Letter to Students June 2009
Dear Intercordians,
It is nearly the end of June which means you are more than halfway through your placement experience! I have been following your experiences through your written reflections, conversations with campus reps and mentors and in some cases through personal emails. I know that the experience has been different for each of you. Some of you have been radically challenged (most often in ways that you were not expecting!), some of you are disappointed and frustrated and some have found it smoother and easier than you expected. Every year this is true for reasons the same and different. I can only encourage you to accept what was given, find the meaning in the experience and allow the experience to put you in solidarity with those you are living with at the moment.
If you are lonely, frustrated and feel that this experience is not what you expected or wanted remember that is what poverty is….. living with no choices or only bad choices. Your experience of disillusionment and frustration can help you to appreciate the reality of so many in our world who have no choice but to accept the harsh reality of their lives. To move from frustration and anger to acceptance and understanding is hard but rewarding. It may be the only alternative!
If you wanted to make a difference in the lives of those you are living with but for many reasons this is not working out, live it in solidarity with so many in our world who want to make changes in their lives or in the lives of their loved ones and for a multitude of reasons cannot.
If you find yourself getting lethargic because life is so slow and lacking purpose imagine what it is like to have grown up in this environment and this may lead to an understanding of why people and things are the way they are.
If you are finding your way and making connections and finding life in you home or work placement, be grateful.
I hope all of you are experiencing some and/or all of the above….. that is the Intercordia experience. Remember, it was never about “doing for others” but about “being with others!” The challenge is to understand and not judge; to become more aware, informed of the truth; to be poor and not help the poor; to make friends and not build projects! Live the remaining weeks with as much integrity, commitment, honesty and gratitude as you can find I yourself!
I hope with all my heart that the remaining weeks are an opportunity to further your understanding of the truth, struggle and beauty of the people in your particular part of the world.
Peace, Joe
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