Melanie - Update 9: Debrief Blog 3

Journal prompt: How are you different after Summer Internship 2024? How have you changed? What people or experiences contributed? Are you happy about it?

Summer Internship 2024 has been a gift from God. It has truly been a life-changing experience. God has exposed me to the realities in Africa that are complex, heavy, and challenging. My eyes have been opened to the poverty that exists in the world. My heart has a special place for my new East African friends. I have a newfound confidence because the Lord has taught me that I have authority to lead, use my words to construct realities, and do work to change the world around me. I am still processing many feelings and memories. I'm happy yet sad, I feel at peace, but also unsettled. I’m excited to start classes again and to take this experience, these feelings, and all the lessons I've learned into the classroom. I'm going to dig deep into the Word and study like I haven't before. I want to learn from my African friends like Ruth, Winnie, and Lydia. There's so much more that I would like to say, but right now I feel empowered, grateful, and a little jetlagged.