I Coordinate the Volunteers, I am not a Volunteer...

Most anyone who reads this blog already knows that I started a new job back in November, which my previous post hinted at. Since November I have been working as a Volunteer Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. Just to be clear, I am not coordinating things voluntarily as some have understood that title (if I could I would, but a girls got to eat and have shelter and dance and all that). I am, however, coordinating the wonderful volunteers who are willing to give their time and talents so that we can provide affordable home-ownership for residents of Greenville County. 

But this journey didn't just start in November. 

And it may have started before I actually remember. 

But the most defining time that I recall my life beginning to lean in this direction was about 9 years ago. 

My senior year of college, I received a flier in my mailbox for AmeriCorps. 

I had never heard of such a thing. Sure mission trips and long term missions where you raise support were always an option, but not something that would pay you (barely) and insure you and give you an education award at the end of your service. With a summer gig at a camp lined up and nothing else post graduation, it seemed like a good idea to me!

So I started applying. As it turns out, I was/am a terrible interviewer, but some AmeriCorps programs are in need just enough that they will take said terrible interview for phone voice value and invite you to move to a city you've never been to before and you know only 1 person.

So that's what I did in January of 2007.

My AmeriCorps experience changed me. It made me into an adult concerned about her community from a sheltered college grad who didn't know a thing about the world. It introduced me to Habitat for Humanity and a love for the build site at my first Build-A-Thon on the Gulf Coast. It is where I really learned that Habitat was my niche and where I knew that going home dirty and tired and sore knowing it meant something was how I wanted my life to be lived. 

The Wake county affiliate grew me in those two terms of service by leaps and bounds. Just ask them : ) I'm sure they'd be happy to tell you about the sheltered and shy and inexperienced girl from OH that showed up in January of 2007.

I took a break from Habitat for a few years in between, and had some other wonderful and also life shaping experiences. But none quite like those first two years out of college. I love the camp life and would go back if I felt the Lord's leading. BUT. My heart truly feels filled and useful when I am working with the volunteers, staff and family partners at Habitat.

So as my previous post talks about calling and jobs and how they don't always end up being the same, right now I get to have one in the same. 

I am so glad to be back at Habitat and building homes, community and hope with some of the best people in the world!

And if you live close by, be sure to check out our volunteer opportunities here : )