I heard the call from God to volunteer at Christian Appalachian Project in the summer of 2008. My life was not one that was full of risk-taking or adventures; I had a great job that paid well and the economy was beginning to take a major downturn. Nevertheless, I was obedient to God and I followed through with applying to CAP. I gave two weeks notice at my workplace in May of 2009. My co-workers and friends alike were surprised at my decision—I was taking a very extended leave of absence from my job during an economic time that could be described as the nation's worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, and I was also moving 1,000 miles away from my urban Texas home to the remote mountains of eastern Kentucky.
My thoughts began to focus on my financial situation and how I was going to be able to afford to volunteer for a year. Would I be able to pay my car insurance bill? What about my student loan? Would I be able to do anything fun on the weekends while I was in Kentucky, or would I have to stay home because I had no money? My worries were promptly alleviated when I found out about all the great benefits CAP offers to its long-term volunteers. For example, when I initially drove from Texas to Kentucky, my expense for gas money was reimbursed. Upon my arrival, I immediately began receiving room and board and even health insurance. Because of my $150 stipend each month, I am always able to have some extra money to go out to eat or do something fun with my fellow volunteers. I serve in the Housing Program and transportation to and from our jobsites is provided. I am also earning an AmeriCorps Education Award (to take care of that pesky student loan)! Consequently, I recently realized I am actually receiving hundreds of dollars per month while serving in Appalachia.
I firmly believe we, as volunteers, are able to immerse ourselves completely in our service, community life and spirituality because CAP takes care of us so well. Instead of worrying about rent or food or money or health insurance, we are able to focus entirely on serving the amazing people of eastern Kentucky.
I can honestly say that volunteering with Christian Appalachian Project is truly one of the best decisions I ever made.
