In order to answer some questions that may not have been fully explained in my previous post, I would like to take the time to describe in more detail the program that I am participating in. As I mentioned before, the Young Adult Service Corps, or YASC, is run through the Episcopal Church and is defined by the Episcopal Church as, "a ministry for young adults who are interested in
exploring their faith in new ways by living and serving in communities around
the Anglican Communion. (The Anglican Communion is the network of all the churches in the world which have roots in the Church of England. They are not necessarily beholden to one another, but do keep in communication and hold regular meetings) YASC
brings young adults into the life of the worldwide Anglican Communion and into
the daily work of a local community. At the same time, it brings the gifts and
resources of the church into the lives of young adults as they explore their
own faith journeys."
Those who are interested in participating in the program send in an application which is followed by what is called a "discernment weekend." The discernment weekend is held at Holy Cross Monastery with the purpose of explaining the program in further detail and answering any questions that potential YASCers may have. In the time following the discernment weekend, the applicants decide if the program would be a good fit for them. When a decision to continue has been made, the program staff then go about coordinating where each individual will be going. Each YASCer may let the program staff know in which countries they would be most interested in serving, but ultimately the staff make this decision weighing in personality, skills, and work available to provided the best possible fit between the individual and host church. Not all of the YASCers will be living in the same country, but some will. In the summer, the team attends a two week long orientation which focuses on adjusting to a new culture, what is expected of the YASCers, what being an Episcopalian missionary looks like, as well as team building among the group.
The purpose of YASC goes beyond helping out another church in another country. Yes, we may be teaching English or helping with particular projects in impoverished areas, but we may very well also be in a more well to do country working with one of their churches. Part of the broader goal of the program is to form meaningful and relationships. Developing our purpose was, in fact, one of the activities we completed at the orientation. This on of the definitions we came up with: "Our mission theology is:
...to be fully present with others
...to create a safe community of support and love
...to share in unity with God
Most of us were slightly uncomfortable using the term "missionary" due to negative connotations and past abuses of the church. But with our created definitions, we began to feel confidence in our new role.
As I mentioned in the previous post, the country that I am assigned to is Brazil. Particularly, I will be located in the southern-most state of Rio Grande do Sul which is actually has a temperate climate unlike the majority of Brazil's tropical climate. Reportedly, the church that I will be working with is excited to have me; I have been told I will be helping them with a new project that they are starting up, but what it is, is still a mystery. In the near future I will be able to speak with someone about it and get more information. The entire length of my time in Brazil will be a year. In order to finance this endeavor, the Episcopal Church foots most of the bill; but us YASCers are expected to contribute some money as well. Therefore, I am fundraising. In order to leave for Brazil, I must have at least 50% of the funds raised. I am happy to say that currently, very generous people have already donated 44% of the total amount. If you are able and willing to help out, donation information is located on the left side bar of the blog.
The last mystery that I have looming before me is when I will be leaving. The story goes that the visa process for Brazil can be a complicated one. It may take one to six months for the whole thing to be processed. So, here I am, waiting patiently, reading about Brazil and working on Portuguese. Let me know if you would like to help me practice!
