Nine months ago, I did a crazy thing. I joined 12 other people and traveled with this organization called Convoy of Hope. I didn't know much at all about them. In fact, the first week was spent learning about it's history and how it works all over the world to impact the hurting, broken, lost, endangered, and disaster stricken. Through all it does to impact people around the world, some of the biggest impacts are made through their volunteer opportunities and intern program (http://convoyofhope.org/go/how/internship_program). You can read specifics about my journey with Convoy of Hope during the Summer of '09 in blog posts from March of 09-August of 09. They speak of when I first was introduced to the organization, to a month after returning from El Salvador, where I spent 3.5 weeks ministering primarily through actions and less through words. It's amazing how effective we can be when we learn to just be quiet.
Throughout the weeks with Convoy of Hope, I learned lessons that I will carry in my very core for the rest of my life. I'm spending a lot of time tonight reflecting. Reflecting about endurance. The art of enduring. I wonder if any of us can truly understand the depth of human suffering. I ponder what it would be like if any of us could just 'get it' for a moment. If for any period of time, we could feel. Our environment numbs us to the world outside. Though Haiti's tragic earthquake was a wake up call for some, the majority are still very much oblivious to the devastation surrounding us.
I learned about complaining. I learned how much I partook of it. The internship contract clearly states there is no room for petty complaining. Words to a future intern: Practice makes perfect. You have to START not complaining, and work at it until you perfect it. This is still something that creeps up on me every now and then. You may find complaints in my twitter (@kaylaaiken) updates, or on my facebook (facebook.com/kaiken). But know that everytime I do complain, a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit reminds me of the words. It's a disgusting habit.
I learned about impact. What is your idea of this word? What do you think will make the greatest difference for someone who is hurting? What is mission impact? What is missions? Who is a missionary?
9 months ago, I became a part of a family. A family with ties so strong after living together day in and day out for 6 weeks in a poverty-stricken environment, that nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing will sever the bond. 9 months ago, I learned what it means to be a part of something bigger than myself. 9 months ago, my life began to take a 180 degree turn from my plans to God's plans. Though it has been 3/4 of a year since I saw some of my closest friends, it feels like yesterday that I cried with them, laughed with them, carried them through a dark hour... Though it's been 9 months that I met friends in El Salvador, it feels like yesterday that I taught them about rehydration drinks, gave them refried beans, planted a sustainful garden for their community, taught their children new games, prayed with children and their parents for the Lord to enter their heart and transform the course of their lives. My El Salvadorean friends taught me way more than I ever thought I could learn in that dimension, and my Convoy of Hope friends loved me in a way that caused me to love differently.
Convoy of Hope continues to make a difference in ways that are unbelievable. Please check out their website at www.ConvoyofHope.org . Consider playing a part through prayer, most importantly. Second, there are many ways to become a part of what Convoy does. I like to call volunteers/interns "convoy-of-hoper-for-life." Believe me, the Convoy of family loves you and wants to invest into you more than you can imagine.
Me? I'm rather partial to the intern program. :) Check out http://convoyofhope.org/go/how/internship_program
Kayla
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