The Internship: Week One
This is my fifth, and I'm determined final, attempt at writing this blog.
I was getting frustrated because what I was typing just didn't sound right. It was what I wanted to say, but at the same time not what I wanted to say at all.
And I promise better pictures are yet to come. I've been busy, so these are just snaps from my phone. But I have a nice nice camera that I WILL be using soon... so in the mean time enjoy these random snapshots.
Last night, I went to Passion City Church (because I mean I'm here in ATL and that's where the Guesses, my summer hosts, go) and it hit me why my words didn't sound right, as Louie Giglio was speaking.
The reason I wasn't happy with it was because it wasn't right.
Why? Because I was telling MY story of the first week.
And it's not my story at all.
It's simply God's story.
(Silly Alana thinking this was all her doing).
And so here I am again, from a new perspective. Going to try it this way.
So I have been here in Clarkston for a full week. I started last Monday.. and it's been a whirlwind since then.
I am the Administrative Intern for Friends of Refugees Summer Spectacular Camp 2016.
Quite an official title, right? What does it mean?
It means I am doing a lot of spreadsheets, copies, and I get to take lots and lots of pictures. And the first week of doing it was really really good. I also got to make a fun home visits to families to sign their children up for camp. It was a really really positive learning experience.
What exactly is Friends of Refugees, or Friends, as it's also known?
Well basically Friends is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the hundreds and thousands of refugee families that are placed here in Clarkston by different agencies. Friends doesn't do the placing.. but they do a lot of helping.
They have tons of different programs that range from employment help, to ESL classes for young mothers, to a sewing society.. and youth programs (that's me!).
I would really love to tell you about all of them... but that would take me forever and a day, and also I think they do a much better job of telling it on their website than I ever could/they know a little bit more than I do because it really is only week 2 for me.
So here's their website and I REALLY encourage you to check it out and see all the many wonderful programs they offer: http://friendsofrefugees.com
Besides doing paperwork and other office related things, I have also answered the question of "How did you find Clarkston and why are you here?" About a hundred times or so.
Since I've perfected the answer, I thought I'd fill all my dear readers in as well, even though I have kinda kept y'all up to date through my blog posts.
It all started when I came with Taylor and other friends to stay with the Guesses (Tay's aunt and uncle and family) for Passion 2015. We had such a great time, and I first learned of Friends through them while we were here. And then I promptly forgot about it, and went on finishing out my senior year of high school.
Fast forward to Christmas break of this year. I was trying to decide what I wanted to do for the summer. I knew I could come home, do some babysitting, maybe work at First Pres as an intern.. But I just didn't feel called to do that.
And so I googled "summer missions internships"
And what do you know.. Friends of Refugees popped up. And then it hit me... Friends.. Taylor.. Taylor's aunt and uncle.. OH! connections.
Once I told Taylor that I might want to see about working there, she convinced me to talk to her dear Aunt Karen about the idea. And I did. And Karen really really encouraged me to apply.
And I did.
And yeah, so here I am a few months later, drinking coffee and typing away in Clarkston, Georgia.
But why? Why am I here?
Because I feel like God has called me to be here. This is where He led me. And similar to that, this is where He led all of these refugees to be.
Before they can come into the country, they go through a year long UN security screening process, and then they go through a year long US security screening process. After the entire family passes through both of those, they are randomly placed in a town in America (and there are MANY MANY places they could be sent) and told 1-2 weeks before they leave, this is where you are going.
With that being said, they could be sent anywhere, but God led them here to Clarkston, and He led me and so many others to Clarkston, and I don't believe for one second that was an accident.
I am here to do whatever it is God wants me to do, and I am confident that whatever God has me here for, it will happen before I leave.
Isn't it nice to know that nothing happens on accident or by chance? God, the One who created the planets and the pine straw, the clouds and the big blue whales.. that same God has a wonderful plan that is JUST for me.
Just as He has one for every single person on the planet.
