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Welcome to Winona!

Welcome to Winona!

Three weeks ago, I moved across the river from my hometown of St. Paul, into a 100-year-old house in Minneapolis. I did this with five housemates I’d met four days earlier at LVC’s National Orientation in Chicago. The housemates, in the photo from left to right, are Cassandra, from Ohio via the University of Dayton; Adam, from Iowa via Luther College; Hannah, from Wisconsin via Augsburg College; Kristen, from Colorado via St. Olaf College; and Disket, from India via St. Olaf College (I’m second from the right).

As the only Minnesotan in the group, I might be expected to be the resident expert on the Twin Cities, but that role often falls to Hannah, who, as an Augie, knows Minneapolis much better than I ever did. It’s been a pleasure getting to know my hometown’s twin a little better these past few weeks, exploring on foot or by bus. Within a ten-minute walk, we have a library, a grocery store, a dollar store, the Somali mall, and a few cafes. If we walk a bit father, my housemates and I can reach the Midtown Global Market, complete with cuisine and clothes from all around the world, or the famed music store the Electric Fetus.

I’m glad to be settling in now, both to my house and to my placement. LVC orientation, while thrilling, also scared me. It really made me wonder whether I’m ready to live out all of LVC’s values, all the time. As a Christian, I thought a lot about Micah 6 during orientation, because LVC’s values seem to mirror Micah 6. That passage asks what God requires of us and responds that we are to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly before God. But what does it really mean to do justice? Surely it means doing more than I have done in the past, since I’ve always been the type to spend most of my free time reading in my room by myself. Am I equipped to do otherwise than I have, to be transformed, and to truly act on what I believe? That is, after all, what I signed up for.

So far the reality of LVC has been a bit gentler than I feared at orientation. I’ve paid attention to the people around me in my neighborhood and on my bus commute, and I’ve given what I could to those who have asked. But I’ve also spent time alone in my room, reading, because continuing that practice is important to my self-care. My housemates and I have attended events in our community and plan to attend more, but we also celebrated Cassandra’s birthday. I have not been good at living into the theological both/and, but I’m starting to learn to live a life that is community-oriented but incorporates time alone; that takes things seriously but has time for frivolity; that works hard but also takes breaks. And I think that’s what I need from this year.

Linnea Peterson, a Luther College alum, is serving this year at MicroGrants in Minneapolis, MN.

2018-09-11
By: Linnea Peterson
On: September 11, 2018
In: Volunteer Blog
Tagged: Community, Luther College, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Volunteer
Previous Post: Decommissioning Parties: Saying Goodbye to Seattle and Tacoma
Next Post: Howdy from the Heartland!

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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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