By Jenny King

originally posted May 5, 2009

As a long-term volunteer, one of the most difficult adjustments is greeting new housemates and saying "good-bye" to those departing. Because CAP has rolling admissions, and short- and long-term volunteers, one night we could have 14 people at our weeknight dinner and devotion time, and the next night only five. I am a volunteer in the Rockcastle community (located near the Volunteer office), so we are also a hub for prospectives who may only stay for a night as they interview with programs that match their interests. We also all have varying schedules, with some working 2nd or even 3rd shifts a couple of nights a week. So, we have all learned to be flexible and open--whether that means sharing our room or pulling up an extra chair to the table (and often adding another table!).

Initially, I looked forward to this....I love to meet new people and hear their "stories." I went straight from college to working in an academic setting, so I was used to my "year" beginning in August and ending in May....saying hello in the fall and good-bye in the spring. But, I was not accustomed to saying hello and good-bye each month of the year! That being said, I have learned to value the lessons each member of our house--whether with me all year or only one night--has taught me. And I have been surprised at the impression a person can make on my life in such a short time....many of the short-term volunteers (those who stayed for a couple weeks to less than 9 months) have definitely left their mark in our community. I'm thankful for that unique quality of CAP--that it accepts those who can commit to 2 years or only a week, because we all have something valuable to contribute.

Jenny King is a long-term volunteer in CAP's Family Advocacy program. She lives in Rockcastle Volunteer House.