For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a person who likes to help others. It was easy to be like this thanks to my parents. My mom has always been involved in volunteer programs, first with the local hospitals, and then with several church organizations. I thank her for putting in my heart the example and desire to give something to the community I belong to. And that quote up there? It’s my mother’s favourite quote.

A few months ago, there was a discussion in the KC Bloggers group about volunteer programs, and I started thinking I really wanted to join one. I managed to contact Bridging the Gap to join their Earth Day walk, and I had to do overtime that weekend. I sucked big time, and then I just let it go. Then I got in touch with a lady at church, and she gave my name to the education coordinator, and they want to enroll me as a catechist, which is awesome! I went to see her yesterday, and I have to go to a couple of meetings in August.

And then, a couple of weeks ago, John and I went to the Summer Bowl for Kids’ Sake event and we decided to join the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. We talked to one of their recruiters, filled out the applications, did our interviews, and we had a visit from our case manager today. She asked a lot of questions, and exposed a lot of situations I never really thought I had to face by joining a program like this. But I’m very excited, and so is John. We’ll get matched with a Little Brother, and we will become a Big Couple. I’m sure it will be a wonderful experience.

So now I have my hands full, but being able to help others and get involved in my community makes me feel like I can call this place home. And getting to know more people I can connect with, will probably fill the void from being so far away from my family.

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