"The Deep AM"

Howdy from TEXAS!! I have been here for almost 2 weeks and I am finally getting a chance to write a little something for y'all!

I am currently working the "Graveyard shift" (10 p to 6 a) and I am taking advantage of the combination of wifi AND free time!

So: I am residing in sunny Waco, Texas, home to the Baylor Bears (GO BU!!) and the birthplace of Dr. Pepper and the David Crowder Band! I am working (volunteering?) at the Family Abuse Center, a shelter for those who have been affected by domestic violence.

It's easy to say that there will be challenges in your year of volunteer service, but when you usually say this (at least in my case) the concept of traveling afar and being a "light in this dark world" is exciting and exhilarating! While I've had an amazing time thus far here in Texas, I have definitely been surprised by some things.

For example: While at orientation, my leader, Callie, told us that when we are at our placements there will be clients who really don't care who we are and why we're there, they will simply just want the services we can provide. This could not be truer at times. Here I am, a young adult who left college to join BVS, and I'm hoping to speak life into these people...or if not actually speak it to just reflect Christ, and at times it seems as it some of them would rather I not be here at all.

Sure, I've messed up while I've been here (burning the beef stew was not one of my finer moments) but it's a learning process. I find myself sometimes seeking the sympathy of these clients but then I will catch myself. I'm reminded of why I'm really here: to help these individuals gain confidence and independence, to branch out on their own, and to establish healthy, lasting relationships. I am not here for their sympathy. I am not here to make myself feel better. I am here to serve. And sometimes service is not easy.

But if it was always easy, would it really be true service? If I wasn't struggling to constantly give of my time, patience, and resources to the clients, would I really, truly be serving them will all my strength?

I'm not saying service has to be difficult. And I'm not saying that I'm consciously seeking out situations where I am pushed to my limits, but I do think that working with these individuals is showing me the true love of Christ.

My failings and struggles are a testimony to just how perfect God is. He loves regardless of what we do or how we treat him, and I believe that this "revelation" is going to be a huge lesson for me over the next year.

I miss you all and I hope everything is going well wherever you may be!

God Bless!