August 20 – 27, 2012         

Orientation at Stony Point was an unforgettable experience. Both nationally placed volunteers and internationally placed volunteers shared a week of worship, reflection, and preparation. Staff members guided us through logistics about the program. Speakers where invited to lecture on topics of cross-cultural experiences, personality type, cultural acclamation, among other things. A group of former YAVs assisted as small group leaders allowing individuals to address any questions, concerns, and the many things that excited us about the coming year of service.

 Evening vespers were an important part of the orientation for me. The different worship songs that we learned during these gatherings became something that I looked forward to each day. I felt like they really united us as a group. The testimonies given by the YAV alumni during vespers were another powerful expression of faith. Many of the former volunteers shared with us how their years of service had challenged them in a positive way and led them to discern their callings in ministry, community organizing, and more.

 In short, the Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) orientation at Stony Point was where friendships formed between strangers. While I enjoyed the week we had together, I still looked forward to Monday the 27 when the real journey would begin. And before I knew it we (5 volunteers going to Kenya) were in a van headed to the airport.