Orientation: A Journey of Welcome, Reflection, and New Beginnings

In August, I packed my bags and set off on the first step of my Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) year, traveling from Canton, Ohio to Tucson, Arizona. When I arrived at the airport in Tuscon, I met some of my fellow YAVs- strangers that quickly became friends like we have known each other all our lives. We hopped in a van and crossed the border into Agua Prieta, Mexico, welcomed by the most breathtaking rainbow. It felt like symbol of the hope for the year ahead.

After a long day of travel, we were welcomed with warmth and hospitality by a church in Agua Prieta. My birthday had been the day before, and at dinner that night, the entire group, all who were strangers just hours ago, sang me Happy Birthday- a small but meaningful act of kindness that I will never forget.

Throughout orientation, we engaged in deep conversations, both in Zoom meetings and in-person sessions, about what it means to serve, to live intentionally, and to show up for justice in the communities we were about to enter. We walked along the border wall, witnessing the realities of migration. We visited centers supporting migrants, met with local leaders advocating for change, and learned about Café Justo, a coffee cooperative promoting fair wages and ethical trade practices. These experiences were so meaningful and deeply grounding.

One of the most beautiful moments of orientation came through a simple game of Uno. At first, language barriers made conversation slow, uncertain, and awkward- some of us spoke English and the rest spoke Spanish, but when someone pulled out a deck of cards and said, “Let’s play Uno,” everything changed. Laughter replaced hesitation, smiles replaced uncertainty, and suddenly, we were all speaking the same language-joy. In that moment, the Spirit of God moved among us, reminding us that connection isn’t always found in words, but in shared experiences, simple moments, and the joy of togetherness.

Our time in Agua Prieta ended with a joyful carne asada dinner and a talent show where everyone felt welcomed to share, talent not required. The next morning ended with tearful but hopeful goodbyes as each of us headed to different sites across the world. My journey continued with a flight to New York City, and suddenly my YAV year officially began.

This week was just the beginning, but I left with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit ready for the challenges and joys to come.