In a matter of months I have gone from employed to unemployed, comfort zone to new culture, English to Spanish speaking area, and rural Louisiana to inner-city California.  I am one of the newer additions to the MCV program, serving in Compton, CA, at Our Lady of Victory Parish.

After spending my whole life in Louisiana, completing undergraduate and graduate schools at LSTJ, and working in “Corporate America” for a year, I decided (or better said, God decided) that living the traditional “American Dream” wasn’t for me. While working as a Research Analyst in Louisiana, I realized that I was being called to give back all the gifts and blessings God has given me by serving as a missionary. It took me months to gather up the strength and courage to let go of all the securities I had built up over the years, but by letting go the Lord has rewarded me tenfold.

I was not in Compton twenty hour hours before I was substitute teaching 7th and 8th grade Science and Language Arts. I realized immediately there would be little time for the beach and mountains. I also began apologizing to God for the trouble I caused my 7th and 8th grade teachers. As a volunteer, my first step was to identify the “gaps” at Our Lady of Victory - the places in the community where assistance is needed. The gaps that I am filling in Compton are as follows: Computer Lab Instructor / Supervisor; Computer Technician; Grant Writer; School Development/Promotion Assistant; Youth Group Facilitator / Team Member.

I have learned that the most important role I can fill is to be present to the community. By attending meetings, prayer groups, practices, etc. even if I’m not involved, I am letting the community know that I care. I have discovered that the most important thing I can do here as a missionary is to love - not how much I get done.

I have learned that there are an infinite number of ways to share Christ’s love with others. Not knowing Spanish, I am learning that love, smiles, and kindness break through any language barrier. I have learned that with my heart in the right place, God reveals gifts He gave me I never knew I had. I am learning about social injustice and the beauty of other cultures. Most of all I am learning that if we give God an ounce, He rewards with a ton. Serving God is thrilling and ever-changing; a true joy; a happiness surpassing any worldly happiness — even in the midst of work and challenge.

I would like to thank Shawn, Jeff, and all the MCVs for such a warm, loving welcome at our retreat. The intimate sharing of their mission experiences helped me to visualize what I had to look forward to -  the joys and challenges. Their advice and sharing have gone a long way; so have their love, smiles, kindness, and support. Thank you all!