Final Travels----Farewell from Reyne

Greetings!

For those of you who do not know me my name is Reyne Watson, and I was an Americorps VISTA Volunteer for the Idaho Hunger Relief Task for this past year.  With my time coming to an end it is important for me to write a farewell.  In December 2008 I graduated with my degree in Elementary Education.  I did some subbing shortly after,  I knew that I had picked the right major but there was certainly something missing.  I had made plans to move home so I could pursue a job in my hometown, but about 3 months before I was to do so I received a phone call from a connection who thought of me for a position with the Task Force.  I was very excited because I was hoping that something like this would become available.  After talking with those close to me, they all said this sounds perfect for you Reyne!

Now the year is coming to a close I am so grateful to having this amazing opportunity.  I did things that I never thought I would have the courage to do, and I learned many different lessons along the way. I truly hope that I was able to help someone along the way, I take away something from this that I will never forget.  This position definitely took me out of my comfort zone in more than one way, I found that you learn the most in experiences that involve the unknown.  

I decided that when this position I was going to pursue working with youth, as well as pursuing my career in teaching.  My true passion lies in education and youth development, I find my niche in working with children.  =)

This spring, I read a book called the Hunger Games.  Its a futuristic FICTIONAL tale where youth are forced into violence and starvation.  While its genre is young adult, I highly recommend this book to adults as well.  It really struck a chord with me.  It covers a world where human rights are basically stolen, a person has no value to society.  I found myself realizing how important hunger policy work can be, we are advocates that are hoping to prevent a future of devastation.  If I had not taken this position I am unsure if I would have pulled such POWERFUL themes from this book.  For me, hunger is a human rights issue, we do not get to decide who gets to eat and who doesn't.  I am blessed to have worked for such a powerful cause.

I would also like share this link: You can receive an education packet for free!  It is such a great focus on what the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is! http://www.humanrights.com/#/home

I am so thankful for all the relationships and connections have been able to create in only a year here.

Last week we had the pleasure of traveling up to Cottonwood & Lewiston.  We went to the Monastery of St. Gertrude and stayed there for two days.  St. Gertrude has graciously support many of our adventures this past year, it was our honor to share with them what we have been up to!  After Breland and I did our presentation, we received many thanks from all of the Sisters.  The Monastery is such a peaceful and refreshing place.  I highly recommend taking a visit.  We were given a tour of their new bed & breakfast that they opened in the Guest House, it is beautiful.  For more information make sure you visit their website.  Here is the direct link to their inn.

Sr Carol Ann was a gracious host to us on our visit.  She took us up the hill on the property and showed us around the forest.  It was a wonderful stay, thanks for having us!

Here are some photos I took.....

A doll Sr. Carol Ann made out of a flower:

The prayer path up the hill:

Lovely nature:

The cemetery:

An amazing long life:

Ocean Spray:

We made it to the TOP!

Gorgeous sunset:

Next stop: Lewiston.  We were graciously hosted by another sister from the Monastery who has a home there.  Thank you Sr. Carm for your hospitality!

We were a part of the Sustain Life Festival.  It was wonderful to be a part of events in other parts of Idaho.  Breland was visiting with some of our friends at  Wilson Banner Ranch. Here is a picture of our display:

Hope you enjoy all of the pictures!  While I am excited to pursue my career as an educator, leaving the Task Force is bittersweet.  I am so thankful for this journey.  With that I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

"It's not the destination, its the journey..."-Unknown




sincerely,
Reyne


ps if you hear of anything involving education jobs or after school programs with youth please comment on this post to let me know!  Thanks! or you can email me at 
reynemw@gmail.com