When thinking about life after graduation, most college seniors have their mind on getting a job that pays well. Paisley Le Roy, a 2015 graduate of Roanoke College, was thinking about serving others and how she could communicate the love of Christ.For the next year, Paisley LeRoy will be a volunteer in the Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) in Omaha, Nebraska.
According to their website, “Lutheran Volunteer Corps is a one-year national volunteer service program for people who want to explore their spirituality while working for social justice, living in intentional community with other volunteers, and practicing sustainability in all aspects of their lives.”
Once selected by the LVC, each volunteer goes through an interview process with several different organizations that are located all across the country.
After filling out forms and several phone calls, Paisley found out that she had been placed at Lakeside Village, a senior living facility in Omaha, NE, where should would be working in the memory support unit in the assisted living section.
She arrived in Omaha in the beginning of August and has already started forming relationships with the people at Lakeside Village, even referring to them as “My” residents.
“I’m organizing their activities, I’m eating with them, basically from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. I’m with my residents having conversations.”
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| Paisley with one of her housemates on the way to Omaha |
She is also going through the candidacy process in the Virginia Synod and has plans to enter seminary after her year of service to become a pastor.
After changing her major late in her college career, she spoke with her pastor, and decided that LVC would be a good option that would allow her to dedicate her time to service and preparing for seminary.
“I have had a lot of experience working with youth,” Le Roy said. “Being able to connect with people who have Alzheimer’s will prepare me to be able to form connections in the church with people that I may not necessarily be comfortable with now.”
In her first few weeks, she has already had moments of great joy and great sorrow that have grown her spiritually and as a person. As she talked about her residents, many of whom have trouble communicating, she spoke with a softness in her voice of one woman who suffered from dementia.
“My favorite moment with her was when I was walking her back to her room one night. I sat down with her and, it took her a little while to say it, but she said, ‘I’m so glad I met you.’ It brought tears to my eyes.”
While she has had touching interactions that warm the heart, Paisley also asks for prayers from her brothers and sisters in the Virginia Synod for strength and comfort. There are days when the residents have outbursts and times when a life is coming to an end.
Paisley with all of her housemates. These seven new friends will be living in intentional community together all year!
“It reminds me of the Kairos community
