| | Erika vonHaarenSummer 2005 YAMMD Intern | An Impromtu Photo of Erika |
Find out more about the YAMMD Program here. When I was 19 years old, I quit college and moved to Seattle, Washington. Two of my friends from high school made the cross-country trek with me and together we set out for the ‘real’ world. We lived in a suburb above the city and as a temp worker I would commute into downtown on Interstate 5 every morning. On the clear days, the mountains would peek out from their hiding places behind the clouds and it was only by the grace of God that I didn’t get into a dozen car accidents while I stared up at the majestic Mount Rainier. I often wondered how the natives of the area weren’t constantly ending up in tangles because of the breathtaking view. It was as though they had stopped seeing the things that had probably brought them to settle there in the first place.
Though I’ve only been here with you at St. Peter’s for a little under two months, I continue to find just the opposite of that experience I had in Seattle. I look around and see people who have their eyes open to the majesty of God’s design for your community life together. People who’ve been here all their lives and people who have just arrived are being reminded of the many reasons they are a part of this place. The honor you show to your heritage, your families, your beautiful land and each other is the most sustainable and precious resource you have. No doubt that there have been (and will be!) tangles along the way; but I’m willing to bet that your collisions with the Holy will be FAR more frequent. You are a rare example of Christian community willing to take bold new steps and I am so thrilled to have been able to spend this time here with you, learning from you and sharing in your community life.
While I’ve been here, I have gotten the opportunity to explore the various aspects of ministry that I will be undertaking full-time next year after I get ordained.
I’ve learned more about preaching and teaching, about balancing meetings and events, about the wonderful energy and enthusiasm to be found amongst volunteers—from the Altar Guild to the Youth Ministers to my Lay Committee.
I’ve learned about how a vestry functions, about how to dream and plan for capital improvements, about planning and shaping liturgy, and about this diocese and where you all are going on your faith journey.
Most importantly, I feel I’ve learned about community, about what true multiculturalism is and can be, and finally—I feel I’ve learned what ‘living Aloha’ is meant to be. I ask you to pray for me that I will be able to take that spirit you have so graciously shown me as I journey back to the mainland and share it with others. I will always be in prayer for you. From the bottom of my heart: Mahalo.
Pax... Erika |
