Mariah (left) talking with other volunteers during orientation |
This year I am serving in St. Michaels, Arizona where I am teaching high
school math at St. Michael’s Indian School.
Although it is far from my hometown in New Jersey, I know that this
experience will be amazing. When my parents dropped me off in Pennsylvania for Orientation, I have to admit that I was very nervous about this year of
service. However, after meeting the staff of Mercy Volunteer Corps as
well as the other volunteers, my nerves have gone away. I cannot wait to learn more about the Navajo
culture and to fully immerse myself in their many traditions. Also, I cannot wait to go see the beautiful
land which I will be living on for the next year. Everyone who has told me about my service
site has told me about the cows and horses we will see roaming around and all
of the different places we should visit, all of which
will be very new and exciting to me.
Mariah (right) getting pinned during Commissioning Mass |
Although some of us have nerves and excitement heading out to our service
sites, it is very comforting knowing that we have so much support from those
involved with Mercy Volunteer Corps.
Being surrounded by those who have the same mindset as me has made this decision
much easier. I cannot wait for each of
us to get our feet wet and to embark on this new journey we have all started
together. This year may be difficult at
times, but I know that talking to the other volunteers and keeping my
spirituality will help me get through those difficult times. I hope that this year helps to bring out the
best in each of us while teaching us many lessons. I know that I have already
been impacted by the people I have met during Orientation, so I can only
imagine how much the Navajo community will impact me.