Faith in Action: Kendra’s Story of Serving in Santiago
Episode 13 | 12 Minutes | Dec 18, 2024
In this episode, we sit down with Kendra, who spent six weeks serving in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, with Apotheca, a nonprofit supporting local businesses and low-income families. She shares about her work connecting pilgrims and the community, marketing local farmer baskets, and assisting in programs like soap workshops for survivors of domestic violence. Kendra reflects on how this experience deepened her faith, taught her patience, and shaped her passion for listening and walking alongside others. Whether you’re considering cross-cultural service or simply looking for inspiration, Kendra’s journey is a beautiful reminder of the impact of humility, love, and faith in action.
In this Episode:
Kendra’s Summer in Spain: Kendra spent six weeks in Santiago de Compostela working with Apotheca, a nonprofit supporting local businesses, low-income families, and survivors of domestic violence.
Community and Connection: Her work included marketing farmer baskets, running a produce store, and creating initiatives like "Sample Santiago" to connect pilgrims walking the Camino with local businesses.
Personal and Spiritual Growth: Kendra learned patience, listening, and the importance of meeting people where they are, which deepened her faith and understanding of God’s kindness and grace.
Impact Back Home: Her experience shaped her current internship with hospice, where she uses listening and advocacy skills to support caregivers and patients.
Encouragement for Future Volunteers: Kendra encourages others to follow the desires God places on their hearts, step out of their comfort zones, and embrace cross-cultural service as a way to grow and connect with others.
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Kendra is a senior at Cedarville University studying social work. She has a passion for cross-cultural service and community development, as well as walking alongside people as they navigate through life. Currently, Kendra is applying some of the lessons that she learned this past summer to her hospice internship, supporting caregivers and patients with compassion and understanding.
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Host: Today we have the pleasure of hearing from Kendra, who served with us this summer on our team in Spain. Kendra, thank you for being here. It's such a pleasure to welcome you to the podcast! Tell us a little bit more about your summer. Where were you exactly? How long were you there? What did you do? Give us the whole update.
Kendra: Hi! Yeah, thanks so much for having me on the podcast. I'm Kendra. I was in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, for six weeks this summer. I was working with Apotheca, which is a nonprofit supporting local businesses in the area.
There are two organizations in Santiago during the summer: Pilgrim House and Apotheca. Apotheca focuses on supporting local businesses through various initiatives. We worked in a small produce store, selling goods, delivering baskets from local farmers to low-income families, and doing behind-the-scenes work to market and enhance the store’s presence in the community.
Host: That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing that. Were there any specific projects you were a part of when you were marketing and enhancing Apotheca’s work?
Kendra: Yeah! Apotheca has so many facets to its work. One of the projects we participated in was their soap workshops. These workshops help support women who have experienced domestic violence. We learned how to make soap, helped sell it, and supported the scheduling and planning of the workshops.
I also worked in the store doing creative tasks like making posters and signs and promoting the farmers’ baskets through marketing tools. A lot of it was about creating resources to let the community know what Apotheca offers.
One of their newest initiatives was the "Sample Santiago" project, which connects pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago with local businesses in the city. This ties into the work of Pilgrim House as well. The project creates a sweet connection between the pilgrims and the community, giving them insight into the businesses and the stories behind them.
Host: That is very cool. I love that you’ve been a part of bringing people together in the community, creating those connections. It’s a really special experience. Now, I’m sure that throughout the summer, your walk with the Lord was challenged and deepened in several ways. Can you share some of the ways you grew in your faith or things you learned about the Lord during your time in Santiago?
Kendra: I think one of the biggest things I learned was patience. Learning a new culture and listening to people well were huge challenges. It allowed me to see the Lord’s kindness in a new way—how He individually loves each of us and how His love is so much greater than our limited human capacity.
I was reminded of His grace and forgiveness, especially in how He brings people together and gives us gifts to serve alongside one another. It deepened my gratitude for His attributes and His orchestration in all things.
Host: Thank you for sharing that. That’s such a powerful learning experience and a way to see the Lord in a new light. Do you feel like you discovered anything new about yourself or your giftings that was especially impactful?
Kendra: Absolutely. One of the greatest things I learned is how much I love listening to people and hearing their stories. I believe the Lord has given me a heart to listen and meet people where they are. This summer taught me to reflect that in my everyday life—to trust, build relationships, and not give up after the first awkward conversation. It’s about continuing to love people well.
Host: That’s such a valuable takeaway. Now that you’ve been back for a bit, how do you see the lessons you learned impacting your life here in the States?
Kendra: One big way is through my current internship with hospice. As a social work major, I’m working with caregivers who are often stressed and overwhelmed. This summer taught me patience and the importance of meeting people where they are. Listening to and caring for them has been a huge blessing.
I’ve also learned from One Collective’s approach of stepping back, learning about a community first, and advocating for people to create change for themselves. That’s been so impactful for how I interact with others now.
Host: That’s a beautiful perspective. So you obviously made a big decision to serve with One Collective this summer. Can you tell us a bit more about that decision-making process? What made you finally take the leap? And what advice would you give to others considering cross-cultural service?
Kendra: Sure! One of the mobilizers, Mark, came to my school during my freshman year and introduced me to One Collective. He talked about their community development work, and I felt the Lord put the desire on my heart to serve.
Initially, I wanted to go that first summer, but my parents were hesitant because I was young, and I respected their decision. The desire grew, and by my junior year, I knew it was time to step out and go. It all worked out perfectly—I ended up going with two other interns who taught me so much about living and working alongside others.
For anyone considering cross-cultural work, my advice is this: if the Lord places the desire on your heart, why not? Step out of your comfort zone, learn as much as you can, and trust Him with the outcome. It’s such a rewarding experience.
Host: That’s excellent advice. Now that you’ve served overseas and returned home, what do you think cross-cultural service will look like for you in the future?
Kendra: I have a huge desire to serve cross-culturally again. I love learning about communities and finding ways to serve them. But I also see how these lessons apply to my everyday life here in the U.S.—whether through my local church or other opportunities.
It’s about stepping back, taking risks, and learning before trying to create change. Even when things don’t go as planned, the process of getting to know people and working alongside them is so rewarding.
Host: That’s such a wonderful perspective. Thank you, Kendra, for sharing your story, your heart, and the incredible lessons you’ve learned. It’s been an inspiration to hear about your summer in Spain and how it’s shaping your life moving forward.
Kendra: Thank you so much for having me. It’s been a joy to share!