I am thankful for this opportunity and time to breathe and reflect because SO much has happened even just in one day and one night. Maybe that is surprising, but for anyone who knows what Summer Internship entails, you know what I mean.
The reality is this trip started before the start date. We have been praying together, meeting together and planning elements of the trip, journaling and creating goals, and actively remembering and internalizing lessons from previous trips, and so much more. As I went about doing all this preparation work I have found myself simultaneously extremely excited and extremely nervous. I know the nerves and the occasional wave of fear is, not anything that is founded in logic, but I have felt the attack of the enemy attempting to hold me back from being fully present in this mission. Two days before this trip started I had a bit of a breakdown where I was just laying in my bed, feeling crippled and like I would be unable to go. My friends came beside me and encouraged me with scripture and prayed with me, but there was one specific passage that they reminded me of and charged me with. They brought up Matthew 17:14-21, specifically verse 20 where Jesus tells his disciples the reason they were not able to cast out a unclean spirit from a young boy. He says it was “Because of their little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.’” My friends reminded me that if I can muster the faith that is just as a tiny as a mustard seed, and I move forward into this summer with that, God can and will work with me. That that is ALL He needs, to do amazing and astounding things. This truth is how I have started Summer Internship 2025. I am clinging to and remembering that I have this faith in my God, and I know who He has shown me to be. He can be trusted and he is loving and gracious and good.
I am so thankful for my friends and for the Word of the Lord that has strengthened me and my heart as I have prepared for this mission. It changes everything. It changes me.
Day one was full, but so restful at the same time. We have worked hard as a team preparing for this week of facilitating a SLAM service camp in Nashville. I personally am in charge of a couple administrative roles, as well as coordinating Breakout groups, and overseeing dietary needs and meals. Please be praying for us as we strive to pour into the students that are coming this week to serve. Thank you all for your support, GOD is SO GOOD!