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| Calen, Kim, and little Keadan - born on Valentine's Day |
Nevertheless
I was picked up from the airport by Sister Teresa Jones and two other
volunteers: Chelsea and Rachel. We got
to know each other on the way back and I had a good feeling that the group
would be unique in its own way. The
following day, two more volunteers joined us (Christy and Laura) as well as
Carmen – who I had the pleasure to work with in Austin. Together we began our formation / service camp,
led by Sister Gloria.
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| Working with the kids of Pan-Americana Apartments |
It was refreshing
to be reoriented in Salesian values – especially when led by Sister Gloria, who
brings an aura and charismatic presence to the room when she speaks. Learning about the other volunteers and their
faith journey was a beautiful thing as well – I find that faith sharing is
integral as a Christian, knowing that we are a human family with an interlocked
future makes solidarity a foundation for which to build relationships and grow
as one human body. Though the group was
much different from my previous orientation group, it is nearly impossible to
compare as each group is unique.
 |
| VIDES 2011 Group |
When the
two week orientation ended, all the volunteers left to prepare for their missions
except for Chelsea, who was to serve at St. John Bosco School across the
street. Rachel was assigned to South
Africa, Laura was to go to Geneva followed by South Sudan, and Christy accepted
a place in the Canary Islands. I was
fortunate to have another volunteer to serve with; though we did not work together,
we ventured the city and Riverwalk many times together in an attempt to get to
know as much of San Antonio as possible in the three months we had.
 |
| Sharing a good meal at a Mexican Restaurant before departing |
I came to
like San Antonio very much, the city itself could be very touristy on weekends,
but offered a lot of culture and a sense of community. The Provincial House always had visiting
Salesian Sisters from the US and other communities around the world, which gave
me the opportunity to learn about the Salesian presence in the world. At one point, an English translation team
comprised of Sisters from India, Ireland, England, the Philippines, and
Australia convened to convert text for several weeks and they became part of
our community during that time. It was
enjoyable to share our culture and also hear their stories of home. Being in a large community of teachers,
spiritual leaders, and missionaries allowed me to expand my horizons more than
I expected in San Antonio.
As a previous volunteer, it has been very
interesting to see an organization from the inside out, especially one as
unique as VIDES USA. Every year, many
volunteers apply, are trained, and sent to a variety of different countries to
serve and accompany youth. Such an undertaking must require the work of a team
of people to run everything smoothly, right? The reality is that much of the
weight of the program is carried on by one humble and dedicated sister: S.
Gloria with S Theresa as part-time assistant (who also has a wide range of
other tasks in the community). It is amazing for me that she manages all the
recruiting, applications, orientation (including formation and service),
finances, donations, mission placements, insurance, volunteer support, website,
blog, mission projects, promotion, etc. Life
is different here, there is no doubt, but I know I'm exactly where I'm supposed
to be - living simply and witnessing so many influential figures devote their
life to service and God.
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