J
JMJrock
Guest
I am a recent college graduate who is contemplating different Catholic mission opportunities. I have been accepted into two different missions, and I would love to receive some guidance about which course of action I should take.
Just as some background, at the end of last year I served as a Catholic missionary for 3-months in Mexico, and absolutely loved the experience. I worked at a Catholic school and at an old age home and, despite problems with the organization for whom I served, I would go again in a heartbeat. I came to love my students, and still miss them tremendously. If I had been able to stay longer, I would have definitely chosen to do so. I was just starting to feel comfortable in my duties, and was building connections with many different people. As soon as this happened, my mission was over (it was only a 3-month commitment) and I had to come home. I say all this because now I have the chance to return to another part of Mexico for 3-months, potentially longer if I choose to do so.
This is where my dilemma comes in. I have also been accepted into a 10-month teaching program in Honduras. I could work in Mexico for 3-months and then immediately begin working in Honduras. So, in other words, I have the opportunity to serve on both missions. However, I have reservations about working in Honduras because I don’t want to go to Mexico for 3 months and then have a desire, and call, to stay longer. On the other hand, I could get to Mexico and realize that I am not intended to stay for longer than 3 months. But the mission in Honduras is also an amazing opportunity, except for the fact that flights to Honduras are ridiculously expensive. I just don’t know what to do! I have to make a decision now, since I have to sign a contract for the Honduran organization if I choose to volunteer for them.
Sorry if my explanation is overly complicated, I am just conflicted about what to do. I am praying fervently about this decision but any advice would also be appreciated. And if you need any clarification, feel free to ask.
Just as some background, at the end of last year I served as a Catholic missionary for 3-months in Mexico, and absolutely loved the experience. I worked at a Catholic school and at an old age home and, despite problems with the organization for whom I served, I would go again in a heartbeat. I came to love my students, and still miss them tremendously. If I had been able to stay longer, I would have definitely chosen to do so. I was just starting to feel comfortable in my duties, and was building connections with many different people. As soon as this happened, my mission was over (it was only a 3-month commitment) and I had to come home. I say all this because now I have the chance to return to another part of Mexico for 3-months, potentially longer if I choose to do so.
This is where my dilemma comes in. I have also been accepted into a 10-month teaching program in Honduras. I could work in Mexico for 3-months and then immediately begin working in Honduras. So, in other words, I have the opportunity to serve on both missions. However, I have reservations about working in Honduras because I don’t want to go to Mexico for 3 months and then have a desire, and call, to stay longer. On the other hand, I could get to Mexico and realize that I am not intended to stay for longer than 3 months. But the mission in Honduras is also an amazing opportunity, except for the fact that flights to Honduras are ridiculously expensive. I just don’t know what to do! I have to make a decision now, since I have to sign a contract for the Honduran organization if I choose to volunteer for them.
Sorry if my explanation is overly complicated, I am just conflicted about what to do. I am praying fervently about this decision but any advice would also be appreciated. And if you need any clarification, feel free to ask.