I really had no idea what I was getting into when I joined the Augustinian Volunteers. When I decided to sign up for a year of service in late spring, I did not have a strong inclination towards any particular group. In fact, my decision to join the Augustinian Volunteers was largely based on their...
Hola, buenos días *add smile*, is a very important way to start out the day in Peru. Whether I can blame U.S. politeness deficiencies, my own lack of etiquette, or my quiet nature, at home I did not especially think about saying hello to everyone at the workplace. Here in Chulucanas, however, in my first...
I muttered a curse word under my breath before heading out into the unforgiving summer sun in Peru to find flour. I was making the dough for a pizza we were going to eat later that night and had just realized by staring at an off-white soupy mixture and an empty bag that I had...
In Augustinian spirituality, there are three official Core Values: Unitas (Unity), Veritas (Truth), and Caritas (Love). However, there is also an unofficial fourth Value that I have found to be central to my spiritual growth during my year with the Augustinian Volunteers: Fooditas. Fooditas: n. \ˈfüdə̇ˌtäs\: the recognition that sharing a meal with others is...
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”. This quote by Aesop is posted in the main building of HELP of Ojai, where I have worked for the past 7 months as an Augustinian Volunteer. This quote emulates my time at HELP of Ojai working at the Community Assistance office. Whether it’s...
It’s hard to believe that I’ve been down here for two months now. It has been two months full of rain, prayer, laughs, and new experiences. One of my favorite new experiences has been getting to know and start a relationship with the Augustinians–both in Lima and here in Chulucanas. When we first landed in...
Teaching P.E. at a grade school is far from predictable; in fact the unpredictability is what is predictable. One day everyone wants to participate and the next day everyone wants to talk about their upcoming weekend. Amidst this unpredictability, one thing has rung true, the students at St. Patrick’s have taught me how dependent we...
My whole life I have always enjoyed working with children. Their energy and potential to achieve drives me to be a better person everyday. I have always been a sucker when those faces smile at me. Since I was fifteen I have been working in school settings with students from grades K-5. Even with all...
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” –Robert Frost A year ago I was a senior in college standing before two roads. One road would lead me to a graduate school and a job after graduation, a road many of...
“I used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now I know you simply need to say yes” (Bob Goff, Love Does). On Thursday, we celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. During Father Kevin’s homily, he spoke about how all of Mary’s life points back toward Jesus. While...
