MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
FEDERATED CHURCH OF CHARLTON
"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).
I've been fortunate to have a minister and mentor be a guiding force for my spiritual journey; joining the FCC has offered me a home where I can grow in my faith while learning how to help others. To date, I've spent time as a greeter, a lay reader, a missionary to Houston, TX, and a volunteer to serve meals at a local halfway house. Last year, I was blessed to serve as an interim confirmation instructor.
NORTHEASTERN SEMINARY
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
I recently enrolled in Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College. Although I am letting my path unfold in front of me, the coursework I'm taking as I earn credits towards a certificate in "Scripture, Theology, and Ministry" with an option to shift to a chaplaincy certificate. Additionally, this path is allowing me the opportunity to continue into a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program. I'm enjoying every moment I have to work with a diverse population representing a variety of faiths, skills, occupations, and backgrounds as we come together to discover God's message.
CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION (CPE)
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23-24).
I completed my first CPE unit under a skilled mentor's guidance and with amazing colleagues from different faiths. Working at St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester, MA, I was assigned to the Emergency Room, ICU, and surgical unit to provide spiritual care to those in need. Although overwhelming in the early months, it was a job that I wanted to return to more and more throughout the year. Completing 300 patient-contact hours and 100 classroom hours has now prepared me to move onto another CPE experience.
AMERICAN RED CROSS
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and truth" (1 John 3:18).
I've volunteered as a disaster action team (DAT) member for several years. Working now as a supervisor, I meet with clients on-scene on what has been one of the worst days of their lives and help coordinate a team that addresses food, clothing, and shelter needs. In my caseworker role, I often call clients 48-hours after the event to help them in their recovery efforts by trouble-shooting areas that might impede their success. I am also currently in training to serve in a multi-disciplinary team that provides support and counseling to those who have lost a loved one or colleague in a disaster.