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| DV Elizabeth Broussad |
Hello friends, family, and Dominican community,
Impossible as it may be, it is the
beginning of my eleventh week here in Redwood City, California. I have thoroughly
enjoyed my time and work here so far, and know I will continue to do so. While
I have had the chance to talk to a few of you about my volunteer work and my
life here on the West Coast, many of you may still be wondering what exactly I
got myself into when I signed up for a year of service. And though I would love
to tell you all about my amazing position, the incredible individuals of all
ages I get to work with and alongside, and the variety of activities I get to cultivate,
I am even more eager to tell you about the other aspects of my life here.
This year, I am a volunteer with
Dominican Volunteers USA, a national, Catholic service organization that
matches recent college graduates with non-profits around the country. They have
partnerships with many orders of Dominican sisters, who graciously open their
homes and their hearts to the volunteers. I live with a Sinsinawa sister named
Sr. Christina Heltsley. I couldn’t ask for a better housemate. She is fun,
adventurous, a great cook, a fellow dog lover, and enjoys “vegging” with myself
and my other housemate after a long day of work. My other housemate is another volunteer
from New Jersey named Sean. Both Sean and Sr. Christina keep the laughter
rolling in our household, and make me feel at home even when I’m miles away
from Texas. They, alongside my incredible coworkers, have made sure that I
never feel lonely.
One thing I did not mentally
prepare for when leaving Texas was weather. When I imagined moving to
California, I pictured miles of palm trees and constant 75 degree weather.
Apparently those Hollywood dreams are reserved for southern California. The Bay
Area is a bit of a different story. Though it does eventually warm up to a
comfortable temperature in the afternoon, I bundle up in a jacket every morning
(August was no exception). The way to survive these 20 degree temperature
fluctuations? Layers, layers, layers. Cardigans
have become fast friends of mine. All that being said, I do appreciate the
cooler weather here. While I hear stories of 90 and 100 degree weather back
home in Houston, I enjoy cool morning hikes comfortably in the surrounding
mountains.
Hiking has become my favorite way
to spend free time out here. With Redwood City’s proximity to numerous national
and state parks, mountains, coasts, and forests, you can drive an hour in
practically any direction and find a new park to explore. Equipped with a water
backpack and hiking boots, I find myself more and more frequently escaping the
hubbub of the city for solace. But the life and proximity of downtown Redwood
City does draw me to its streets just as frequently, and it’s only a fifteen
minute bike ride to visit their gorgeous library or find a few deals at my
favorite thrift store, Savers.
Even though my work often carries
into the weekend, it is enjoyable. As an ESL tutor for women learning English,
the religion teacher for a second grade class at Holy Family School, and the
Education Coordinator at Siena Youth Center (an afterschool program for middle
school students), there are many lesson plans and activities to be drafted. But
the enthusiasm and energy of those I work with inspire me, and motivate me
everyday to provide the best learning opportunities for them and myself
everyday. I feel truly blessed to work in this ministry for a year, and I
cannot believe so much time has already passed. I hope to continue growing
closer to those I live and work alongside, and to learn more about myself and
what the future holds for me. Thank you all for your support and love; I miss
each and every one of you, and look forward to seeing you all soon.
With love,
Elizabeth Broussard |
| Elizabeth and fellow DV Sean Puzzo |
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