Once upon a time a meek and quiet person was working in her office, minding her own business when a visitor came in and asked her a question that would change her life. Would she please consider being a Board member for a new non-profit organization? The question was certainly unexpected. After all, who was she that anyone would want her for such a position? She felt uncertain. She felt unworthy. She felt very intimidated. But she also felt she would regret it forever if she did not accept the challenge and give it a try.

I am sure you have figured out by now that the shy, reluctant person was me. I am a seasoned volunteer, but this was new, something with which I was unfamiliar. It’s been over 7 years now and I am so glad I said “yes”.  Of course, there have been times when I felt out of place or that I had nothing to offer. But there have also been times of laughter and fellowship. And a sense of accomplishment with the deep satisfaction of doing something for others.

“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve…You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

So, the moral of the story is: Go for it. Get out there and do it. Don’t let those negative thoughts talk you out of it. You can do it and, believe me, you won’t regret it.  I was hesitant at first because working with kids is not my gift. But I discovered there are plenty of “behind the scenes” opportunities. Volunteering will lift your soul, inspire your mind, and make your heart happy. And that’s just what you get out of it. The other side, and the best part, is what others get out of it. Volunteers for Foster Arizona give so much more to the kids than they realize. Whatever they are doing, whether it be leading a seminar, landscaping, cutting hair, setting up a new apartment, or just wrapping hot dogs for lunch (my specialty), the kids see that there are people who care about them. They see that there are people who will talk to them, spend time with them, and just have fun with them. They see that they have value and a future.

 

 

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” Oscar Wilde

 

 

 

 

 

Kathy Huizingh

Treasurer, FosterAZ Board of Directors