Friday, June 15, 2012

What Next?

From the time I was a teenager beginning to think about the next step from high school, I heard and contemplated--more like agonized--over the question "What’s next?”. This question alone, I believe, is the root cause of all stress in life especially when you don't know the answer and just want a vacation from dealing with the constant pressure of the future. I feel that my teenage years and thus far into my twenties has been a constant rehearsal of how to deal with the unknown, untested, boundless future. Where does it all go? Which path is the "right" choice? The torment and anxiety that develops from the endless questions of others and from within has the ability to send a person into cardiac arrest with the slightest hint of more stress. But the beauty in all that is found when you score the next job or living arrangement; when God has knocked on your door and shown you how to follow through. It is such a relief to know that I have even just one more year mapped out--granted that even maps are updated regularly.
This year I have been constantly immersed in the theme of US Immigration. Living here has really brought to my attention how the US impacts other world citizens in ways that we, US citizens, may not always realize. It has been such a blessing and a spotlight to live with a family that has been directly affected by immigration. I have learned and absorbed more than I could have living in any other situation. It has been alternating comforting, infuriating, frustrating, enlightening, educational, and always beautiful to live with my host family. They have inspired in me a passion to learn more and act on the theme of US immigration. I, as a US citizen, should know the impact of my country in the lives of wonderful people trying to do what is best for their family. I should know the truths and the myths about this theme that has more impact than any foreign relations department lets on. I cannot even begin to count how many people--men, women, and children--I have had immigration based discussions with during this year.
As the "What’s Next?" question was lingering in my mind, I began to look into possibilities for next year. I felt that between all the lessons learned from this year, I would like to solidify my growing passion for understanding my new definition of foreign relations through immigration, another YAV year in Tucson, AZ would be the perfect fit.
Therefore, after interviews with numerous YAV sites, past YAVs and friends via Skype, I have decided (and been accepted) to work at Borderlinks in a second YAV year. My position will entail coordinating and accompanying groups of Americans in the exploration of the immigration topic. I am excited to explore the next circle of light that God has illuminated for me in Tucson, Arizona.
If you are interested in supporting me in the next steps, I would ask for prayer for me and for the people with whom I will live. You will be able to follow my year through my blog at this same address (where I always love comments and questions). If you feel called to give financially to my next year of service you can do so by sending a check made out to Tucson Borderlands YAV with Austin Langley in the Memo Line to
Linda Marshal 
716 S. Lucinda Drive
Tucson, AZ 85748
Thank you so much for your continuing support and interest in my current and next year of service with YAV PC(USA).