To blog…
or not to bog.
or not to bog.
That was the question.
Prior to my departure, I toyed with the idea of beginning a blog to
document my year volunteering with The Working Boys Center in Quito, Ecuador. I
knew it would be an excellent way to keep family and friends involved throughout
my journey, but, to be honest, I was never quite sold on the idea. When asked
if I was thinking about beginning a blog I always turned to a noncommittal
response, “You know, I’m not entirely sure... I may.” Transitioning from a
college student to an unpaid volunteer seemed daunting enough, so the idea of
“publishing” anything during a time of such great change seemed silly to me.
How could I find time to organize my thoughts? Everything is so new, where do I
possibly begin? What would I even write about? Who would my audience be? These
questions and many others made me at one time feel that I might need to keep to
myself and live this experience “quietly.” I most certainly didn’t need a
public audience during a time of confusion, exhaustion, and, as mentioned,
change. So, per usual, I packed my journal and believed that would be enough.
The past weekend marked four weeks here in Quito and (surprise!) I
have decided “to blog.”
Why? What changed?
After a conversation with my mother, I realized a blog would, of
course, allow others to accompany me throughout this year, but it would also
help me more deeply examine my own experience here. It would provide a space
to dialogue about the exhaustion, confusion, and change I am somewhat fearful
of. I have begun to understand the magnitude of the opportunity that lies in
front of me each day, and so I wish to share in my experiences and reflections
publically as well as invite others to join me.
I have several friends who have chosen to embark on yearlong service
in the states and abroad, as well as others who will accompany me in teaching
English as a second language. My desire is to have them join me in this space
and offer their own personal insights and experiences.
I pray that together we can sow hope as the ever inspirational Pope
Francis explains:
“Poverty
calls us to sow hope…. Poverty is the flesh of the poor Jesus, in that child
who is hungry, in the one who is sick, in those unjust social structures.”
(Meeting
with Students of Jesuit Schools—Q&A, 6/7/13)
