By 
Doing a gap year after high school was something I had dreamed about for a very long time. That’s probably why it felt so unreal sitting on a plane to Cincinnati, OH, to volunteer at Lydia‘s House for one year. Now, one month later, I still can’t decide what my favorite memory has been.
I love the little moments at the shelter: sitting together for dinner, helping to cook and set up the table so it feels like a festive event every evening. The satisfaction after finishing a house duty shift, when the shelter looks clean again—knowing it will be undone the following day.
I loved meeting all the new colleagues and the ongoing process of getting to know them: the “core” staff I’ll be working with all year, who come from different parts of the U.S.; the Xavier students working at the daycare and helping with dinner and house duty; and the meal volunteers who bring or prepare great food every evening.
I love seeing the little steps the children at the daycare make in their daily learning and growth. Watching them walk from the playground to the shelter on their own feet—which might not look like much, but as a teacher you know how far they’ve come. The five minutes of silence at the lunch table, when only a few weeks ago it was so loud. Seeing children fall asleep at nap time who once refused to lie down for more than two minutes. Hearing the little “pewse” with a big smile from a child asking for a toy, when before they just grabbed everything they wanted.
Some of my favorite memories were made outside of work. For example, the feeling of standing on the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge for the first time. I was so proud to be there on my own, after using Cincinnati’s public transportation for the first time.
I loved joining a book club and meeting regularly to read and have nice conversations—just knowing the only thing we share is our love for the book we’re currently reading.
I enjoyed visiting a worship night combined with my first time at Chick-fil-A: singing to God and praising, followed by trying another iconic American fast food. I’m also very grateful for the opportunity to see an FC Cincinnati soccer game. While I’m not a big soccer fan, it was funny to see how invested people were, and the atmosphere was amazing.
I love sitting on the front porch, talking with new friends—or just watching people in silence, like German grandmas do in the morning. I love meeting friends at the local café and running into unexpected acquaintances. It creates a sense of comfort and home in a city so far away and so different from my actual home.
I love cooking German food for my own comfort and for non-Germans to try, sharing my culture with them. That’s also why I loved visiting Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest and seeing so many people enjoying parts of my culture on the other side of the world.
What I probably enjoy most about working at Lydia’s House are the contrasts—between the silent hours in the shelter and the lively hours at the daycare and dinner, the variety in each day. The contrast of the clear structure of each week and the unknown of which surprises each day will hold.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience life in a different country and in such a special community. I’m also very thankful for everyone I’ve met here, who welcomed me with open arms and showed me their culture. I’ve already made so many wonderful memories that I can’t choose a favorite—and I know there are more to come.
