By Jenny King

During this time of the year, our house hosts many prospectives---people who are interested in coming to volunteer with CAP long-term and are going through the interview and exploration process. Although it can be exhausting as they are in and out of our house in a few days, it always reminds me of when I came over a year ago. I remember I really had no clue what to expect of Kentucky, of CAP, of my living arrangements, or of each program in which I was interested. I was also excited--about the possibility of moving and working in a different environment and meeting many new people.

Last Thursday, I was able to take two prospective volunteers down to visit McCreary County and explore the community. As we drove through Daniel Boone National Forest and past Cumberland Falls, I realized--again--what it was like to see this beauty for the first time. I thought about how quickly I grew accustomed to seeing the leaves, waterfalls, winding country roads, and didn't stop to wonder at the beauty. I was able to show them the Eagle Community Center, where CAP runs its programs in McCreary County. And along the way, I realized how this small glimpse is only the beginning of the work that CAP does in Kentucky. Despite all the excellent questions and stats you can get on the needs in this region, you can't fully realize what it's like until you experience it first-hand. The interview process, in particular the prospective visit, is so valuable to the discernment process of becoming a volunteer with CAP. I remember how difficult it was for me to take off work for this visit, but looking back how important it was to my calling to come to CAP.

And so, despite the preparation that it requires of us, I appreciate the volunteers who come to interview with CAP. And more important, I appreciate that CAP encourages this interview process. Because, you really can't understand Kentucky until you've been here.

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