so, i have realized that the last day of classes is april 27th!! that date is speeding towards us, and i feel like i've only just started this internship.
looking back, i see how much we've actually done. from trip preparation, to the 2 weeks overseas, to intense planning for LIFTED events this year, to the Boone event, this semester has been a whirlwind. definitely not your typical, 9-5 internship, but an unforgettable experience.
i also realize that i have 2 whole weeks until the last day of classes. i think this is encouraging, because i can have the mindset to finish strong and confidently, knowing my place in LIFTED.
SO, first, i will express some thoughts, feelings, and opinions on the LIFTED: BOONE event.
where to begin? we put 4-5 months of preparation into this event. many group and individual times in prayer over this night in particular. we had the promotion team, who did a phenomenal job putting up flyers, handing out flyers, inviting people personally, and even digging a giant "LIFTED" sign in the snow in front of Trivette Hall. when i think about the sheer number of people involved in the preparation and running of this event, it is kind of humbling.
the 2 weeks prior to the event, i was pretty anxious. i felt unprepared personally. i knew we were ready as a team, but i was thinking about music practices and making sure i had everything i needed for the cultural table. i didn't want to short-change either one, especially because i wanted to do each one really really well. those were my specific responsibilities, so i wanted to do a GREAT job!
i was really excited about the cultural table in particular. one thing i felt i could add to the LIFTED event is a place for people to get information about trafficking overall, as opposed to just trafficking info through LIFTED's eyes/experience, RNhu's eyes/experience, or whatever other ministry's eyes/experience. those outlooks are priceless, but i also thought it would be helpful to present facts, stats, and cultural factors as a whole. since trafficking is a global issue, i decided to pick 3 cultures in particular and offer info about those places.
i chose cambodia, thailand, and the US. i chose thailand and cambodia because i've seen it personally, they are 2 of the most highly trafficked areas, and RNhu has homes in these places. i decided to print out information so people would be able to take it, while having a slideshow on my computer for some visuals. i think the map (the one at the top of my blog) was a really nice visual as well. the feedback i got from the table was so positive and encouraging! people really seemed to enjoy the i guess more academic approach to trafficking. i think this table would be a strong addition to LIFTED regularly as we are settling into our call to serve colleges and universities.
a lot of my personality, and therefore relationship with Christ, is intellectual, it's a mind thing. i like to read the book, get the facts, consider the factors. of course, this is one of my best strengths and worst weaknesses! my heart and my mind are trying to become more synchronized. anyway, i say that to say that i know i'm not alone in that, and i think the cultural table will appeal to and be appreciated by the "mind" people on college campuses.
i was also really nervous about playing music, but excited. i'm still just starting playing my music for other people, and nervousness is something i have to battle. it was an honor to play and that catherine allowed me too. i also loved singing for the worship set with jess ray, too.
all of the apprehensions about the Christ-centeredness of the event, and having to pray over them, really allowed me to appreciate how careful we were in the planning, how bathed in prayer the event was, and the fact that only Jesus can soften hearts to this issue. no planning on my part or craftiness could soften hearts to care. to care for little girls and boys they've never met and will probably never see. to care about trafficking laws here in the US. the LORD answered our prayers, and the feedback we got from believers and non-believers alike was beautiful.
