Living in community is an experience that I’ ve never experienced for this long of a period. It’ s an experience that you cannot find in many other places other than when you are volunteering. To come together with a group of complete strangers who have completely different backgrounds solely through the desire to serve others and the community is an indescribable concept. It’ s something that I never really pictured myself wanting so much now after having it come to an end.
During my time as a Precious Blood Volunteer, I saw the biggest growth in my perspective towards time. I came into the volunteering experience with an open mind, expecting to make a difference in a positive way. I knew coming into the experience that I would serve as a volunteer for six months. Initially, I thought that this was a long period of time, but in reality it was the exact opposite. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to change lives. I wanted to do everything that I could to make a positive impact in someone else’ s life. I would go head first into every situation, and I forgot that relationships don’ t always work in such a fast-paced manner. I was clouded by my desire to help so much that I forgot to stop and say hello. I was trying to run before I could walk. As a volunteer, I was able to grow and realize that time and patience are essential in moving forward.
Lota Ofodile, kc care Clinic
At the start of my volunteer commitment, I had expected to develop close interpersonal relationships with certain people such as my co-volunteers and housemates, especially considering the emphasis the program placed on community living. But there was no way for me to imagine the level of trust and friendship that blossomed throughout the course of this experience. I am most grateful for the Kansas City volunteers who were just a delight to live with. John, Alia and Martin— thank you for your patience, openness and willingness to accept me for all my flaws and differences, and for making me feel comfortable enough to share my life with you. Fr. Garry and Fr. Dick, who are essentially parents to us, to the point that the house always felt incomplete whenever any of them travelled. I am grateful to Tim for always being the guy to count on, who facilitated and fostered these relationships and made it easy for us to let our guards down and truly be one with each other. I am also thankful to the Kansas City Jesuit Volunteers, especially Katie Love who contributed to making my time at kc care Clinic memorable and gratifying.
It’ s hard to pick out specific experiences that stood out because the entire experience has been so remarkable. But generally, I would say:
1. Family dinners. I don’ t know if you have heard, but both Fr. Dick and Fr. Garry have culinary skills that I feel guilty for partaking in free of charge. But beyond that, it meant so much to be able to come home from work, especially after long days, and have a nice meal with everyone( including Juan whenever he could make it), and talk about our day, the news, share past memories, laugh, and just unwind.
2. Spirituality night. Once a month, Tim would come over to Gaspar House, and we would all reflect on whatever the theme and reading for that month was. It was an opportunity to hear each other out, as well as an avenue for open, honest and non-judgmental conversations about our personal beliefs and experiences. This tradition, in my opinion, was key in maintaining the sense of community we had with each other.
3. Working at the clinic. As an aspiring physician, I couldn’ t be more grateful for my time at kc care. It is widely accepted that being a good physician is being able to care for people, not just as it concerns their physical health, but also seeing them as they are and caring for their whole person. Everything about the clinic, from our patient demographic to our commitment to serve the marginalized, and the character of my colleagues, has definitely helped me develop my character in that light.
In so many ways! Most significant is my personal spiritual growth which was important to me coming in, and which this year has definitely enhanced. Besides more regular personal prayer and easy access to Mass— which is literally in my backyard( St Francis Xavier Parish)— I have come to realize that faith without works is indeed dead. I have come to understand that almost any activity we engage in can be a form of prayer as long as there is a Godconsciousness to it. The intentional community living aspect of this experience has made me more
12 • The New Wine Press • June 2018