Blog by Sister Jane Belanger, OP

We here at Heartland Farm, in the middle of Central Kansas, in the middle of the emerging Spring season, are hosting an AmeriCorps crew of seven young adults.  They are halfway through their time here, filled with cleaning out the greenhouse, building water catchment platforms, digging garden beds, and planting potatoes. Did I mention clearing thorny brush from the labyrinth area, replacing irrigation drip lines, and learning about Permaculture?  

But these activities are just one side of this farm experience. I enjoy this time of working with these young adults because I have an opportunity to observe, listen, and share with this diverse group of individuals.  And, one way or another, from their team leader to each of the unique members of this disciplined and hardworking group, these questions float in and out of the conversation: What is ahead of me?  What is next?  What do I see myself doing?

These questions are ones that each young adult is trying to figure out, even as they fulfill their commitment to this challenging yet rewarding program.  I would assert that this volunteer experience is also an intense discernment time and is more than an opportunity to offer service and gain experience and skills. 

This is a cheerful, easy-going group, but they are also pretty focused and intentional.  They want to get the job done.  They want to learn things.  They are willing to step up and volunteer for tasks, even if it is something they have never done before.  Life is ahead of them, but they also want to “get it right.”  They want to explore their deeper reasons for what they hope to do in the vast, unknown future ahead.  They want to make the world a better place.  They care.

I am challenged by their earnest energy.  I’m impressed by their dedication and self-confidence.  As I reflect back—way back—on my early days in religious life as a Dominican Sister, I can recall the questioning, the cloudy vagueness of what I wondered would be the trajectory of my life as a sister.  I really didn’t have a clue that I would eventually be spending my days at a small farm in Kansas with a ministry to the rural land and people.  I asked then, as these volunteers are asking now, the same questions about the future.  And, the future I envisioned when I was their age was then, a pretty predictable one.  I don’t think any of us can expect that now.

This isn’t a plug for AmeriCorps—it is, however, an invitation to anyone who is asking those important questions to take time to listen and seek what they are to do with their “one precious life.” But not what, but why?  I hear that in our conversations. While preparation for a career is part of the process, the real question is “what are these times really calling me not just to DO, but to BE?” 

Why not take some time to reflect on your calling at one of our upcoming prayerful events offered by our Vocations team, or you can contact one of our Vocation Ministers for a “no strings attached” conversation. In fact, in two weeks, we will be having a Palm Sunday “mini-retreat” to kick off Holy Week with a prayerful focus. You’re welcome to attend and take a few moments to listen for the still small voice of God leading you on the path of life.

In the photo on the top of this blog, AmeriCorps volunteers have just finished clearing a huge brush pile.

In the photo above, AmeriCorps volunteers are planting potatoes.