I know just how lucky I am to be able to say with utter honesty, "I love my job!" I don't have any hard stats on this, but it seems like the majority of people I know think of their job as just a job and not necessarily a place of fulfillment or community. It's the place they go to get their pay checks, and the other spheres of life are where that fulfillment is found. Which is totally understandable as well, and I expect that at one point I'll be holding a job like that too.
But I must say, my work at Yonge Street Mission during the past two years was not "just a job". Maybe quoting you what we're asked to agree to during our Staff Consecration will give you a better idea of what I'm talking about...
"Charge to: Jennifer Yoon. In joining the staff of Yonge Street Mission you have entered into a special calling. In becoming a member of this Christian faith community, you have agreed to demonstrate God's love, peace and justice to people living in economic, social and spiritual poverty in Toronto. Do you recognize that this is the vocation God has chosen for you at this particular phase of your life? Do you commit to upholding the values of God's Kingdom through this ministry? Do you acknowledge that every person is created in the image of God and has inherent value and dignity? Will you maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes the development of spiritual disciplines?
If this is your desire, then respond with a resounding 'YES!' "
To which, of course, I did respond resoundingly.
My work with the seniors and adults in the community of Regent Park/Moss Park and St. Jamestown has stretched me, challenged me, spoiled me (I repeat, 3 separate baby showers! One from the seniors, one from our adult drop in called "New Hope Fellowship", one from the staff. Not to mention the bridal shower I got last year...) and taught me much about being in community. It was also amazing to work in a Christian organization that nurtured my faith, as well as made me ask new questions about my faith journey. My coworkers are the kindest, most warm-hearted people you'll meet and I've learned a lot from each of them. I'll miss everyone!
The long commute is what I won't miss, which is also why I won't be returning to work after my maternity leave, but as I've heard often around the Mission, "no one really ever leaves the Mission." My heart and prayers will be with YSM!
