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Slowing Down for Community

Slowing Down for Community

With winter in full swing and the LVC year approaching its halfway point, it’s easy to get sucked down into a portal of stress and cold. I like to think that what’s kept us afloat through it all has been our ability to smile through it all. This includes smiling through car troubles, below-freezing wind chills, or even just the stress of everyday life. We always seem to lift each other back up.

Not long after the holidays had ended, I had a sliding collision with a telephone pole on my way to my LVC Placement. As it all happened all I could think of was how this was going to affect my everyday life. The experience made me realize that somethings are out of my control. After getting cleaned up in the emergency room, all that was left for me to stress over was my car’s un-drivable body sitting in our driveway.

Even as this inconvenience happened to me, I found that it brought me closer to the communities I live in and work with. Not being able to drive forced me to rely on my friends and coworkers for carpools. It also encouraged me to be more actively present in my LVC house community. This situation forced me to get closer to my housemates and to take advantage of every opportunity to talk to someone because I didn’t know the next time I might see them.

The inconvenience and anxiety that I thought were curses when it all first happened have brought me closer to everyone around me. I’ve been surprised at the generosity that I’ve experienced. I’ve had offers to help fix the car and haul car parts when I get them. In addition, because I was forced to slow down, I rediscovered doing things at home that I had forgotten that I loved to do, such as playing music, baking, and writing.

I wouldn’t have gotten through this situation without support.  And while I wish that the accident hadn’t happened I’m glad that the experiences that followed it did happen. You never truly appreciate how many people support you until you need them most. I hope even after I get my wheels on the road again I continue to appreciate all I’ve come to value so much in this community I increasingly call home.

 

By Tyler Birkhoff, Hillstrom House

2019-02-04
By: Martin Luther
On: February 4, 2019
In: Volunteer Blog
Tagged: Living LVC Values, Omaha, Volunteer
Previous Post: Winter Warmth at Wellstone
Next Post: Finding Delight in Chicago

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Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) is with Little Friends For Peace and 7 others.

2 weeks ago

Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC)
The impact of the Lutheran Volunteer Corps is made possible through a powerful partnership among placement organizations, dedicated fellows, and generous supporters. Our placement partners are mentors and collaborators who provide fellows with opportunities to engage in meaningful work. Fellows bring energy and fresh perspective to their roles.At the heart of LVC, the fellows choose to live intentionally, serve wholeheartedly, and grow spiritually and personally throughout their year. Their courage to step into unfamiliar spaces, embrace challenge, and live out their values inspires transformation. The guidance and support they receive help them deepen their understanding of service.None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our donors, who help us sustain meaningful change. Your generosity ensures that this work continues. Together, we are building a stronger community every year.Apply Here to Become a Fellow>>> lutheranvolunteercorps.org/the-program/#Apply Here to Become a Placement Partner >>> lutheranvolunteercorps.org/the-program/# ... See MoreSee Less

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Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC)

3 weeks ago

Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC)
Little Friends For Peace (LFFP) is a powerful force for good in the D.C. community. Their mission is to break the cycle of violence by teaching people how to live with peace at the center of their lives. Through after-school Peace Clubs, summer Peace Camps, and in-school programs, Little Friends for Peace reaches thousands of kids and adults every year.🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️Little Friends For Peace started as a small neighborhood program and has since grown to reach communities around the world. Founders MJ and Jerry remain actively involved, teaching peace both here at home and abroad. The legacy of Little Friends for Peace is a powerful movement centered on healing, love, and justice.👥As a placement partner, Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) places fellows at incredible organizations like LFFP. As a Fellow, you’ll dive right in, helping run peace camps, leading workshops, and mentoring kids and adults. LVC will actively support you on this journey of making a difference during your year of service. Lutheran Volunteer Corps is a vibrant community that gives our fellows support and connections to help their careers thrive. So come along and join the Lutheran Volunteer Corps >>> lutheranvolunteercorps.org/volunteer/ You’re in for a life-changing ride! 🕊 ... See MoreSee Less

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