The start of a new chapter!

March 29, 2011

I first heard about the YAV program through a few Oklahoman Dwight Mission friends, Sarah Chancellor, Robert Quiring, and Derick Rowe. When I was a Young Adult Advisory Delegate to the General Assembly in 2010, I decided it was something that I really wanted to do, and set my sights on the two Spanish Speaking options: Peru, and Guatemala.

Along the way, I discovered that there was also a site in Ireland, and that Peru expected a higher level of Spanish fluency. I got my heart pretty caught up in the Ireland idea, wanting to discover some of my ancestral roots, and hear some classic folk music. Though the site and mission is great, that's not really why I wanted to go there. But I had my mind made for me at the end of a long weekend of discernment. (figuring out, with the help of mentors and peers, where I was being led) In the middle of the weekend, I felt like it was really Ireland that was where I needed to be. It'll be my first time out of the country, and something familiar sounded refreshing. Apparently when it comes to calling, fear doesn't cut it though, and I learned that call isn't solely about me. It's not just about what I want or where I'm wanted, but where I'm needed. In the end Guatemala was chosen for me, and I'm really glad. I was guided back to my original intention, to learn Spanish and become fluent. Also, the program and the options are wonderful fits for me.

I don't yet know what my official placement will be or even where I'll be in Guatemala. I do know that that we start in Antigua for 5 weeks of Language training, and we talked about different possibilities for how I could serve: working in a women and children's shelter or a drop-in after school program. I could do anything from teaching creativity/self expression classes, (art, creative writing, music, poetry) creating support groups for women, or working and leading children/youth and/or music at a local church. Or, I could end up doing something I haven't yet imagined.

I'm so excited, and have never been so sure that I'm heading in the right direction. When I was at my placement event in Louisville, I just felt so much joy and peace. So many talented, wonderful, like-minded, peace-seeking people in one place. Felt like home.

I hope to keep you along for this part of the adventure. You're a big asset in this part of my development, and I can't do it without support and love.

Peace, love, music, and all the best of things!

Lacy Morris