The children at Early Head Start love being read to

I have been unemployed since July and in that time stared to feel down about ever finding a job. I also questioned whether I would feel passionate again. It excites me that I am more passionate now than I have been in a long time. I have become passionate about the impact different non-profits are having on the city of Memphis. My heart is overwhelmed as I sit and reflect on the different people I have met through the Volunteer Odyssey experience. I was there to serve them, but they helped me in ways I never imagined were possible. Through this experience I realized just how much I was living in my own little world, as if I was the only one who mattered. Because of my time volunteering, my world has grown to include the people in need.

Working hard to put together a puzzle of the Solar System at SRVS

My church pastor always reminds those of us in his congregation that, “You are blessed to be a blessing.” I am thankful for this frequent reminder. Anything I have has been given to me so that I can invest in others. Due to being unemployed, I do not have a lot of financial resources to give, but I can give of myself. I certainly have a lot of free time to volunteer at different organizations, and I plan on volunteering more often.  Since the end of my Odyssey week, I have revisited two of the locations I volunteered. In volunteering I am doing what I feel I am supposed to be doing. I am not volunteering to benefit myself or to look good to others. I am doing it because I love the city of Memphis and the people who live here. I want to be the change I want to see in this city. Instead of just sitting back and hoping things will change, I decided to take a hands on approach and work toward the change I want to see. Thank you Volunteer Odyssey for making this experience possible. It is one I will not soon forget.

Please stay tuned for Epilogue Part 2:  Challenge to Volunteer.
Thank you for reading! I’m searching for a job as an educator to children and adults with special needs. If you know of a great fit, please send it our way: Mail to jobleads@volunteerodyssey.com or Leweaver0428@gmail.com

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