I just finished spending part of my summer as an intern with GoodSoil Ministries in Jellico TN. I am very grateful for all of the experiences God gave me there. I learned so much about myself, about other people, God, and His plan for my life.    Some of these experiences were very sad, hearing people talk about their past, having gone through struggles that no one should ever have to face.  There is nothing more painful than to hear a child talk about abuse, brokenness, or loneliness.  My eyes were open  to how much goes on in the lives of others, and that it is easy to not realize what is going on with someone and what they are desperate for.  I am now working on becoming more aware of seeing these things.

Some of my experiences were also very joyful.  There is joy in seeing a family that had once been lost in worldly desires, come together and become a family ready to serve God and willing to reach out to other families in their community.  Knowing the hope that God has given to these parents and children, giving them new lives, and giving them futures, has encouraged me to continue to be apart of God's plan. 

I took part in helping provide a sports camp for children in town that normally don't have those kinds of opportunities.  Many of the children do not recieve any encouragement from their own parents and are offered little hope for a good future.  It was also wonderful to spend time with people who wanted to give these children greater opportunities and were willing to sacrifice their own time.  The children are able to see what life is like beyond drugs and alcohol, something they may have never known without the help of willing Christians.

I also had the opportunity to work with some amazing high schoolers during African mission camp.  Even at a young age they are ready to get to work.  The camp really challenged them in many ways.  We started them out with a simulated airport, putting as much stress on them as possible, some even went to our jail while others had their luggage stolen by gypsies.  They went four days with cup showers, slept in mud huts,  carried water, washed dishes in a stream, and worked in a garden.  They put up with all of this, all without complaining!  I enjoyed every bit of my time with them.

Through this internship, God has opened my eyes to the needs of people around me.  Even though many of the struggles that I witnessed won't come to an end quickly, I know that God wants to use me in making a huge difference in the lives of others.  I am excited about all that God wants to do with my life and am ready for all the challenges that will follow. 

-Darla