The following reflection is by Kate VanHaren. We have been fortunate in having Kate, a Vista Volunteer, joined YCM and My Future a few weeks ago!
February 16, 2013
One of my favorite possessions is a quote book I started a few years ago. I write down random things from famous people, friends, family or sometimes random people I hear on the street. Sometimes they are profound and inspiring, but most of the time they are just amusing anecdotes that make me laugh. During the afterschool program this week, a middle-schooler answered the phone. He answered in that exasperated tone that can only be mastered by teenager, “We’re in the art room….making art.”
At first I was just going to add this quote as another amusing statement, but it became much more deep the more I reflected on it. This kid knew exactly where he was supposed to be and what he was supposed to be doing. How many of us can really say that we know exactly what our purpose is and really mean it? Personally, I’ve struggled with this quite a bit.
As a returned Peace Corps volunteer, the last two months have been full of floundering and trying to figure out my own purpose. Since moving to the Lower Valley a few weeks ago, I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out the differences between the streets and avenues in Yakima, getting lost on the reservation, cleaning out an office and trying to remember the names of all the wonderful people I’ve met. This week I was able to meet the kids in My future and begin to talk through them. Through one word answers, I’m starting to get a better understanding of my new home. It may be a while before I can as confident as the kid in the art room, but my role is starting to become a bit more clearer.
Chewing the Cud 