Actually, this is only one Staff Intern writing, and I feel okay about putting those words in my teammates mouths. As of today we have officially finished our first week of Staff Orientation and are twenty four hours away from surviving our second official week of being the new Staff Interns. During our first week we spent a lot of time learning new things and information, and realizing just what we have gotten ourselves into. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the next year with lots of excitement and expectations. My highlight from the first week would probably be the Sunday morning I spent in a Church environment that was completely different from anything I have experienced. It was indeed a true celebration and I found myself challenged by the people's joy and worship. They were beyond hospitable and have now become examples to our team of what it means to truly welcome and love guests. I felt right at home even though everything was new and different. The moment I will never forget is when the pastor prayed for both Denise and I, and it was evident that God had given him the words to pray over us. I do not know that we will continue to attend this church for the rest of the year, but I do know we will never forget the body of Christ that ministered to us that day. 

 

     Our second week began with lots of cleaning and work, and continued with teachings and getting plugged into our different outreaches. All of us have been helping out Wednesday evenings at Manna Cafe and helping to prepare, serve, and clean up after providing a meal for a hundred plus homeless people. I love the time I get to spend at Manna Cafe and the conversations I am able to have with the people there. I also have been going to a new outreach with Denise and Ryan. It is a ministry started and operated by a very unique and special couple who has been trying to reach out to a troubled neighborhood. They began having Bible Studies for the children within their neighborhood between the age of five and twelve and now have Bible Studies for teenagers, cooking classes, tutoring, and financial education classes. All of these activities happen in their kitchen and living room and it is both encouraging and challenging to see the love and care for their adopted family and they way that they are involved in their lives. I am excited about the many things I am going to learn about community outreach, but also intimidated by how impossible it seems right now to be able to establish relationships with these kids. Honestly, it is another culture and I have a lot of learning to do! :) We have found it easier to connect with the younger children though and thoroughly enjoyed our time with them. My favorite moment of that night would be when the children were giving examples of how others have used their words to harm them. One girl gave the example of how another girl on the bus called her "the B word." Another little five year old furrowed her brow and said, "She called you a bumble bee?!" :)

     Well, I could go on and on, but I will just end this informative update now and let someone else tell you more in a few weeks. Thank you for reading this and even more for keeping us in your prayers. It is appreciated beyond what words can even begin to describe.  

   God Bless You! 

 Megan Marie Mast (aka. the new kitchen assistant)