Joel Shares His Experience with Service Adventure in Lebanon, Oregon

(As written to his host family in Lebanon)

Well, for me this year was one of the scariest for me and one of the most rewarding. As you all know we all came here not knowing anybody, and I was very shy, and still am a soft spoken person. This program has made me break out of my safety zone - going away, and living, not watching from the sidelines.

From left: Jeff, Esther, Joel, Elyse

Everyone from the church was so great I felt the love that you guys have and you made me feel very welcome in the church. During the first two months I was really home sick, missing my life that I had of being safe and doing what I normally do. After I got off work one day I went to sit out on a couch and gaze out the window and see the horizon and just think why I came here to Lebanon and not stayed home where I had the JOB that I wanted and friends close to me. I know if I had made the choice to leave I would have really disappointed someone really close to me, my Mom, and I would have really kicked myself for not staying here.

Joel working at the hospital laundry facility

After that point I made the choice to make the best of it and see where it would lead me. I started forming relationships with people at work and at the church and I started having a really good time and the thought of home was one that wasn't stuck in the forefront of my mind, and it slowly drifted away. To everyone who took time to get to know me I am extremely grateful to all of you. I wish I could have gotten to know everyone at the church but in the time frame it was almost impossible.

When the Service Adventure Unit did the first service I said "I am not sure if it was the best choice for me but I am enjoying my time here" or something close to that. It was the best choice that I have made to come to Lebanon Oregon! The friends I made I hold close to me and I will never forget the year I went to Lebanon. I never thought it would be this hard to leave. I will miss all of you. I will make it back to Oregon one of these days and I will have a lot of catching up to do. One of the few things that we can't buy with any amount of money is time so make the most of it because soon time will pass you by and wonder what you did with the time you were given.

Love Joel

Interested in a service adventure for yourself or someone you know? Visit Mennonite Voluntary Service Adventure for more information.

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