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Editorial, Winter 2004 issue of PAGES:
"Looking Around Me"
“Looking for something a little deeper than a tan on your next trip?” The opening line for the article in a November issue of Newsweek headlined, “The Virtuous Vacation” caught my SOOP-filled brain’s attention. The writer knew of Cross-Cultural Solutions, Global Volunteers, Global Citizens Network — did not mention Service Opportunities for Older People, the joint project developed and administered by MARP, Mennonite Mission Network and MCC Canada.
The trickle of SOOP volunteers who served over a decade ago has been growing into a force for great good — and it runs both ways. Blessed are those who receive as they give while going away on wheels — WOW! Currently the volunteer count for each year exceeds 200 and the hours served each year easily exceed 10,000, which underline the many hours serving daily in the Ten Thousand Villages and MCC thrifts and retirement communities and congregations — right at home.
Obviously “great minds run in the same channels.” [I invite anyone who knows to remind me who said those words!] Once a friend commented, “SOOP is the best-kept secret in our church” and I knew it was definitely not me who was keeping it secret. In fact, just about an hour before I began writing this for “Looking Around Me,” another friend saw me coming — intending to say only “Hello, Ken!” He warily commented, “You probably want me to go serve somewhere!” So I must be getting the right reputation!
I can testify to the flex and stretch and spiritual growth experienced by SOOP volunteers “as they go” in Jesus’ name — eager to help — aware that a short stay means little control of any situation they may face. And ready and willing to teach, build, clean, sew, drive to, hand out, fix, cook, play the piano — or the harp, tell a story, sing a song, befriend. Expect surprises, we caution, adding that surprise means a good story later. Yes, little is big in God’s “upside-down kingdom.”
— Helen L. Lapp
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