Hello Friends!

It is with great excitement that I have accepted the opportunity to serve as a Young Adult in Global Mission volunteer in Australia, starting in August. I will be one of 73 young adults serving on behalf of the ELCA in 11 different country programs around the world!  I have been hoping/planning to become a YAGM volunteer since the summer of 2014, and I am so excited to live with and accompany others abroad!

I invite you to not only support me, but stay updated on what I'm up to!  I will send out multiple newsletters via email throughout my year of service.  This adventure and journey will allow me to grow spiritually in my own faith and walk in partnership with our global companions.  

As part of accepting this call, I am asked to raise at least $5,000. Please help me reach my goal by supporting my fundraising efforts with a donation today.

Thank you for joining me and for your support – every donation truly matters! 

About Young Adults in Global Mission

The ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program provides young adults, ages 21-29, the opportunity to grow in their faith and work in partnership with our global companions. Young adults in the program serve in churches, schools and social service ministries. Currently the program is engaged in work in Argentina/Uruguay, Australia, Cambodia, Central Europe, Jerusalem/West Bank, Madagascar, Mexico, Rwanda, Senegal, Southern Africa and the United Kingdom.

The total cost for one young adult in the program is $15,000. Each young adult is tasked with raising a minimum of $5,000 to help support their year of service. The ELCA commits to raising the additional $10,000 per volunteer through generous congregations and donors. If more than $5,000 in gifts is received, the additional funds will be help to support other young adult volunteers and ensure that there is a sustainable source of revenue for future the Young Adults in Global Mission program.

FAQ

What will I be doing in Australia?

I will receive my placement mid-summer, but possible placements could be working at camps, schools, social work programs, or working in some facet within congregations.  As a missionary, I will be serving in accompaniment, walking alongside global companions in a manner that practices mutuality, interdependence, and solidarity.  In order to thoroughly understand the YAGM program and what I will be doing as a volunteer, it is very important to understand the vocational theme of YAGM. As a "missionary", I must acknowledge the historical, and even present day, harm that has been done by Christian and Lutheran missionaries alike through colonialism and assimilation. This trip in no way, shape, or form will include any imposition of ELCA-christian values on the Australian people. Instead I will be walking alongside the people of Australia to better understand their culture and way of life. This experience will play a critical role not only in my understanding and experience while in Australia, but also in how I take my experience and acquired knowledge back home to the US. 

How long will you be gone?

The YAGM program is an eleven-month program, that will start August of 2019, and go until July of 2020. August 13th is when I will leave for Chicago to partake in ten days of training with the 72 other YAGM volunteers that will be serving all over the globe.  August 21st specifically is when I will be flying out to Australia to begin my year of service!

Who are you going with?

I have a cohort of 7 people with two country coordinators.  Each of us will receive a different placement and be spread out across Australia.  We will have four retreats within the year to grow as a team and debrief our time of service.

How can I help?

While monetary gifts are very much appreciated (and helps me work towards my goal of raising $5,000!), just your thoughts and prayers for myself and the other 72 YAGM volunteers over the next year would be much appreciated as we embark on a transformative year of service.