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The Beginning
Four years ago, I found myself standing in an arena of four thousand Brethren youth, committing a year of my life to the Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS). I did not know then when that year would come or even what it would bring. I only knew that I felt willing to serve something bigger than myself.
Following highschool, I attended Miami University with an undeclared major. The year raised many life questions that began to alter my perspective of the world around me. Finding myself at odds with all the commotion and injustice created by our system of life, I became interested in an alternative lifestyle comprised of simple and collaborative living. This train of thought, combined with further uncertainty as to a major and future career, catalyzed my decision not to enroll for a second year’s term. The question, then, was where to go from here.
Although many unconventional ideas crossed my mind, including dedicating a year to creating and recording music, the thought of joining BVS had the greatest pull. Here I would be able to explore alternative living while serving the needs of others, gaining not only hands on experience but also a greater understanding of people and life in general. Encouraged by stirrings of the Spirit, I fulfilled my commitment and became a member of the 270th unit of the Brethren Volunteer Service.
It has now been five weeks since I arrived in New Windsor, Maryland. The three weeks of orientation have come and gone, along with all the familiar faces of the friends I made during that time, but the memories of those moments we shared in community have remained with me as I’ve transitioned into my project on Disaster Response.
A component of Emergency Response/Service Ministries (ERSM), the Brethren Disaster Response program provides physical support for struggling disaster victims through the hands of volunteers. For the last two weeks I’ve been outfitting a new tool trailer for this ministry at the headquarters here in New Windsor. I will be serving here until the last week of September, when I will travel to Pensacola, Florida to attend a project director’s orientation and begin working as an assistant director for relief efforts along the gulf coast.
I am appreciating this chance to give and to grow, and I’m looking forward to the new experiences and opportunities coming my way. Although my future remains unclear, I am confident that I’m headed in a good direction.
As always, I would like to thank the Oakland family for your continuous love and support throughout my life and my faith journey. I will do my best to keep you posted along this great adventure.
Submitted:9/6/2006 12:51:52 PM
Last Modified:9/6/2006 12:51:52 PM |
