|
|
|
|
Anita Saira Morawski, Redeemer Ministry Corps, Philadelphia, PA
Mara Dorsch, Jesuit Volunteer Corps-Southeast, Mobile, AL Two things... Pray about it and be ready for the unknown, you will probably experience things you had not imagined. Bottom line, be open minded. Massimo Scano, L'Arche, Rome, Italy
Know what you are going into. Don't expect to "save the world." A lot of times you will not see the fruits of your labor. You are the seed planter, and sometimes that can be very disheartening if you are looking to be someone's savior. Learn to cherish the times you do see the fruits. They will mean more to you than you will ever know. And try to remember that while you are bringing Christ to whomever you serve, they are also bringing Christ to us. Look for Jesus in every person you encounter. He is there and wants to show you something. More practically- make time for yourself. You can get caught up in the incredible work you are doing. But if you don't take care of you, then you are no help to others. Service does not equal denial of self. Have fun. Take breaks for just you. Continue your hobbies. Be physically fit. It is when you are feeling your best that you will be the most help to others. It's hard to see Christ in someone or your situation if you can't even open your eyes because you are so tired or because you are so frustrated and hardened. Ryan Downs, Jesuit Volunteer Corps-Southwest, Sacramento, CA
Christina Lim, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Bethel, AK Talk to former volunteers who have served with the programs you are looking into. Go with your gut instinct. If one feels good, then go for it. Prepare to process the volunteer experience, if not your whole life then at least the year after. That is a critical time. Make sure you have support and an outlet for yourself. Pray, pray, pray. Ask God to open your heart and mind to whatever experiences he has in store for you. Keep in touch with people 'back home' so you can share but also have another prospective. Good luck and God bless! Sue Marble Cuthbert, Jesuit Volunteers International, Tacna, Peru
Misha Simmonds, Jesuit Volunteers International, Kathmandu, Nepal As best you can, prepare yourself mentally to live in community. I underestimated this challenge. Also, don't have too many expectations and be easy on yourself in the beginning. Full-time volunteering, especially in a foreign country, is an enormous challenge in ways you would not suspect.
|
|
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone
preparing to do volunteer service or missionary service?
A word from the "wise": As in all
momentous decisions/transitions/expectations, pray about it, and know that you
are in good hands. If it is of God's doing, all will be well. As
someone ever WISER than me once said, "It's hard to fall when you are on
your knees."
Contact some former volunteers and ask them to share with you
their volunteering experience. Try to find former volunteers who committed
themselves in the field of your interest.
Don't
have many illusions. Take what comes to you. Have fun! Learn all you
can! Know that you are about to experience something very special!
Enter
the experience with an open mind. Allow yourself to be moved and
changed. Be open to where God is leading you, and try to remain flexible.
