Diary of my first year as an Intern at Substance Church: Chapter 1.

First Impressions

Before sharing how my first month as an intern is going, I would like to share a brief background on what lead me to apply for my church’s internship program.

2019 ended on a bad note, made me realize how unhealthy I was doing relationships by focusing my energy and attention around one friend, a friend who used to say I was family to her small family, unfortunately when it came a time to actually prove I was family I was met with their back to me.  Still surrendering to God the negative thoughts that come as a result form that, I think I’ve come a long way but still working on self confidence when it comes to letting people in on intimate levels. This experience has allowed me to position my heart in full surrendering to God, 100% allowing him to be the only one that satisfies every corner of my been. In the end, He is the only one that can, so now I needed to work on my behaviors to match my knowledge, this is where the Internship Program comes into place.

I applied for the internship last minute, at first I wasn’t sure if this was something I should pursue, however, when I realized that been an intern would work perfectly with surrounding myself with godly people with whom I can grow alongside with and practice matching my behaviors with my knowledge that’s when I took the leap of faith, and here I am.

My start day was on spring forward Sunday, I had missed orientation day the day before due to needing to attend Alpha Saturday the same day. Came in nervous as I had no idea what I was supposed to do, who I was supposed to listen to or even what I was doing that day. All I knew is that I was there to serve my church community and learn as much as possible form other interns with more experience than me. But above all I knew I was where God wanted and needed me to be. Also, some of my Alpha friends where there too, so it made it so much better! I got to meet most of my fellow interns and enjoyed a meal together. That Monday I was able to hand out with most of them for community night, so much fun! I’m so happy I went despite been tired from a full week and weekend. 

And then, that was it. COVID19 ban was put in place later that week. I hear my experience is so much different than any other cohort before us, I can see what they mean. However, coming from where I was coming from relationally I can honestly say that having the interns around and seeing how intentional old and new interns are in fostering our community is a life line during this times of physical distancing, I have found a place I feel I belong to, this sense of belonging propels me into inviting others, that might not have a similar community, into plugging in into our online community through services and micro-campuses. Even though so far I’m not having a typical intern experience, I know we where called for such times like this, I see God’s hand in all of this, I see his purpose and I hear his voice calling me to take action inwardly  and outwardly.