Muchas Gracias - Calvary Newsletter Article

This is an extended version (in which I apparently go overboard with links) of an article/letter in the June-July '09 edition of my church's newsletter.


Calvary family (and everyone else who is reading this blog), thank you so much for the encouragement, prayers, and support. Your words, hugs, dollars, and pennies will help as I prepare to follow where I believe God is calling me – to a year of service in Guatemala. This year as a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Young Adult Volunteer will certainly be challenging. However, I am looking forward to growing as a disciple of Christ, letting the Spirit lead and open my eyes more fully, and forging partnerships while sharing God’s love in action and word.

In March, I participated in the program’s placement event to discern God’s will, interview, and meet other Young Adult Volunteers. Former volunteers shared their experiences and joys, especially with advice about challenges and preparation. In a few short days, I also began to form bonds with others going through the same process. Together, we shared our excitement and concerns. In particular, I met three others living in (or formerly in) the National Capital Presbytery and four others who will be going to Guatemala.

In the photo below are the four of us living in the National Capital Presbytery: Bettina Burgett, me, Deanna Drake, and Cameron O’Bannon (with former volunteer, Brenton Thompson, in the background). Bettina will also be going to Guatemala. Deanna will serve in Kenya, and Cameron in India. Please pray for us, for God’s guidance, for our preparations for this transition, our future host families, and the work that God is preparing for us. Part of our preparations included tabling at a Presbytery meeting, where I even met a former Young Adult Volunteer who also served in Guatemala!

I have been practicing Spanish with books, flashcards, podcasts, an occasional Latino newspaper, and movies (from online Disney cartoons in Spanish to a serious film on Guatemala’s history). I am remembering and learning a lot, but I still have quite a ways to go. Two friends from college, Eddy and Sal, recently visited and helped me practice the language a bit. Eddy grew up in Guatemala, so he was able to tell me more about the country and even brought Guatemalan-style homemade soup (very tasty)!

I am definitely feeling support as this endeavor draws near! Thank you! Please continue your prayers. To follow my journey as I prepare, travel, and return, visit my new online journal at www.olsondanam.blogspot.com (apparently you've already found this). Bookmark it (or follow me - see left-hand sidebar), as I will update it periodically throughout the year. Thank you to the many who have supported me financially. With $1,800 pledged or raised, I am getting closer to the $2,500 needed by July 15 (and the $9,000 needed overall). Every little bit helps and is appreciated. If you would like to offer financial support now, please donate online.

Muchas gracias/many thanks,
Dana

Introduction, Going to Guatemala

With great joy and a little trepidation, I am thrilled to share with you that I have been chosen by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to serve for one year as a Young Adult Volunteer in Guatemala, starting September 1. First and foremost, I ask for your prayers. I will need and request support in several ways, but your prayers will be of greatest value and be sustaining in this journey ahead. Please pray for God’s guidance, my preparations for this transition, my parents, and my future host family.

Through the Young Adult Volunteer Program (YAV) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), I will be joining over 60 other young adults serving at 15 different sites both here in the United States and around the world. While I am still learning about my specific responsibilities, I will be living and working near Xela (Quetzaltenango), Guatemala. I will practice living simply with a host family, become engaged in their church – likely with women’s or children’s ministries, and work with a project to address community needs.

This year’s experience will be life changing for me. It will involve living outside of my comfort zone and what is familiar to me. It will involve focusing on the needs of others. It will involve journeying in faith and trusting God in new ways. I hope you will join me in this journey, through prayers, financial support, and interest in my year of service. I will be in touch throughout the year, sharing my experiences with three newsletters, an online journal, and other means as available.

As part of my commitment, I need to raise $9,000 in gifts and pledges for my year of service. In truth, this task seems more daunting than many others I will soon face in my travels. However, I am trusting in God to open doors and lead me here as well as there. The timing is critical as I need to raise $2,500 by July 15.

I will be sharing more information in the days, weeks, and months ahead about this journey in service of Christ. I look forward to speaking with you individually and thank you for your love, support, and especially prayers. To offer financial support now, you can donate online at www.pcusa.org/yav/support (scroll down and click on my name in the Guatemala section).

In hope, joy, and thankfulness,
Dana