLIC HOUSING 

The Triangle Community Ministry is seeking a Chaplain who will be responsible for actualizing the mission of the ministry by being present to and ministering to the spiritual needs of residents living in the Triangle neighborhood of public apartment housing in Madison, Wisconsin. The Chaplain will foster spiritual healing and hope in neighborhood residents, many of whom live with daily challenges of chronic health problems as well as limited social, financial and health resources. Sensitivity and knowledge of interfaith and ecumenical issues required. Successful candidate will have knowledge of underserved and low income populations which include individuals with disabilities. A degree from an accredited college, university or seminary is required. Experience in an ecumenical context will be an asset.

Position is 24 hours per week or 60% of 40 hours. The position location is 755 Braxton Place, Suite B101, Madison, WI 53715.

For a current job description contact   bobgwynne@aol.com.