By Megan McCarthy
Construction Coordinator in Stockton, CA from Foothills United Methodist Church
I’m Megan McCarthy and this is my second year on staff. I’m blessed to back to help serve another community. I was a youth volunteer for five years and couldn’t stay away. SSP has been a huge part of my life and helping me discover my passion for service and being a part of a loving and accepting community. It pulled me out of my shell and showed me how great I am just the way I am. This inspired me to be on staff last year where I cooked in Chiloquin, Oregon.
It taught me how to be a leader, role model, and youth minister, and allowed me to see that I am capable of more than I think.
I must say it was one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I’ve ever done. It taught me how to be a leader, role model, and youth minister, and allowed me to see that I am capable of more than I think. I left last summer feeling fulfilled and proud of everything that was accomplished and feeling so strong in my faith.
This year I am a Construction Coordinator in Stockton, CA. This is my first experience with an Urban SSP and I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how wonderful this community is and how welcoming the Central United Methodist Church has been in our arrival. It was special to feel the love right away and start our summer off right!
If you’re headed this way this summer prepare to be immersed in a diverse culture and unique experience! I have personally learned so much about construction and how to properly teach and execute projects. I never thought I would learn so much about tools and, yes, I put the math I learned in school into action!
It’s a matter of us doing small things with great love to be able to restore communities that have experienced hurt and loss.
I’m so grateful that we’ve found a variety of opportunities to work with individual home owners in the community and also to make connections with other non-profits in Stockton. It has opened our eyes to all the uplifting things going on in Stockton that aren’t always talked about. There are so many people trying to help the neighborhoods that need it the most. It’s a matter of us doing small things with great love to be able to restore communities that have experienced hurt and loss.
We had the opportunity to meet with Visionary Home Builders who we had the pleasure to work with last summer and they were ecstatic that we were back. They shared how much of a positive impact we made in a place that needed hope. They loved the spirit and love that the youth poured out while working on restoring a home.
Another great thing going on in Stockton is Boggs Tract Community Farm. The youth and counselors will spread their restorative love while working at the farm with projects like harvesting and creating new areas for crops. This farm supplies fresh food for many people around town and also allows families to buy garden boxes for the year and plant all of their own food. It’s so important for everyone to learn about where our food comes and I’m happy that we get to be a part of it.
They shared how much of a positive impact we made in a place that needed hope.
I’m so ready for the rest of this adventure. I wish a safe and fulfilling summer to all of those participating with Sierra Service Project, and of course those supporting in spirit!
Editor’s Note: Megan has just been hired to be the 2016 Stockton Site Direcotr! There is still room in our Stockton program for Middle School and High School groups, Combined groups, and individuals. View the current availability and register for this wonderful opportunity!