Me, my friend Taylor, my dad, this lady sitting next to me right now while I'm typing who is talking really loud on her phone, the President of the United States, my KD sisters, the sweet girl from Sudan who I visited with yesterday..
God knows their plans.
And to me that is incredibly comforting.
For those of you who don't know, I spent two years working as an "office assistant" at my dad's law office. It was extremely boring for a 15/16 year old, and after I quit that to babysit instead, I often wondered if that time I spent there was really worth it.
Well, this week as I am using excel, making copies, organizing file cabinets, doing all kinds of things.. I realized that wow, yes, those very boring times spent in that office (and for there record, it was with all kinds of really really wonderful people that I really do like!!) were training for me this summer.
And then there was the four years I spent volunteering at EFM.. I gained so much experience working with kids that are in very different situations than me. I was able to work with them in so many different areas of life, hang out with them, play games... All things that I will be doing this summer with these kids who all have very different life situations than me.
Coincidence?
No. Just God's perfect plan.
Last night at Passion City Church they were celebrating their 5th birthday of being in the building they are in. Listening to the story of how they got the building, how they were able to renovate it, and how God worked was pretty incredible.
But as the pastor, Louie Giglio, started his sermon he explained that he was just going to talk about some of the reasons he loves Passion City, and how it can continue to grow and better reach the city of Atlanta.
I was like, oh okay well this will be interesting but it won't really apply to me.
WRONG.
God used Louie to speak to the entire building, but that message had it's own meaning for the little brunette 18 year old girl sitting in one of the back sections.
So the building Passion City Church is located in is 515 Garson. They actually opened the doors for church for the first time on May 15, 2011.. Or 5/15, because that was when the building was completed. (hmm coincidence? No.) So the staff decided to look at verses with the reference of 5:15.. and they turned to Matthew 5:15.
For context I'm going to put 14 and 16 too.
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
Wow. Well that hit me.
As believers in Jesus, we are the light in this broken world.
WE are the ones who point to Jesus, no matter how scary the world is.. no matter the panic that goes through the world on a daily basis, we are the ones who point to the goodness of the gospel, the goodness of Jesus.
And as an administrative intern of summer camp, I, too, am a light in this broken world.
For many of these refugee families, they dream of America, a place where they will not be persecuted as they have been in their home countries... and they finally get here, and it's difficult. Really difficult. I feel like God has called me here to be a light for Him to show how good HE is.
Louie also talked about the power of transformation, how just as the building they are in now was in complete disrepair, how it was useless.. they were able to dream of what could be and make that happen. And just the same, how transformative the power of the gospel is. How our God is a God of transformation, He looks at what is, sees what it could be, and turns it into something absolutely beautiful.
And that led to me thinking... How many of us have lived ugly lives, only to be completely transformed by the God of love, and of beauty, and of greatness?
Our God is a God of transformation... and how good that is indeed.
Another thing I liked about what Louie said last night is that it's not easy. It's not easy to have their church where it is, because of various obstacles.
And I have a small feeling that it's not gonna be the easiest summer for me.. physically, mentally, emotionally... It will be challenging. but in such a good good way.
As long as the gospel is at the center, as long as that is why I am here, it won't be easy, but it will be possible.
Because no matter the challenges, with God, all things are possible.
And praise the Lord for that.
And that kinda led into something else.. one of the mottoes of Passion City Church is that Jesus is the ONLY lead story.
(This is when I had my blog realization).
Jesus is the reason I am here. The story that HE is alive. Death is overcome. Satan did not win. There is new life.
That has to remain the headline.
And what a headline it is.
I don't normally use the Message version of the Bible, but I really like the way it explains Matthew 5:15
"Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light-stand.. Shine!"
So my friends, that is what I am going to do this summer.
I am going to shine for Jesus. I'm going to shine by doing whatever it is God calls me to do while I'm here.
Jesus is alive. I believe that. I know that it is the Lord's plan to have me here in Clarkston for the next two months.
So I'm going to shine with that knowledge, with the light of the Lord.
