Last summer I spent the year in Nepal with Tiny Hands International for 6 weeks. Although the trip was phenomenal and life-changing, throughout the entire first semester of my senior year I struggled with whether or not international volunteering was right for me. On the one hand, that trip encouraged me and reassured me that it was something I loved and something that gave me life. But on the other hand I had to ask myself how effective I could really be for a short time in a new culture with a language I barely know.
After putting a lot of thought into it as well as talking with many influential people in my life, I decided that volunteering in Latin America for a year was where I should be. Between my dream of implementing Spanish into my future career, wanting to explore other options before committing to Physicians Assistant school, and the desire to live for a year in an intentional community, I felt as though I would always regret it if I decided against it. So I applied to a few programs, was informed about Rostro de Cristo in Guayacil, Ecuador, applied late, and was told on Easter break that I was offered a spot in the program. After talking with my family, Emily--my girlfriend of 3 years--and friends, I called the Assistant Director and accepted their offer.
And now it is the Friday before my mom, brother, and I take of for Boston where I will begin my 2 week orientation for Rostro de Cristo. I have absolutely no idea where the time has gone, because there is so much to do before hand. But I'm excited. And nervous. And sad. And grateful. I can't decide if those happen all at once or if they rotate about every 4 minutes. I've said goodbye to a lot of wonderful people so far, mostly people I have grown with over the past four years at Creighton. Goodbyes are never fun, but they have made me realize the impact these people have had on me and I couldn't be more blessed for that. This week I met my goal of $2,500 for fundraising, and that has also been an overwhelming realization of how much support I have around me. It is hard to think about leaving for so long, but what I have to continually remind myself of is that these people, all of you, are supporting me because they believe in what I'm doing, even if I question it myself from time to time.
I don't know exactly what work I'll be doing down there--it could be medical work, teaching, youth or music ministry--but I do know I'll be working toward my intentionality with the people. I will be working my butt off in Spanish, and I will be reminding myself that I am there to walk with others, offering my time and talent in whatever way I can. I will not be saving the world, and I will never know the extent of the difference I make. But I do pray that being in the world will educate me and allow me to grow into the person I know I want to be.
This blog is a small way of letting you all into that experience, as well as holding myself accountable. Thank you all for your support, following me in this, and making this dream possible. I would not be where I am today without you.
Until next time.
Amor y Paz,
Mike
P.S. Although I've met my goal, if you want/are able to donate through my personal PayPal on the right, the program is still in need of support as not all of my program will raise the their goal. Donations are the biggest reasons why a program like this can exist. Thank you all so much for your support.
P.S. Although I've met my goal, if you want/are able to donate through my personal PayPal on the right, the program is still in need of support as not all of my program will raise the their goal. Donations are the biggest reasons why a program like this can exist. Thank you all so much for your support.
