By Meg M.
Photo by Rod Miller

My journey to A Rocha really began with a sense of abundance calling to me. By abundance, I mean that belief that there is increased goodness and kindness God wants to pour into our lives, so that we can in turn share it with others.

I had been working in the public sector in a role that, while challenging and related to my training, felt draining and empty. During this time, what I called my “alternate life vision” grew stronger in me. That vision included working in community, organic farming, sustainable living and work in ally-ship with various marginalized groups.

“We’re only ever challenged by the goodness of God.” I had heard this intriguing phrase in the last several years, and it grew inside me. What if there is a more abundant life than the one I’d been living? What if there was a way to merge my work life with the “alternate” life vision? What if my present circumstances were actually designed to propel me into this more abundant life?

In June this year, through a series of God-inspired circumstances, a path allowing me to sell my house, leave my job and buy myself a sabbatical year began to take shape. As I anticipated ways to move myself into the “alternate life,” a friend reminded me about A Rocha. I realized there was no need to try to reinvent the wheel—A Rocha was already doing work paralleling my vision.

I’ve now been living at A Rocha as a residential volunteer since early September. While my path is still unfolding, the work I am doing merges my skills set and purpose, all the while centering me in community and a life that can be called truly abundant—abundance that is meant to be poured back out towards others.

It’s worth considering—how is goodness challenging you?