And I can't wait to see how that goes. Say some prayers for me, for the work being done here, and stay tuned. More is yet to come.
Jesus is alive, so shine shine shine my friends. Shine shine shine.
 |
| Welcome to Clarkston! |
And I promise better pictures are yet to come. I've been busy, so these are just snaps from my phone. But I have a nice nice camera that I WILL be using soon... so in the mean time enjoy these random snapshots.
Last night, I went to Passion City Church (because I mean I'm here in ATL and that's where the Guesses, my summer hosts, go) and it hit me why my words didn't sound right, as Louie Giglio was speaking.
The reason I wasn't happy with it was because it wasn't right.
Why? Because I was telling MY story of the first week.
And it's not my story at all.
(Silly Alana thinking this was all her doing).
And so here I am again, from a new perspective. Going to try it this way.
So I have been here in Clarkston for a full week. I started last Monday.. and it's been a whirlwind since then.
I am the Administrative Intern for Friends of Refugees Summer Spectacular Camp 2016.
It means I am doing a lot of spreadsheets, copies, and I get to take lots and lots of pictures. And the first week of doing it was really really good. I also got to make a fun home visits to families to sign their children up for camp. It was a really really positive learning experience.
 |
| One of my first jobs was trying out keys. As in, here is a bag of 30 keys please see which ones work. Three did. |
Well basically Friends is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the hundreds and thousands of refugee families that are placed here in Clarkston by different agencies. Friends doesn't do the placing.. but they do a lot of helping.
They have tons of different programs that range from employment help, to ESL classes for young mothers, to a sewing society.. and youth programs (that's me!).
I would really love to tell you about all of them... but that would take me forever and a day, and also I think they do a much better job of telling it on their website than I ever could/they know a little bit more than I do because it really is only week 2 for me.
So here's their website and I REALLY encourage you to check it out and see all the many wonderful programs they offer: http://friendsofrefugees.com
Besides doing paperwork and other office related things, I have also answered the question of "How did you find Clarkston and why are you here?" About a hundred times or so.
Since I've perfected the answer, I thought I'd fill all my dear readers in as well, even though I have kinda kept y'all up to date through my blog posts.
It all started when I came with Taylor and other friends to stay with the Guesses (Tay's aunt and uncle and family) for Passion 2015. We had such a great time, and I first learned of Friends through them while we were here. And then I promptly forgot about it, and went on finishing out my senior year of high school.
Fast forward to Christmas break of this year. I was trying to decide what I wanted to do for the summer. I knew I could come home, do some babysitting, maybe work at First Pres as an intern.. But I just didn't feel called to do that.
And so I googled "summer missions internships"
And what do you know.. Friends of Refugees popped up. And then it hit me... Friends.. Taylor.. Taylor's aunt and uncle.. OH! connections.
Once I told Taylor that I might want to see about working there, she convinced me to talk to her dear Aunt Karen about the idea. And I did. And Karen really really encouraged me to apply.
And I did.
And yeah, so here I am a few months later, drinking coffee and typing away in Clarkston, Georgia.
But why? Why am I here?
Because I feel like God has called me to be here. This is where He led me. And similar to that, this is where He led all of these refugees to be.
Before they can come into the country, they go through a year long UN security screening process, and then they go through a year long US security screening process. After the entire family passes through both of those, they are randomly placed in a town in America (and there are MANY MANY places they could be sent) and told 1-2 weeks before they leave, this is where you are going.
With that being said, they could be sent anywhere, but God led them here to Clarkston, and He led me and so many others to Clarkston, and I don't believe for one second that was an accident.
 |
| One of my new sweet friends works here full time on staff. She has a gorgeous garden full of lettuce. :) |
Isn't it nice to know that nothing happens on accident or by chance? God, the One who created the planets and the pine straw, the clouds and the big blue whales.. that same God has a wonderful plan that is JUST for me.
Just as He has one for every single person on the planet.
