Hello friends and family!
As most of you know I spent last summer in the northend of Hartford, CT. The northend happens to be one of the poorest cities in America. During my time their I worked with children in the city. I was a summer intern with Hartford City Mission. Our job was to help run the summer day camp, Camp NOAH. It was such a huge growing experience. I learned so much about God's love. Because of that love, I was able to love the children, other interns, my boss, and people I met along the journey.
If you really know me, you would know that my time in Hartford changed my life. The whole past year in San Diego I wanted to be in Hartford so much! I felt that God was calling me to go and though I wanted to, I was scared to make that leap of faith again. As much as I loved it, was I ready to go back? Could I really leave my friends longer than a summer? What If I failed? As silly as those questions sound to me now, I realize that I had a lot of growing to do.
It wasn't until this past winter at a cabin in Montana that I actually realized that I needed to be in Hartford! I wondered what my purpose was going on that trip to Montana. To be honest part of the reason I was there was to get away from San Diego...from the same routine I did over and over again. I had a "good" job. I had amazing friends. I was involved in different ministries. I was growing in my relationship with Jesus. But something was missing. So there I was, talking about Hartford and it hit me...GO! I learned a lot on that trip but the most valuable was to trust God and go. From that moment on I had my decision made.
It's been almost 7 months from that night and it has been a long (but short) 7 months. Many things happened and changed. All things that caused me to trust God more and more. Events and circumstances that caused me to to have a faith that doesn't waver in trials and persecution.
So last friday,I left for my journey to Hartford. After many tearful goodbyes we got in the car and pulled out of the driveway. We made the first left turn and it was over. The many friends who came to see me off slowly disappeared from my rear view mirror.
It's been a week since I left home. I will say that the road trip went well. We didn't have any crazy experiences or anything. It was a lot of quiet. It was a lot of thinking. And I'm not going to lie, it was hard.(but so good) I miss you all so much already. What makes this easy, what makes this joyful, is that we are all united in Christ. We may not live in the same city but we are all alive in Christ and have that in common. Thank you all for your love, prayers and support!
I start the internship tomorrow! Yesterday I was able to help out with the NOAH afterschool program.As I drove into the city I knew I was right where I wanted to be and right where God wanted me to be! I saw a few kids from last summer and one of last years street leaders! It was so great. The looks on their face when they saw me gave me so much joy. It was great to jump back in! This is going to be a great summer :)
I know this is long but I have one more thing to share with you! There is one thing I learned during this year long journey that I pray I will never forget and that I pray you who read this will take to heart! As long as you love and trust God you will never fail! Don't be afraid! Jesus is always with you!
