Here We Go!

Tomorrow’s the day! I’m heading down to Scranton, PA to start my adventure with JVC! After two weeks of orientation, I’ll be off to Belize for the next two years. Yahoo!

You might still be wondering why I’m going to a totally unfamiliar place to serve people I’ve never met. Here are just a few of the reasons why I’ve made this commitment:

1. Many mentors and peers at Villanova have opened my eyes to injustices that exist in our world, particularly related to poverty. The many conversations and small service opportunities I’ve been involved with have drawn me to a deeper, long term commitment to people experiencing poverty.

“If there is no friendship with the poor and no sharing of the life of the poor, then there is no authentic commitment to liberation, because love exists only among equals.” Gustavo Gutierrez, A Theology of Liberation

2. I have a lot to learn. I can’t wait to meet my students, my coworkers, my roommates, the Jesuits, and others in the community, to understand their perspectives on the world, wealth, faith, etc. I’m excited to be challenged and nourished by them.

3. Jesus ate with the poor and befriended the marginalized. We are each called to this kind of life—one of radical love and justice. It looks different for each of us. For me it looks like some time in Belize City!

4. The core values of Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) strongly resonate with me: simple living, spirituality, justice, and community. I’m looking forward to diving into each of these in a new way, detaching myself from conveniences and even proximity to friends and family in order to grow in relationship with God and with others.

“We all have to think if we can become a little poorer, all of us have to do this. How can I become a little poorer in order to be more like Jesus, who was the poor Teacher?” Pope Francis

These are just a couple of reasons why I’ve committed the next two years of my life to JVC and the people of Belize. Through great Peace and Joy, I have a strong sense that this is what my life is for. This is where I’m called to be and love next. I am so looking forward to this journey and keeping you updated throughout the process! Thank you for your love and prayers :)