Because I'm Happy - Grace

Because I'm Happy

Getting to Know Tucson: Recently, I feel like I have turned a corner.  I feel more happy and comfortable in Tucson.  Between my work schedule, YAV activities, and Christmas vacation I was out of town almost every weekend in November and December.  During January, I actually got a chance to get to know Tucson and it's been great! 

View of Tucson from a hill near my house

Community of Volunteers: I am so thankful for my housemates and my Tucson community.  There are several other service corps in the area such as the Mennonite Voluntary Service, Food Corps, AmeriCorps, and Jesuit Volunteer Corps.  This means I've gotten to connect with other 20-somethings who are doing similar work and also want to explore Tucson. 

A few weeks ago, a couple Mennonite friends invited me to watch a play about sexuality in the church called Listening for Grace.  It was hilarious, poignant, and beautiful.  Ted  Swartz, the writer and main actor, uses comedy to spark conversation about controversial topics like homosexuality.  His goal is to get church communities to discuss uncomfortable topics.  After watching the play, members of the Mennonite church stayed to share their reactions.  Although there was a variety of opinions, the audience was noticeable affected.

I am thankful to be a part of a community of young Christians who are willing and excited to tackle contentious issues like sexuality, immigration, and racism.

Hiking Picacho Peak with some Mennonite volunteers Source: Emily Oshinkie

YAV Support: There are several YAV alumni and board members who have reached out to help us with our transition.  Various board members have taken the my fellow YAVs and I to different places and events this month.  It feels a little silly to go on "field trips" to museums or concerts, but it has really helped me get to know the city.  We went to a natural museum called the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a gem show, and an Avett Brothers concert.  Sometimes simple living doesn't feel so simple :)

We also have Vocational Discernment classes every other week that provide a space to reflect on our work and ruminate on what we should do after our year of service.  These classes include activities such as reading poems, collaging, doing the Examine, following a guided meditation, and walking a labyrinth.  Allie Wood, a former Tucson YAV, leads the classes and also meets with us individually for coffee dates every other month.  These meetings have become a sacred time when I can confide in someone who is familiar with my work placement and intentional community.  Her compassionate listening and questioning have helped me process some of my most intense YAV experiences.  I am so grateful for her friendship and mentorship.

We went to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum with YAV board member Julie Karra.

Finding My Space at Work:  I feel more confident at work now that I have led two BorderLinks delegations (educational trips) with Santa Clara University and Carroll University.  I enjoy facilitating discussions, leading workshops, and supporting my participants as they come to terms with some harsh realities.  January was a busy month at work, but the staff bonded together as a team, encouraging one another when we were tired or overwhelmed.  I'm glad to work with such smart, motivated, and compassionate people.

Students from a delegation I led observe the border wall in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico

Tucson feels more and more like home.  Several days this week, I have been overwhelmed with happiness.  I feel so fortunate to live in a beautiful, multicultural space surrounded by coworkers and community members who care about me.  Leaving school has been difficult as I am far from my friends and family, have no idea what I want to do with my life, am fumbling my way through a new job, have to deal with real world responsibilities like paying bills, cooking myself dinner every night, etc.  Even so, like all my graduated friends, I have been working through these post-grad challenges.  Nevertheless, I feel supported my community as they are doing similar work and asking similar questions.  My housemates sit with me as I try to figure out how my small stipend will cover my utilities and my food expenses.  My housemates help me patch my tire when my bike gets a flat.  My housemates make me watch "Friends" when I have spent too much time discussing heavy topics like institutionalized poverty and prison systems.  Living in an intentional community with people who are quite different from me can be demanding, but it can also be incredibly fun and supportive.  I get to come home to friends who will ask how my day was, listen to my answer, and make sure I laugh a little. 

Thank you to everyone in Tucson and beyond who has supported me with this move.

My home in Tucson Source: Abigail Osborne

Two coworkers and me