The volunteering life {patience, grasshopper}

In the volunteering life, some weeks exhilarate me, leaving me with a great sense of purpose and the knowledge that I have helped someone in all the ways I'd hoped I could. Other weeks don't work out quite that way, and during those weeks, I remember that refugees and immigrants and those who have sought asylum in this country are hurdling every day over obstacles that I can only imagine but know I will never have to face. The organizations doing the work to help these new Americans also grapple every day with the huge issues, like finding housing for people whose monthly government stipend would not last most of us, in our privileged lives, for more than a week or two. The issues are bigger than me and my occasional frustration.

The HIV/AIDS cookbook for the Victory Programs/Boston Living Center is back in their hands, after I spent a couple of weeks editing and reorganizing the manuscript. I'd hoped to get it back last week, but that didn't happen, so I'm waiting to hear from them as we move into the final steps.

This week, we began a new tutoring program at the International Institute of New England. The program, required for all students for one hour a week, replaces the computer lab. Together with another volunteer, with whom I'll be sharing a time slot for the summer, we had three students assigned to us for class review and conversation exercises. One student had a job interview (yay), so he wasn't there. The other two, who were expected, did not show up. The program coordinator was frustrated, and the teachers disappointed, but as a volunteer, I cut the students some slack, because I'm sure they were out hurdling over obstacles.

Then there's this: At the St. Stephen's Youth Program open house, there were lots of enthusiastic kids, desserts galore, and Father Tim, the founder and director of the program. I spoke with him briefly -- very briefly -- and learned that they are creating a brand-new adult ESOL program for the community. Right up my alley, and six blocks from my house. Oh boy!

The universe continues to place opportunities in my path. Everything will work out, if I'm patient.

Comments

[Mary Johns]

Patience is the hardest part of anything. :)

[Lydia]

Mimi, it is, but it's good discipline for other aspects of life, too. Knowing when to be patient, and when to push gently -- well, that is the art form.

[Lucia]

Your updates are great. In two days I'll be meeting a refugee "mentee" through Dorcas International Institute of RI! Can't wait!

[Lydia]

Lucia, that's great. I know you will find the work very fulfilling