Orientation Week

Week 1 of my YAV year started out with a week of orientation in Stony Point, New York. This was a week full of mixed emotions. It was both hard and rewarding at the same time. Orientation brought together all the first year Yavs and gave us the information that we needed for our years of service. At orientation we had many different sessions from several speakers, including several YAV alum who gave us just a small sample of what to expect this year. I could write a lot about the different sessions I went to and everything I learned from them. These are just some of the highlights of each day.

Day 1: Arrival and making new friends

I arrived at Stony Point in the late afternoon. After two plane rides, a short wait in the airport and an hour trip via van. This day including meeting several new people including those in my small group and opening worship services.

Day 2: Culture Change

Day 2 was a long day of getting information thrown at us that was hard to take. We learned that certain people have most of the power and it’s not about changing culture instead it’s about learning to live with in it. We also learned through an activity called bafabafa about how challenging different cultures meeting

Day 3: History of missions and advocacy

We learned about the history of mission’s especially in the PCUSA. We also learned about where missions currently are today. In a second session we learned about the work the church is doing in DC to advocate for people who have no voice.

Day 4: Trip in to New York

On Thursday we were taken into New York City and dropped off at train station. We had to find our own way to our destination which for my group was church of the master an intercity Presbyterian Church. Thanks to the other members in my small group we were able to find the church without any problems. At the church we were able to here from different members of the church talk about what there ministry does. I was really inspired by the work this church does. They run several different programs out of this church these included a youth basketball program, family movie night, all sorts of choirs, dance groups, a credit union, youth summer camp and other programs. The thing that was really surprising was that this church only had 100 members. Even though this church was small most of their members were fully engaged in their mission.

Day 5: Partnerships

In this session we learned about partnerships and how they can be helpful and break comfort zones. We talked about how DOOR Network (a Mennonite organization) and Presbyterian YAV have come together to create a great relationship. We also talked about how getting out of our comfort zone can help create new friends and relationships. We also had site conflict meetings and  ate lunch with our small group.

Day 6: Commissioning and free time

On Sunday all the Yavs went to different churches to be commissioned. Two other Yavs and I went to Watchung Ave Presbyterian Church in New Jersey. We felt very welcomed there. Afterwards we were taken out to eat at an Irish pub. The rest of the afternoon we were given free time. After that we had small group time and an end of the orientation worship.

Day 7: Leaving

I woke up early to get in the van and head to the airport. It was hard leaving all of my new friends but I knew that God has great things in store for all of us.

The 3 most important things I learned this week.

-This year is all about breaking your comfort zone and seeing the good things that happen when you do.

-This year is going to be tough but there will be great moments as well.

-There are a lot of great people in this denomination and in this program. I wish I could have learned more about everyone at orientation but to those I did talk to I can see that they have a big heart for God and he is going to do great things in their lives this year.

Thanks for reading if you have any questions about my week let me know. Also feel free to leave comments with support for my year if you feel inclined to do so.