Bigger Plans

Mari Yoder

PULSE is very happy to welcome Mari Yoder as our guest blogger this week. Her special role as a parent of one of our very first PULSE volunteers gives her special insight into the personal growth that can happen for a volunteer and their family!

Our four children grew up hearing the mantra “If we each do a little, much can be accomplished.” When our oldest son Dan went to college he told me he wasn’t going to be like me and get involved, he was going to use his time after studying for fun. But he went to University of Dayton where their middle name is “community.” A few months later as he was volunteering to help with Christmas On Campus and I asked why he was helping, he said that if people don’t help, how does it get done? WOW! Now he understood. I am lucky to say that each of our children has found a way to give back. However, little did I know that our third child truly made it her mission.

UD Family Weekend

Our daughter Ellen started at the University of Dayton with no clear path other than the goal of getting a college degree. School never came easy and was a constant battle. She was a fighter and we knew she would find her way to success but the road was always winding. After changing her major a few times, we were often left wondering what is "God's plan." Our plan for Ellen was to make sure that she graduated, was self sufficient, employable, and not living in our basement! We all know that God has bigger plans!

When Ellen first mentioned she was considering doing a year of voluntary service through Marianist PULSE we wondered if this was the right path or was it an effort to postpone adulthood for another year? As she talked with us about the opportunity we could see this was more than a whim or a next step option, she was feeling called to serve. She would live with five strangers in a house yet to be determined and in a neighborhood where we thought safety could a concern. Her stipend would be minimal and no personal car allowed (the group would share a car). As a new program with no track record yet, this year was going to be a leap of faith for all of us.

With her placement at Mission of Mary Cooperative, an urban farm in East Dayton, she was off. Growing up in a rural community surrounded by traditional farms, we understood farming, but this was different. This was growing produce and teaching others the value of healthy eating and sustainability. This was working in the true sense of community, for each other. Just like our daughter, each PULSE member had a different job and role where they could make an impact on the community. They each worked separately, but together they made a difference. Evenings and weekends found them mixing and mingling with residents in the neighborhood, worshiping, welcoming guests into their home and participating in local events. Individually and as a group they were sharing God’s love. As a parent it was beautiful to watch and a wonderful reminder that each of us has the capacity and opportunity to serve God and our neighbor in some way.

For me, the year did come with challenges and worries. As she would ride a bike to work in the cold, wee morning hours or at the end of a long, hot day, I worried about her safety and health. We missed having her come home and she missed family events due to her responsibilities in the community. However, when I saw the growth both personally and spiritually of not just Ellen, but the entire MP1 community I knew she had made the right choice. This was an opportunity of a lifetime. What we didn’t realize or expect was that it helped us grow in our faith and understanding of the value of community as well.

Peace,

Mari

If you or your family have questions or concerns about a year of service with Marianist PULSE, click on this link and look for the "For Families and Friends" page. There you will find helpful information and articles on the benefits of a year of service with Marianist PULSE.

Yoder Family