Departure date

Departure date is here. I burst out laughing when I told a friend that I’m leaving. I’ve been waiting so long… saying in a few months, in a month, in a few weeks… the words felt like a joke. At this point, I want to share some words of gratitude for my time home as well as speak to the nerves filling my stomach. And of course I want to do so through prayer. One morning of orientation, we prayed with the gospel story about the widow who gave her few coins to the church’s donation. Jesus told those who gave large sums of money that this woman was the greatest because she gave from her lack. The others gave from their surplus. We were challenged to think about how we as volunteers can give from our poverty in the next two years.

I was stumped.

JVC felt like the perfect place. It’s values align with mine so closely, It is so me! Furthermore, I got a great placement where I feel like I can use the gifts God gave me. I felt like this is where I shine—giving from an abundance of talents. I’m literally giving from my surplus because I have the time and opportunity to volunteer.
Stumped.

It took six months at home to remember my abundance: my family and friends, my city, my communities, my whole network of support. I am grateful for this time because I fell in love with my home again. I come from a good place full of good people who care for me. I want to thank everyone who made this time so special. Thank you for your unceasing love and support.

This blessing of gratitude also comes with a gift of nerves as I face my poverty. I’m now acutely aware of exactly what I’m giving up for the next two years: my unbelievably loving home.
Family and friends, you are my abundance. My cup overflows! (Frankly, on departure day, I feel pretty stupid for leaving you.) Giving up this abundance of life-giving water is how I’m currently giving from my poverty. I hope that my choice to give from my lack will be a (very) small act of solidarity with those who are forced to give from their poverty.

Paz,
Maddie