Me, my friend Taylor, my dad, this lady sitting next to me right now while I'm typing who is talking really loud on her phone, the President of the United States, my KD sisters, the sweet girl from Sudan who I visited with yesterday..
God knows their plans.
And to me that is incredibly comforting.
For those of you who don't know, I spent two years working as an "office assistant" at my dad's law office. It was extremely boring for a 15/16 year old, and after I quit that to babysit instead, I often wondered if that time I spent there was really worth it.
Well, this week as I am using excel, making copies, organizing file cabinets, doing all kinds of things.. I realized that wow, yes, those very boring times spent in that office (and for there record, it was with all kinds of really really wonderful people that I really do like!!) were training for me this summer.
And then there was the four years I spent volunteering at EFM.. I gained so much experience working with kids that are in very different situations than me. I was able to work with them in so many different areas of life, hang out with them, play games... All things that I will be doing this summer with these kids who all have very different life situations than me.
Coincidence?
No. Just God's perfect plan.
 |
| Another Friends' program is the Refuge Coffee Truck. It celebrated it's first year of being open on Friday, of course there was a birthday party! |
But as the pastor, Louie Giglio, started his sermon he explained that he was just going to talk about some of the reasons he loves Passion City, and how it can continue to grow and better reach the city of Atlanta.
I was like, oh okay well this will be interesting but it won't really apply to me.
WRONG.
God used Louie to speak to the entire building, but that message had it's own meaning for the little brunette 18 year old girl sitting in one of the back sections.
So the building Passion City Church is located in is 515 Garson. They actually opened the doors for church for the first time on May 15, 2011.. Or 5/15, because that was when the building was completed. (hmm coincidence? No.) So the staff decided to look at verses with the reference of 5:15.. and they turned to Matthew 5:15.
For context I'm going to put 14 and 16 too.
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
Wow. Well that hit me.
As believers in Jesus, we are the light in this broken world.
WE are the ones who point to Jesus, no matter how scary the world is.. no matter the panic that goes through the world on a daily basis, we are the ones who point to the goodness of the gospel, the goodness of Jesus.
And as an administrative intern of summer camp, I, too, am a light in this broken world.
For many of these refugee families, they dream of America, a place where they will not be persecuted as they have been in their home countries... and they finally get here, and it's difficult. Really difficult. I feel like God has called me here to be a light for Him to show how good HE is.
 |
| Thankful for a couple "free" mornings to sit and think. |
And that led to me thinking... How many of us have lived ugly lives, only to be completely transformed by the God of love, and of beauty, and of greatness?
Our God is a God of transformation... and how good that is indeed.
Another thing I liked about what Louie said last night is that it's not easy. It's not easy to have their church where it is, because of various obstacles.
And I have a small feeling that it's not gonna be the easiest summer for me.. physically, mentally, emotionally... It will be challenging. but in such a good good way.
As long as the gospel is at the center, as long as that is why I am here, it won't be easy, but it will be possible.
Because no matter the challenges, with God, all things are possible.
And praise the Lord for that.
And that kinda led into something else.. one of the mottoes of Passion City Church is that Jesus is the ONLY lead story.
(This is when I had my blog realization).
Jesus is the reason I am here. The story that HE is alive. Death is overcome. Satan did not win. There is new life.
And what a headline it is.
I don't normally use the Message version of the Bible, but I really like the way it explains Matthew 5:15
"Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light-stand.. Shine!"
So my friends, that is what I am going to do this summer.
I am going to shine for Jesus. I'm going to shine by doing whatever it is God calls me to do while I'm here.
Jesus is alive. I believe that. I know that it is the Lord's plan to have me here in Clarkston for the next two months.
So I'm going to shine with that knowledge, with the light of the Lord.
And I can't wait to see how that goes. Say some prayers for me, for the work being done here, and stay tuned. More is yet to come.
 |
| This is where camp will actually happen in just 21 days. CCC Field, we're coming for you. |
Jesus is alive, so shine shine shine my friends. Shine shine shine.
