Redeemer Ministry Corps

2007-2008

 Member Reflections

 

 

Charity Mead

“We all need someone who will be there to walk with us and listen to what we have to say…”

“My ministry at Drueding Center/Project Rainbow has been an incredible journey; one that has taught me the value of being present.  Whether by offering a listening ear, assisting with a seemingly small or menial task, or just having an open door when someone needs a space to sit and decompress, it often seems that consistently sharing in the lives of those around me in small ways creates a greater impact than elaborate plans I may dream up in an attempt to be helpful.  We all need someone who will be there to walk with us and listen to what we have to say, someone who creates a safe space for us where we can be who we really are.  The women at Drueding have taught me that being someone who can be counted on to be there, even if I can’t do much to change the struggles they face, is significant.  Sometimes the most valuable and useful thing I can do is just show up. ”

Charity further shared that the support she received from her co-volunteers, community members,  co-workers, the RMC Director, and the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer has been encouraging and invaluable, and that the love of God she has experienced through them has enabled her to offer more to the families she served. She has been sustained by the prayers of family members and friends who never let her give up on herself or the strange plans of God.

Thank you, Charity, for the gift of your presence and for giving of yourself to community and to the Drueding Center/Project Rainbow.

Charity plans to remain in the Philadelphia area working for a non-profit agency.

 

Sara Otto

God has abundantly blessed me in many ways…”

“I want to live and work in an environment that fosters a deeper faith in God and encourages holistic care in the patient setting.  I hope to be stretched and challenged so that my faith and trust in God is deepened.  I will strive to use my gifts and talents in a special way at Holy Redeemer Hospital to further develop my nursing skills to provide holistic care to patients and families.”

                                     –Excerpts from Sara’s Motivation and Mission Statements

As Sara looks back upon this year, there are many people and experiences that have enabled her to realize her motivation and mission statements.  Through the ongoing support and prayers from her family and friends she was able to initially consider and then commit to this year of service so far from home. Sara feels their love, patience, and steadfastness, through both the good and tough days have been such a blessing.  

Sara credits her site supervisor and co-workers saying, “They have kept me sane throughout the long shifts and my first year as a nurse. For their support and encouragement I am truly grateful…” It has also been an honor for Sara to care for the courageous patients she has met along this year’s journey, and they will forever hold a special place in her heart.

One of the many things that Sara has taken away from this year serving as an oncology nurse is the value of letting God take the lead and saying good-bye to her patients when they have reached the end of their earthly journey. Sara chooses to focus on what she was able to do for the patient and family versus what she could not do knowing a positive attitude in nursing is crucial.

“There are many people who helped make this year special and I am thankful for the unique role each person has played.  I also realize these life experiences and the people I have met would never have happened without God’s quiet guidance throughout the year.  God has abundantly blessed me in many ways, some not yet recognized, but I am excited to see where Christ leads me next, taking what I have learned and been given as a RMC and sharing those gifts with others.”

Thank you, Sara, for your caring ways, comforting those in times of need and for the gift of your presence to so many people.  Sara plans to reside in Chicago and continue with her nursing career.

 

 

Iris Schlotter

“If you don’t know what to say, just give a hug”

Before coming into the RMC program, Iris shared her many hopes for a year of service.  These included looking into the social work that is done here in the United States, giving help to socially disadvantaged people and learning more about the American culture.  Iris was also convinced that this year would help strengthen her faith.  These hopes have become reality for Iris.  As she recently shared about her time at St. Joseph’s Manor, it was her co-workers, the residents, her community, God, friends and the support from family that helped her fulfill these hopes.  She has learned many things, including English, “if you don’t know what to say, just give a hug”, she’s learned simple living, how to connect with seniors and how to pray aloud in her own words. 

There were also many challenges Iris experienced especially being away from her family during the holidays but she also found many rewards from her time with us.  These include planning and running the program activities on several units at St. Joseph’s Manor, and having dinner with the homeless in the city, something she committed to every Tuesday through St. John’s Parish Young Adult ministry.

Thank you Iris for sharing your spirit, warmth, enthusiasm and  your hugs, and for giving of yourself this past year.  You have been a gift to many people. 

Iris will return to Germany where she plans to further her studies.