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:
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