We volunteer.
Do you?
Volunteerism at it’s very nature is just serving others. I respect people who serve others. Sure – it’s a wonderful thing to have loads of knowledge, or buckets of talents, or tons of success. But what’s the point of having those wonderful things if you don’t share them?! All you workaholics, money-hungry, and ego-centric peeps are cursing me right now. I hear you Paris.
So I thought that I would share with you today some of the people that the boyfriend and I serve. We have given time and money and effort – but in the end…when all is said and done, when the final paparazzi bulb has been blown and our volunteer red carpet has been rolled up – we have realized that these people have given us something that we could never buy or earn or deserve. That thing is called love.
If you are needing some lovin’ – I urge you to volunteer. It seems like a crazy notion but believe me – it works.
Now to introduce you to a couple of folks that we adore.
These are a few of the members of our church youth group.
We love the young blood flowin through the veins of these highschool students.
This is Elijah:
He is one of those kids that will try anything. What an inspiration to live life! And the best part about this guy is that he is a joy to be around. Elijah is one of those people that makes you feel good to be alive. And important. And loved. He is excited to share his life with you. Just imagine the impact he could have on those who are down or feeling depressed or just plain unhappy. Do you know an Elijah?
And I would like you to meet Christopher:
Christopher is deaf. He has two cochlear implants but this doesn’t hold him back from doing some crazy fun things – even water sports like rafting! Jeremy sometimes goes mountain bike riding with Christopher. At first he was just gosh awful. You can tell him I said that. But because of his determination and never-give-in-up-or-a-flip attitude, he now can boast of being the best in the youth group.
Lastly let me introduce you to CT:
I actually don’t know CT’s real name. We just call him CT for short. It’s kinda like Fes on That 70’s Show. He’s family is from Africa and he was super shy at first. It’s pretty amazing that I even have a photo of the guy. But when it comes to passion – nobody can outpassionate (yes, that’s a word) this young man. I truly believe that he could change the world if he wanted to…because his passion is addictive.
So those are three of the young men in our youth group. Maybe I will introduce more as the time comes. But just think of this as a reminder that volunteering can bring AHHHmazing people into your life. And if you already volunteer your time or effort or money somewhere or with someone – I would love to hear all about it. All the nitty gritty of those people…the Elijah’s or Christopher’s or CT’s…that make your world a brighter place and put some young blood back into your lifeveins.
Thanks for sharing this! It’s so nice to hear about helping others. 🙂 I am in a psychology of adolescence class right now in college and have to tutor refugees and immigrants at a nearby high school. I have tutored before and really enjoy it. It’s nice to give back. It’s definitely a humbling experience.
LOVE THIS POST, KATIE! Seriously, I am an avid volunteer and I believe that EACH PERSON has something to offer this world. Good for you. 🙂
thanks for this katie 😉 i needed this reminder…i’ve worked at my churches youth group in the past and have done other things, but right now am in a bit of a volunteering funk…
xox
Aww, my husband and I are leaders in our church youth group as well so I know exactly how you feel. We have some amazing kids that come from very broken family situations. It really is an honor to be there for them!
Of all the amazing things you have written about, you might have just outdone yourself Katie Bower, bravo and well-done! Thanks so much for sharing how great it is to serve others. : ) I have volunteered for different places for as long as I can remember – not surprising that I ended up working to consult nonprofit organizations! My best advice for volunteering – just once, try something totally out of your comfort zone. I love working with kids, but just once I volunteered twice weekly for a semester at a nursing home. One of the best experiences of my life! Rock on…
yes. I give 10% of my income to a different charity every year (on my mom’s birthday, in her name). I’ve done this every year since she passed away. I like feeling like I’m remembering her in a tangible way.
I also teach SAT prep to low-income kids through New York Cares and volunteer at my local Planned Parenthood. It’s only about six hours a week total, but I figure every bit helps 🙂
Do you two mentor these youth group kids? Or are they kids you volunteer along with?
I hear you- we used to volunteer with our church middle school youth group. those kids are something special. We had to take a break after Chris broke his finger- but we hope to start again soon.
Hi Katie,
Last year in October, my husband and I traveled to Chichicastenango, Guatemala with a group from church to build homes for widows. Since we had a doctor and 2 nurses in our group, we also ran a make-shift medical clinic 2 of the days we were there. The need there is so immense and the children are so beautiful, loving and grateful. It was one of the greatest rewards I have ever received to be able to help these people in some small way. It really makes you appreciate for all we have when these people don’t even have shoes and many have only one outfit. If you ever get the chance to go, I would HIGHLY recommend it. We went through an organization called Pray America, but I know there are a ton out there.
yay! my husband and i are going into our third year of leading our church’s youth group. we do it on top of our day jobs, and although it’s a lot of work, it’s so much fun. we have a small group, so we’re able to have lots of hands on, one-on-one time with them, which is so fun because they all have such different personalities. after awhile they become less “kids” and more like friends we want to hang out with all the time!
Great post! And I agree … I love young blood. I volunteer twice a month, mentoring young mothers (since I am in my 50s and well out of that stage). I just adore these sweet women and their spirit of wanting to do it RIGHT. They make my day. They tell me they get so much from me but I think it is definitely the other way ’round.
Wow! My Husband and I too volunteer with the Teens at our church. It is SO great to see how we give them moments of our time, and they repay us with the YOUNG lifeblood we need to stay sassy, spry and energetic! 🙂 (I’m talkin’ like I am 50…haha) We are only 31 and 27 and yet, being with them, makes me feel 17 again!!
Yup! I do Wyld Life, which is Young Life for middle school kids. We are just starting it up in our area, and am super excited to have an impact on their young lives.
Thanks for this encouraging post! I volunteer in my community and church, but have been praying specifically about what our (my husband and I) responsibility is to the foster children in our community. We have so many, where I live, and I’ve been thinking about how the government shouldn’t be the only ones tasked with caring for them when we have the ability to help. Not sure whether we’ll mentor, or take some children in, but either thanks for the extra encouragement to take action!
Aww – I volunteer with our youth group, too. My father was a youth pastor, so I say it’s in my blood. LOVE it, too… wouldn’t give it up for anything, if I could help it!!
Cool! I agree, you get so much back from volunteering. My church has an English as a Second language ministry, and I volunteer as a tutor. I can go to ESL tired and cranky, but I leave happy and energized! Our students are inspiring!
say hi to christopher!! always good to hear about other deafies 😀