A Few Words From Katie
Taking Part in God's Plan
Before we came to Peacebuilders, we volunteered in service projects through school and in our communities. We had had debates with friends or in class, on issues of injustice, including the death penalty and racial and ethnic discrimination. There was a fire burning within us- a passion- a calling. A call to bring change to the world: to become more active. Peacebuilders gave us an opportunity to visualize these desires. To put them into action, and make the change happen.
Through a week of theological discussion and reflection, prayer, reconciliation, exploring different forms of peace through yoga and art, and working with the victims of injustice at our ministry sites, we learned more about the role we have, as individuals and as a community, to bring about peace in the world. We each have gifts and talents... whether you like working with different types of people- young, old, handicapped, homeless- or maybe you are great in math, science, or English- maybe you are interested in communication or advertising, or maybe you are fascinated with medicine. With the gifts, talents, and interests you have, you have potential to make a difference. My dad once told me, "It takes all different kinds of people to make up the world." Where do you fit into the puzzle? How can you apply your gifts and talents to better the world? To answer the calling?
Every assumption that I had made about the program turned out to be wrong. I got used to the early morning alarms, I actually learned something from the theology sessions, and I found out that although yoga is hard, it's actually pretty fun. I found friends too. Everyone at Peacebuilders Initiative from the directors, Angie and Bart, to the mentors, to the participants were so welcoming that I had no problem finding my place within the group.
At Peacebuilders, we discussed issues of injustice that are incredible concerns worldwide: poverty, homelessness, prejudice on various levels, genocide, child labor, and violence. How can we solve the problems of the world?
Near the end of the past summer, I traveled to the third world country of Belize with my school. On our mission trip, we provided a weeklong soccer and music camp for the kids. We lived among the poor who possess so little, yet, live so fully- and with great appreciation for life, family, and friends. I wanted to stay in Belize, and do mission work there for the rest of my life. I wanted to help build peace in their communities: by providing programs like we did for the kids- to keep them out of trouble- to help families get jobs and afford basic essentials to survive- to provide education- and to resolve conflicts...I came home, and quickly realized, that there are a lot of problems in our own society that need to be dealt with.
I realized that, I am 17, and maybe it's not time for me to drop my entire life here and go give myself to the countries in need of support and the leadership I potentially have to offer. There is a lot of need within our own communities, right now, for leadership, faith, compassion, and a helping hand. I have learned that- I cannot solve all the problems of the world...but I can bring light to one corner. I am very inspired by a song that recently reached the media, by Sarah McLachlan, the refrain is, "The world's on fire and it's more than I can handle, I dive into the water, I try to pull my ship. I try to bring more, more than I can handle, bring it to the table, bring what I am able." God is calling us- to use our gifts, to live like His Son, and to bring justice to our world.
This past year, we created Peace Projects in our schools and communities. We sought out the need, and created an organization, an event, awareness, a fundraiser. For me, I found the need to bring compassion to people with disabilities. Think of the peace and the light, we have brought to this corner of the world in this past year!
At Peacebuilders, we were shown ways to create peace- to surround ourselves with an encouraging atmosphere, how to listen, how to forgive and forget, how to accept people of different cultures, races, religions, ethnicities.
But we can't stop here! We are at the beginning, of the rest of our lives, right now. Through our learning and experiences, we have been disturbed. The disturbance is a good thing. It is a realization and consciousness of the world in need around us. We can either disregard it, or we can be changed by it. As we were told during Peacebuilders, we are not asked to be successful- but faithful. How do we remain faithful? By being disturbed.
Being a Peacebuilder is not always easy and fulfilling. It goes against the grain; very likely, you will be different than those around you, you might feel alone. Remember that Jesus felt that loneliness and rejection too. It may not always seem like the energy and passion you are giving of yourself, is worth giving. Know that you are making a difference. Sometimes, bringing about peace means changing one heart at a time. We must endure and never give up- and also know that 'one heart at a time' is needed. Have courage to take initiative, and patience and forgiveness to overcome obstacles. Spread the light- the fire that burns within you.
The calling you have received, is from God. We need to trust that God's will and plan has the power to change. Have faith and hope that, as an instrument of God, you can bring about peace. Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Maybe I do have a calling to become a missionary in Belize- maybe someday. I think I am also called to be a positive influence in my community today and within the coming years. I think there are many ways God is calling us. There are many needs in society, in the world. Think about what you have to offer, I am sure there are many ways you can take part in God's plan.
Like Jesus gave sight to the blind man in the Gospel today, your eyes too, have been opened. Come and "Live as children of the light". Pass it on.
