In the summer of 1995 my life changed. Looking back, almost 15 years later, there are no words to describe what a tremendous impact SERVE had on me. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would become a link in a chain of 15 very different and unique individuals that through God’s grace became true friends and in essence, a family.

My aspostolate was a challenge – I didn’t always recognize how I was serving God. At the Scott Mission I encountered poor, hungry, broken people. Their needs were so intense on many levels, it often frightened me. The people I met taught me so much about life, love, faith and preserving. I found purpose and direction in my six week journey at Gerard House.

I’m no longer the young 19 year old university student searching for answers on life’s path. SERVE gave me the gift of learning to trust in God and knowing that He has a purpose and plan for me. As a Catholic elementary educator I am blessed to walk with many young people on their faith journey. As a wife and mother I have the opportunity to pray and grow with my wonderful husband, Dan, and energetic son, Joshua. SERVE remains an experience that I draw upon frequently – SERVE embodied for me that the Lord doesn’t always give us what we want, but what we need…the rest is up to us.

By: Stephanie Maville-Lesniewski