Overwhelming, scary, stressful, uncertain, lonely, hard, risky, wonderful, exciting, peaceful, joyful, fun, adventurous.

You are probably asking yourself how an internship can be all of these things at the same time and who would want to experience all of that in one year.

I used to tell myself that “crazy people” did what I did.  Only “crazy people” quit a job of 3 years that they loved, went without a paycheck for a year, sold their car, packed up all their stuff and said goodbye to the people they were leaving behind.  I was right; crazy people did do it, but crazy people who wanted to obey God’s call on their life and couldn’t refuse.  I was one of those people.

I accepted this internship knowing I would have to sacrifice all of these things.  Leaving behind loved ones was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced. But I knew, trusting God that this is what he wanted to me to do and experience.  I also accepted this internship not realizing the extent of the things I would experience.

In the midst of the difficult roller coaster ride of emotions I experienced, I as well felt overwhelming peace and security.  Of course there were times that were unbelievingly stressful, times where I was so lonely for people who knew and understood me it hurt, and times of overwhelming uncertaintanty I was asking God why he brought me to this place.  But through all of it, I have never experienced so much peace and joy from God.  The stressful times became exciting, the loneliness turned to finding my joy in Him and the uncertaintanty led to fun and adventurous times that I would never experience in Canada.

Being an intern is the best experience I have had to date in my life.  It opened my eyes to a new way of living, a new way to experience relationships and a new way of worshipping God.  It taught me valuable lessons, ones which will be with me for a lifetime.  It deepened my relationship with God on many levels.  It showed me what missions is all about  and what a blessing it is to be a part of that.  There is a big world out there just waiting for us to discover.  Maybe you can be an intern and be a part of building God’s Kingdom.

Cheryl Walsh

Ecuador/Peru 2007-2008