Plans Before Departure

This past week I was notified of my departure date to Nicaragua: December 11! It is bittersweet news as I process the reality of this transition more and more. In recent weeks, I have been trying to become more present to the realities of being at home, while making sure to remain future-oriented. We were once told this journey of an international experience is to be future-oriented. What does this mean? Aside from making logistical preparations (loan deferment, vaccinations, paperwork for a Nicaraguan visa, etc.), I believe it also means facing the reality of where I am now in the process, while looking forward, in hope, to the joys and challenges that await. The joys of being reunited with community-mates, being in Nicaragua, being with Nicaraguans, meeting 2nd year JVs, getting to know our "home" for the next two years. And the challenges: saying goodbye to the physical presence of family for a longer period than I ever have before, adjusting to this distance, leaving behind many luxuries and conveniences (which will most likely bring frustration - and a need to convert to new ways - in the initial months of being away), and planting my feet someplace new where I will be a guest.

What I am hoping to do is embrace the messiness, uncertainty, paradox, bittersweetness. As I attempt to prepare mentally, emotionally, spiritually, logistically for this journey, I hope to still remain present to where I am now. As I continue fundraising, getting paperwork together, learning more about Nicaragua and JVC's four values (simple living, social justice, spirituality, community), I hope to spend time with family and friends here in the States while also working part-time for day-to-day expenses as well as other anticipated pre- and post- JVC expenses.

For a fundraising update, I plan to close my fundraising campaign a week after my Nov. 16 half-marathon fundraiser, when I will also begin to wean myself off of parts of my lifestyle which I will be changing in Nicaragua, including Facebook and phone usage. JVC staff shared this article with volunteers as we discern how we might live simply in relation to technology: http://www.theminimalists.com/internet/ . I am still reflecting on how I might go about this. Thank you again to those who have partnered with me in this vision and mission. We have reached 96% of the $3,000 goal! As I continue to fundraise, I humbly ask if you might also invite those you know to partner with me, you, JVC, and those we try to be in solidarity with.

While this may be one of my last blog posts until December, I do hope we can stay in touch before then. Please comment here or email me (ainterianonic14@gmail.com). I would love to hear any recommendations you may have for me as to how I might better prepare for living out JVC's values (social justice, simple living, spirituality, community) particularly with regard to any readings, videos, websites, people, thoughts, or strategies to explore. I would also be open to (and enjoy!) conversations (virtual or in-person) about any aspect of this preparation and experience.

Thank you for your companionship :-)

Peace,
Alex

Photos from JVC Orientation!

I am excited to share more photos from Orientation, which can be found at the following link, courtesy of JVC staff: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jvcphotos/sets/72157645580084797/

I have finally completed my reflections on Orientation, which can be found in previous blog posts, but for a brief overview the photos include: various sessions, community nights, morning/evening prayers, a silent retreat, a talent show, and a commissioning Mass! Please let me know if you have any questions about the photos or blog reflections!

Below, I've included a photo of my fellow community-mates, Colleen in the middle and Katie to her right! See if you can spot more funny photos of us at the link!

JVC Orientation Week 2, (July 18-23)

Now for the second and final week of Orientation:

The final week of Orientation was just as challenging and inspiring as the first, with regard to the topics discussed and tough issues we wrestled with. Two things began to sink-in as the end of the final week drew nearer: 1) we would only be scratching the surface of many complex topics and 2) volunteers and staff would soon be parting ways without answers to many of the questions that were raised. Looking back, this was a test in patience about how answers to these questions might unfold over time; moreover, it was a growing responsibility to be continually aware of the complex issues that were being raised. While we might not have the answers, we might continue to call to mind the biases - known and unknown- which we carry with us as volunteers with multiple identities, including that of a U.S. volunteer. A talk on "Conscientization, Privilege, and Power" (which at times felt very shallow) gave us some reference points for deeper awareness of our privileges as well as roles as oppressors/oppressed. Later in the week, a talk on "Teaching in a Cross Cultural Context" shed light on earlier themes of power and privilege, including a striking video on how a village of 100 people would look if it were representative of the world we lived in - if I recall correctly, 1 in 100 people would be college-educated. We also watched this video, which is worth the time if you haven't already seen it: http://youtu.be/D9Ihs241zeg . This presenter, one of my favorites, increased an awareness of biases I need to explore if I would like to do more harm than good in service. Near the end of the week, on different notes, we shared presentations on our respective countries and also enjoyed time together at a volunteer-inspired "Orientation Prom" with snacks, music, dancing, and a photo booth.

Finally, the week ended with an increasing realization that many of us would not cross paths for a while: some were headed to their countries (Ecuador, Belize, Micronesia); some back home; and some to other places in the U.S. Someone shared: "Being here and being with you is a dream I didn't know I had." 

We ended with a Commissioning Mass and closing ceremony: both touched on themes of coming and going, as well as the hopes we carry and the fears we would like to overcome. It was a comfort to know we could keep in touch through social media, email, and letter writing. For the late departures (including myself), it was also a time to reflect on how we might begin to live out the program's values while preparing for service, spending time with family, and remaining in the U.S.

The Orientation gave me space to become more comfortable with the identity of a Jesuit Volunteer, while also exposing me to the complexities and responsibilities that come with it. I sensed there would be another transition in heading back home after the two weeks, but it helped to know there was solidarity with other late departures; we would keep in touch, check in with each other, and hopefully hold one another accountable in beginning to live out the program's values.  

As with Week 1, I have posted some themes, highlights, and quotes below, which I continue to unpack since returning home at the end of July:

Sustainable Ministry, Healthy Communities: (how to serve from a place of abundance; how self-care is not optional, but essential for well-being and service)

"We are all so hungry to be heard; we want to be nourished."

"When no one else is supporting you, the earth is."

"You don't have to make suffering less than it is... you just have to hold it in a bigger space."

"When we are out of balance, we are obsessed with ourselves."

"You have to embody loving kindness in what you do."

"Worrying does not accomplish anything."

"A lot of joy in my life can be cultivated by noticing the things we don't notice [...] 'I don't have a toothache!'"

"If you can sit with your loneliness, you can know what it feels like. Practice with loneliness."

JVC Country Context: (discussed respective country contexts)

Conscientization, Power and Privilege: (becoming more conscious of our roles as oppressed/oppressors; what powers and privileges we carry and should become more aware of; multiple identities one carries)

"Seeing the other not as a stranger, but part of me."

"I want you to live with patient impatience."

"The illiterate of the 21st century are not those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn."

Gender Roles and Identity: (how these influence our lives and a cross-cultural service experience)

Teaching in a Cross-Cultural Context; Lesson Planning; Teaching Practice and Debrief: (reflected more on power/privilege and their intersection with education; international education standards and efforts; teaching as a profession; tips for teaching) 

Finance & Program Integration: (logistics for community living, such as budgeting and program support; paperwork for Visa)

Self & Community Care: (safety and security, including program support; navigating tough community dynamics and developing more positive ones)

A funny volunteer photo before our Commissioning Mass: