Volunteer Reflections
Guided Expeditions By Christina
This has been a truly remarkable journey. One year ago I would have laughed if someone had told me that I would be spending the following winter in Buffalo, for I was basking in the sun, so to speak, as I was completing my undergraduate studies in San Diego, clueless to what I would be embarking upon after graduation. I had, however, had a desire weighing upon my heart to return to the state of New York after a summer stint in 2001. During those months, I also was unclear about what occupation I wanted to pursue. I had this fuzzy notion of wanting to work with underrepresented students and I felt frustrated by how the students in public education were getting served.
In Hebrews 11:1 scripture states, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." I like this passage because it helps me keep perspective of my walk with the Lord. Although I may have felt restless about my future, the Lord sure knew what was going on in leading me to my placements at Saints Columba-Brigid Montessori School and Providence Community.
Working with children certainly gives me a greater perspective of how strong-willed we are as humans. The children at school test the limits again and again at times with so much creativity. It can be quite challenging trying to get the youngsters to trust the guidance that we provide. This school has been especially unique to me insofar as the Montessori philosophy encourages children's freedom of exploration. Often, I will observe (another highly encouraged component of the practice) and just stand in awe of the children working away. At times, I want to jump in and help but must hold back until the child requests assistance. The children generally plug away with the work and often will turn to a peer or an adult for acknowledgement or guidance. Then there is the ever-frustrating power struggles. These generally come in the form of not wanting to rest during the designated rest time, not sharing, or just plain being stubborn. The life of the child is magnified and yet simplified into the core of how our human nature is.
It is through this work that I can best imagine God's role in our lives. God is patient, loving, and persistent. God is ever present and encouraging. God leads us and yet grants us our personal freedom to throw tantrums. The Lord waits, and waits, and waits. When we are ready we seek comfort and assurance as I see the children do even if it is in the form of peeking out of small openings that fingers provide over a covered, meek face. Yet, a hand is still stretched out to love and guide despite ourselves.
Providence Community helps me see how we each uniquely fit within the body of Christ. We each have our strengths as well as our weaknesses. My friends there have challenges that many of us may never personally experience and yet each have such grace and dignity despite circumstances in their lives. I stand in awe of these adults who love unconditionally, who accept everyone with open arms, and who provide me with an exemplary example of how to love one another freely and unabashedly.
I read once a quote by Philip Yancey, "Faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse." How true this is. Only I can see what the Lord was doing in my life as I look back and see how various situations have shaped and molded me for the next phase. How grateful I am to have experienced life just as it is, to explore and expand my mind, and to charter the new terrains that this adventure has promised.