Hello! My name is Kara Landhuis, and I’m an American serving as a youth worker in the northeast of England. I’ve been a full-time volunteer youth worker for three months.
In May 2014, I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Advertising. I then moved back in with my parents and got a part-time job designing promotional materials for a Christian summer camp. Then I decided to quit my job, raise a few thousand dollars, and leave home to take a gap year serving as a youth worker with Tees Valley Youth for Christ!
Our TVYFC team is pretty large – there are around 45 of us, and most of us are Americans who have come to serve for a gap year (or two, or three…) in the Tees Valley area. I’m a member of the fledgling team in York, a relatively new ministry area for TVYFC. Our goal is to reach out to young people where they are – in churches, schools, and other community spaces.
Most of my time is spent in schools. Three days a week, I’m in school all day as a teacher’s assistant. I wake up around 7, eat some toast (peanut butter with banana), catch a ride at 8, and start the school day at 9. I support a variety of lessons – maths, literacy, geography, science, religious studies, and even a cooking class! I work with all ages, from 7-year-olds at a primary school to 16-year-olds in their last year of secondary school. It reminds me of my own experience in school, except this time I’ve got a nametag and unrestricted access to the staff room.
In this role, I occasionally have an opportunity to share about my faith, but my sole goal is not to preach and proselytize. I’m trying to serve the schools and demonstrate the love of Jesus in whatever way I can. Being a Christian means that all work can be holy work – whether it’s literally sharing the gospel, patiently encouraging a student who is complaining about homework, or even coaxing a reluctant photocopier minutes before a lesson starts.
I also know that God provides us with situations in which to use our unique gifts. For example, I spend Wednesday mornings helping with two graphic art lessons in a secondary school. The students are working on graphic design, lettering, layout, and packaging design – all things that were part of my curriculum at university and the job I had after graduating. I love being able to offer whatever practical experience I have, and I’m thankful for opportunities to share something I’m passionate about.
Which brings me to the perks of being an American in England. I’m a bit of a novelty and an enigma, and kids love asking me questions. Do I know Obama? Do I like Hershey’s? What is Thanksgiving? And where is Iowa? It’s fun, and it’s an easy way to connect with anyone instantly. I don’t even mind when they imitate my accent.
In addition to my work in schools, I also help at a local church – planning and helping with Sunday school, youth group, and other events. It’s a small church, and it’s very different from my church experiences in the United States. But it’s a community of believers committed to serving and growing together, and that feeling is familiar and encouraging.
One of my favourite encouraging moments happened a few weeks ago. I was helping a year 5 class with spelling and explaining that I live just down the road from the school.
‘Don’t you live in America?’ one of the students asked. His furrowed brow made me stifle a giggle. I could tell he was imagining my daily commute from America to England.
‘No,’ I explained. ‘I’m from America, but I’m living here for a year while I help out in schools and at church.’
‘Oh,’ he said. Then, he smiled. ‘You came all the way here to be with us?’
I nodded.
‘We must be pretty special!’
I laughed and nodded. ‘Yeah!’ I said. ‘You are!’
This brief exchange is a great reminder to me. It helps me to focus on why I’m here and why I’m doing what I’m doing. God’s love for us is incredibly special, and I want to spread it.
I don’t see myself as a rock star youth worker. I often find it difficult to access the energy and enthusiasm necessary for the work I’m doing. I often feel ill-equipped and under-experienced. I’m a youth work amateur! I have no idea what I’m doing! But I’m learning that there’s no secret formula for relating to young people and reaching them with the Gospel. Or if there is, it’s as simple as listen + be patient + allow God’s spirit to work.
Kara Landhuis is an American writer, designer, and youth worker. You can find her blog here.
