It’s that time of year…
Transitions are in full force. School is starting for many,
Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren is undergoing a pastoral calling and
discernment of the congregation, summer is in its final glory before fall
arrives.
The BVS house feels this as a significant time of transition
as well.
So, we're kinda crazy, but we're a great bunch - this was taken during our last day of shenanigans.
For Hannah, Theresa, and I transition is feeling very real to us as part of
our BVS experience. We are preparing to leave in a little over a week. This is
my final blog post for the house. And yes, that is a weird thing to admit, finally.
These past few weeks have become another significant part of
my BVS year – an important part that sometimes gets neglected or ignored or
rushed. The end part.
Ben has already left. His transition out was one of packing,
lots of office “see-you-laters,” a final meal with the housemates still around
for the summer. And then he was off.
Endings are hard; I don’t think anyone has ever claimed to
feel ease or stress-free during the end of something that has been a major part
of their life. Life in these strange times, becomes suspended in a feeling of
limbo, perhaps wildly searching for the right thing to come next, preoccupation
with rushing to finish everything, the pull of people staying for goodbyes, the
anxiety of moving on. This can be quick for some or can seem to drag on,
wondering how the next step will look. You can also find yourself with
transition for the perfect amount of time.
This coming week I will be planning and speaking for a final
time at chapel. Not surprisingly, a lot of my mind has been processing this new
change in my life – transition from BVS. Funny, the end of something can really
sneak up, even when you have been preparing awhile for that feeling.
BVS has been an interesting year in my life. This is the
first year I’ve been without a structured schedule, the first time I’ve lived
in a house without family, the first 8-4.30 job I’ve ever had, the first time
I’ve ever intentionally and publicly dedicated a year of my life for full-time
service.
There have been many ups and downs this year, as any other
year goes I suppose. I am so pleased to report that I’ve grown in many ways,
feeling a deeper awareness of myself emotionally and physically, honoring time
and space in spiritual ways, extending my own health through self-care and
boundaries.
BVS has taught me to dream, to keep searching, to keep
serving. My role as coordinator for two major denominational youth conferences
(Christian Citizenship Seminar in NYC and DC and National Junior High Conference
in Elizabethtown, PA) never changed. At the office it was difficult at times to
understand my service to the denomination and to the world. Today I began to
realize my service impact. For many of the youth at NJHC, this was quite
possibly the first time they spent time away from home without family. I
facilitated many of the inner workings of both conferences in ways that make
the conference what it was. With this BVS position, as coordinators, programs
become extraordinary. Events can be imagined and evolve into meaningful
experiences for youth are in the perfect stage of growth and wonder.
That is an amazing feeling.
Service looks like a lot of things. Anytime you smile at
someone, sit to chat for a few minutes, look someone in the eye, pick up trash,
you are serving. There is not one type of service; there is not one act of
serving that is greater or less than another.
My term is coming to a close. This past week I have begun to
realize that as reality. It’s not easy. In fact, it’s crazy, and awesome, and
terrifying. I am so grateful for the support in colleagues who have formed relationships with me, housemates who are loving and funny and
challenging, for BVS for the program that provides such real experiences. The
service that one provides has a lasting effect on any who are privileged to be the
recipient. And, you know what? Just like positivity and happiness are
contagious – I believe serving is passed on, too.
My year is coming to a close. But really, that is only my
year. To everyone reading this, your years all look different to you. We all
find ourselves in different stages of life.
Sometimes all it takes is a shift
in perspective.
Thus, at this time I would encourage you all to enjoy the
journey… because after all, we are all in a journey, woven with others in their
life journeys.
This is an ending for me, but the start of a beautiful
beginning. I’m on the cusp of something great that’s about to start, I just
happen to not know where life will take me next.
Tonight – it’s my choice to grin, to eat a lot of cake, and
watch a movie with housemates. Because I know life is changing and I will
continue to embrace it. And I know that I can also let myself have fun in the
process!
One step at a time…
Love,
Kristen
Some things I've not mentioned but are fun updates of the house:
We have a new piano - graciously donated to the house from Ms. Nancy, a colleague, in place of our old (1917) upright grand piano.
Our garden is making lots of wonderful produce. We hope it keeps it up a lot longer!
We are hosting a yard sale!
AND PERHAPS THE GREATEST PART?!
Two more housemates are moving in soon! :D
...And so it goes...
< LOOK AT THIS FACE.
