Clarissa
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
University: Benedictine College
Major: Theology & Spanish
How long have you been a volunteer: 2 years
Where do you serve now: Mount Carmel High School, Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize
How did you find out about SOLT: At SEEK 2017 in San Antonio and then followed up with Sr. Mary Elizabeth and Fr. Mark at Benedictine to discuss the details.
How did God call you: God called me to serve in Belize through the invitation of Fr. Mark Wendling. However, God had been preparing me through various conversations with friends about the mission. After hearing the way in which God had shaped Fr. Mark and my friends' lives in mission, I knew that God was calling me to a life of service and communion with Him.
Favorite part of mission life: My favorite part of mission life is living in a community of great priests, sisters, families, and volunteers who are all serving and witnessing to the joy that comes from being disciples of Jesus through Mary. My favorite day of the week is Saturday because the SOLT family in Benque comes together to share our life and prepare for Sunday's liturgy. I find true joy and life in following Christ alongside my SOLT family.
Christine
Hometown: Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania
University: Franciscan University of Steubenville
Major: English and Secondary Education
How long have you been a volunteer: 2 years
Where do you serve now: Mount Carmel High School, Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize
How did you find out about SOLT: My brother, Greg, served in Benque for a year before I came. He found out about the mission through friends at Franciscan.
How did God call you: God called me to the mission through the witness of my brother and the transformation that he experienced through SOLT and the Benque mission. After one year of serving here, I saw my brother transform into a more devout, prayerful, and steadfast servant of the Lord. I witnessed the grace that comes when serving others and doing mission work, so it became a "no brainer" to come and serve myself.
Favorite part of mission life: My favorite part of mission life is living in a community! I am able to serve with incredible volunteers who inspire me and call me to become a saint. I find constant support in the SOLT priests and religious sisters, who make me feel known and worthy. It is a huge blessing, especially in the crazy life of teaching!