Journal #1
1. What are some expectations you have for the summer with excitement? What expectations do you have with hesitation?This summer will present many opportunities for the Summer Academy staff as a whole, and before coming into the job, we all had expectations for how the summer should play out. Personally, one opportunity that I am excited about is that with the theme “Faith in Community” we will enter into relationship with one another that reaches past the superficial and into our souls. In college, I took advantage of the opportunity to get to know many different kinds of people, and to get involved in the school and make myself known; however, with as many groups of friends that I had, I still left for the summer with the same loneliness that I had coming into the school. The feeling of loneliness was not because my roommate had already left for Hawaii, or that most of my floor was gone, the loneliness I felt had been with me all through the year. It was the feeling of being disconnected from the whole, a feeling of emptiness because I did not find a “best friend” or someone I could really trust and confide in. I also had a feeling of being too full – I kept all of my experiences over the year and my emotional considerations to myself, and that was overwhelming at times. Therefore, this summer I expect the program (classes, bible study, service) to challenge and convict me to work on myself, and to rediscover faith in people so I can truly be able to trust others. Another opportunity I am excited about is that I have a new role in the program, and I have been given a little more responsibility. In addition, as one of my aspirations is to be a youth pastor, a job like this will give me an idea, first-hand, on what it is like to work with youth and be in a position of authority.
I expect this summer to go smoothly; however, I will enter the first week with a little hesitation because I am unsure as to how everything will come together. I also realize we are going to have to let ourselves be vulnerable, with each other and with the students, and I am hesitant about that as well. However, I know that in order to be a better leader, sacrifices must be made and I will have to let my guard down, because a part of leadership is being compassionate and understanding, and if you keep a wall between yourself and those you are attempting to lead, your effectiveness is limited.
2. What part do you play on this team?
From the ropes course and the work we have done this week, I have gathered that my role in this team is to be the one who people can look to for understanding because I have the ability to effectively communicate, and because I have years of experience. The team can help me come out of myself and learn to trust people more, and also can help me show more integrity – I don’t want to be the one who won’t pull someone aside when they’re doing wrong or aren’t living to the goals and expectations we’ve set for ourselves.
3. Summarize ECOM's mission, vision and values. What is important to Pastor Harvey? What is important to Pastor Harvey about you?
ECOM’s mission is, “Building Our Community One Family at a Time” and through programs such as marriage retreats, Summer Academy, and leadership opportunities such as the High School Academy, they can achieve their mission.
With the vision “to be the premier model of effective Christian community development,” ECOM commits to 1) be good at what they do, 2) not just save people from their respective situation, but to help them develop; instead, presenting them with programs and resources that will give them access and the capacity to change their situations for themselves.
At ECOM, everything is driven by values. To this organization, what is important is that its work connects with the people it serves, that people are aware of their own ability to help themselves, that in its work with people, it holds them accountable, and racial reconciliation.
Pastor Harvey feels every one of us must come to terms with the fact that each of us is created in the image and likeness of God. Our call as humans was to be fruitful and multiply, and we have dominion over the world, but we are not supposed to dominate one another - to God we have the same value. However, we are not all the same – we have different strengths, gifts and capacities. When we come together, we can be all God created us to be.
We are important to Pastor Harvey because we are representations of the mission, vision and values of ECOM and he wants us to represent correctly. Our generation is going to make decisions for him, and he wants to make sure we are well equipped to make wise decisions.
posted by Kaila @ 8:08 PM
1 Comments:
Kaila
I did not read your whole blog yet but after the first part I was anxious to comment. You are an amazing lady. And you are growing up. Your loneliness is a part of that. For the first time you were put out to pasture (as they say). Basically you were put out of the nest. Even though you did not go far it is a weird feeling to find your self in your own place without your family around watching every move. It's like WOW!! there's a big world out there that I now have to face alone. But wait if you stop and look around you you are not alone. Open your eyes, girlfriend, you have an amazing way of attracting people to you. And people love you the moment they meet you. Think of last years YES student. I think your move from Business to Pastor is a good move to consider because you do have a way with people. And yes you are putting yourself out there and will be very vulnerable. But can you handle it?? YES. You have amazing parents and the kind of relationship with your mom that will always be there as a huge support for you. I am so proud of you and what you have become. Keep on keeping on and let God move in you whatever way he wants. He has made a difference in your life and it shows.
Mrs. Cathcart
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