Boston Schweitzer Fellowship

Apparently a year has passed since I first took part in the Boston Schweitzer Fellowship.

One of my personal challenges in being part of this fellowship was comparing myself with the other 24 fellows. Their passions for their projects and compassion towards underserved populations overflowed, and they all seemed to have such discipline and focus. I sometimes questioned whether or not I was doing enough or even if my project were as valuable as theirs.

Today was our day-long closing retreat. We each had the opportunity to reflect and share our lessons learned from our experience as a Schweitzer Fellow.

I particularly appreciate the way the fellowship encouraged introspection - going deeper and figuring out our motivations for serving. For me personally I have to say that my ultimate driving force is my Christian faith; I believe that

1. Every single human being has inherent value
2. The world we live in is not supposed to be this messed up

It's been such a privilege to work with Chinese families affected by Autism this past year while hearing updates on 24 other projects in Boston. These grad students have been working with populations ranging from African refugees lacking access to primary care to teenage girls recovering from drug addictions.

To me, each project has been a glimpse of restoration in this messed up world. I see each fellow as an instrument used to restore a sense of worth in people who may have lost it in society. And the way we're enlivened through these new relationships remind me that we need each other. It's a beautiful thing - how caring relationships can blend "giver" and "receiver" into partnership, community, and hope.

This realization overpowers my interest in comparing myself with my fellow fellows. I just feel extremely blessed and thankful to be part of a much bigger picture.