Intern Getaway

Let me just start this off by saying everything is going great here. God is working in our house and preparing it for the summer!

These past few days we went to a Camp Wonpaset which is about an hour away in Litchfield. The camp is in the renovation process. It went bankrupt in 97 and has really fallen apart since then. So we went there as a team to bond and to serve by helping in those renovations. It was a really beautiful place. There was so many trees and a huge lake. I could have done without the mosquitoes and other random bugs but it's okay. This camp for a lot of us was out of our comfort zone. Just because it was cold and the cabins we were in were pretty gross( cob webs everywhere and bunk beds that were falling apart and super dusty) The only running water was for the toilets. Needless to say, none of us showered. Although it was not what we were used to, the beauty of the nature around us was so worth it.

Those few days were really big for us as a team and individually. For me the biggest moment was probably the first day. Howard(the camp director) was telling us what our task for the next two days would be. Cleaning and painting a cabin, trash clean up and roofing a house. WHAT?! When I found out that I had to climb up a ladder and hang out on a roof for hours applying shingles...I was not excited. As unexcited as I was, I climbed up shaky and afraid. So there I was sitting paralyzed by fear waiting for more direction. I was thinking a lot and trying not to be fearful. Then it hit me like a bus! I thought to myself "I will not let this fear defeat me!" I took a deep breath and stood up. I walked over to get the shingles and a hammer and start the job that was given to us. It felt good to give up that fear. I knew, with the stregnth of God, I could be on that roof. What a freeing feeling!

The bonding parts of the weekend were also really great. We played some games and had our meals together. Last night we gave our life stories. That was so good! I see so much hope and beauty in the stories of this team. I am encouraged by the work God has done in all of our lives up to this point. I am confident that He will continue to work in and through us this summer. I was really pleased with the vulnerablity of the other interns. I too was able to share about things that up until a few weeks ago I was scared to admit to myself out loud. As we sat around the fire and shared about our lives, God was near. We prayed together after and during prayer I had such peace that this summer, this new adventure is right.

Today was our last day at the camp and we had another time of group prayer which was great. We prayed about everything to do with HCM basically. Amy told us that they( Rex, Amy, Russell and a few others) have been praying for months a few days a week. They have been praying for the ministry but they have also been praying for each of us as a team and individually. I just thought that was really humbling.

Tonight we went to Scott and Rebecca's house for dinner. They are extremely involved with HCM and Scott is on the board. It was such a good time of fellowship. I am blessed so much. I have been away from San Diego almost 2 weeks and it has flown by. And honestly it is a lot easier than I thought it would be. I do miss you all so much. There are times where I just want to be back at home with you guys but I know that's not what God wants for me right now. Maybe someday. My desire is to be obedient and faithful and I want to do that in Hartford :)

1 Peter 4:7-11
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

This is our key verse for the summer. I have been reflecting and praying about these things. As a prayer request you could be praying that I would really let this sink into my heart and live this way. I am so excited to serve and love this community. I can't wait to use the gifts that God has blessed me with. I do think It's interesting that this section is started with the direction to be self controlled and clear minded. So that would be my main prayer request and that is my main focus this next week. What does that look like? And how?

I love you all! Praying for you!