Intern reflections

Throughout June and July, fourteen college students (spread among five teams) explored the highs and lows of cross-cultural missions. A few months ago, our office was filled with interns sharing stories of joy, struggle, heartfelt lessons, and difficult goodbyes. Though we've not known them long, it was evident they returned to the states different than how they left. As we look forward to how God will use next year's internships, we wanted to take time to share a few testimonials from this summer's interns about God working in their hearts:

“We had over 25 people from 8 different nationalities joined together that night. Once I realized this, I paused in awe, for I was instantly reminded of how amazing and powerful God is. To knit 25-plus people from 8 nationalities all over the world, to help the youth in Myanmar is just an astonishing thought. People will say what they will, but this summer I've seen nothing but irrefutable evidence pointing to God's love, power, and faithfulness."
- SE Asia intern

“What I was most amazed by this week, was the free generosity and love we received from our (host) families. It brought me immense humility to have realized that I can be welcomed and genuinely loved in such a short period of time. Valeria, the daughter of my host dad said it best, “meeting you was a beautiful opportunity, but also an opportunity for tragedy." Loving is not easy, especially real, raw, open love. It takes risk and vulnerability, and guarantees pain. As we leave each location we are reminded of this bittersweet truth."
- Latin America intern

“While being in Kenya, I have learned a lot about Maasai culture and the Kenyan culture as well. A person is important; a relationship with a person is even more important…At first, when visiting, we all struggled with the situation of not understanding the language. Then, we struggled with taking food from them (locals) during a drought season. We have come to realize though as our last visit just happened, that our presence was more impactful than we will ever know."
- Africa intern

Thank you to all who prayed for a transformative summer for these interns - God was faithful to these prayers!

Do you know a young person who could be interested in going on a Venture in summer of 2015? Help them find www.ventureinternships.com