Volunteering in the Garden

We believe in a God who can create graves into gardens and beauty from ashes. There are some moments where restoration is visible, and it’s beautiful to witness the symbolic nature taking place in KARM’s garden.

The garden originally started as an idea. Someone asked if someone in programs would be interested in creating one, and soon enough Estaire’s director, who knew nothing of gardening, came to Estaire for her expertise. They began the garden in the women’s courtyard, and then started planting greenery over on the men’s side a year ago.

Since then, every year they add more flowers to the garden and tend to what grows. In the spring and summer months, they tend to the garden every Thursday. Estaire said, “It’s a place of beauty where guests can come and rest and pray and get away from the trauma and chaos they experience in their lives.”

I had the honor of being in the garden when Estaire, alongside volunteers and guests, gathered around to plant new flowers in both the women’s and the men’s courtyard. All of the volunteers seemed excited to use their green thumbs.

One volunteer (pictured to the right) I spoke with was new. It was her second day serving at KARM. When I asked her why she started gardening with KARM, she said, “I shop at KARM; it’s a great ministry. And I love plants, so it just worked out.” She shared how her mother used to garden and grow vegetables and flowers growing up, and that she recently began her own. What I found most beautiful is how this volunteer found a way to use her gifts and hobby to bring a smile to our guests’ faces!

There were also a couple of guests sowing the soil and placing flowers. One guest mentioned how she loves gardening on Thursdays. Gardening was something she used to do all the time before she came to KARM, and she is thankful to have this outlet.

Even for guests who might not plant the flowers themselves, they all enjoy benefiting from the courtyard’s splendor. Estaire said, “I love it when I walk through the garden every day to see the women just like, light up. They will say, ‘Oh, Mrs. Estaire, the garden is gorgeous. Thank you. Thank you.’ I think it just brightens their day. It’s a blessing.”

What a joy it is to cultivate a space where guests can not only seek safe shelter, but also somewhere they can watch the flowers bloom, knowing that they too will grow and blossom into restored lives in Jesus’ name.

“And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “

Matthew 6:30

Highlights

I asked some of the guests and volunteers what their favorite flowers were. Here are the common ones I heard:

  • Hydrengya
  • Roses
  • Carnations
  • Marigolds
  • Irises

I personally LOVE flowers! Not just for their beauty, but for their symbolism. Here are some of my favorites and their meanings:

  • Lily of the Valley- Christ’s second coming, purity, return to happiness
  • Cherry Blossoms- Renewal, beauty and mortality
  • Carnations- devotion, loyalty
  • Forget-Me-Nots – remembrance, connection
  • Sunflowers – optimism, peace

Did You Know

There are many different ways to volunteer with KARM that utilize your giftings, talents, and hobbies. Here are some that you can choose from! If you are interested in registering, you can find out more information here.

Creative Volunteer Opportunities

  • EBED Cards- you can create an encouraging card for our guests.
  • Group Activities- leading an activity, whether teaching or doing something fun with the guests
  • Games – leading a game for our guests
  • Performances in the Chapel- Bring your church group along to lead worship or present a performance.
  • Bible Study- Leading a devotional

More than anything, our guests desire connection and care. Your hobbies can be a way you connect with a guest, whether that’s through a conversation or a joint activity. Don’t forget to be you when you come to serve. Guests desire authenticity and friendship, so share what you love with them, and allow them to share what they love.  Serving our guests goes far beyond just a meal and a bed; it’s a connection. It’s our volunteers that make that possible!

By: Laura Lee Cochran; Copywriter

This post is a part of our First Look article series. Its goal is to give you a first look experience into volunteering at KARM while highlighting our many programs