|
|
2012 Internships:
Are Your Bags Packed?
|
A Texas A&M University senior, Kristen Chaney is studying nutrition. This past summer she traveled to Russia as an Orphan Outreach intern and learned about the spiritual nourishment that can come from serving others. The Corpus Christi native wanted to go on a mission trip before she graduated from college. She found Orphan Outreach the way most modern-day college students do: Google.
|
“My major is nutrition and I really wanted to work with malnourished kids. I didn’t find any organizations I was really interested in so I thought, ‘I can just work with kids.’” When the Google search yielded Orphan Outreach’s website, Kristen’s roommate recognized a friend who had done an internship with Orphan Outreach last year. She put the two women in touch.
“She told me about how great the organization was,” Kristen said. “Ultimately, I love the Lord and wanted to serve Him.”
Daily life in St. Petersburg
Once Kristen arrived in St. Petersburg, Russia, she assisted Orphan Outreach staff as they worked in the city’s orphanages. She helped the children complete crafts, taught Bible lessons, played games—and made friends.
“Paulina was the first girl I met and we instantly connected. She did not care that I could not speak Russian, but was so excited for me to be there to play with her. At the end of our first day hanging out, she rummaged though her stuff (which wasn’t much) and pulled out a sticker to give to me,” Kristen said. “The next day, she was so excited when we showed up. She took me around and tried to teach me Russian.”
Kristen also befriended a 13-year-old boy named Igor. “He is such a sweet boy. He told us about his life, which is rare for older kids because most Russians are very private until they really get to know you. One day, we were making friendship bracelets and he asked me if I could make him one. Of course, I did but when I gave it to him, He gave me such a big hug,” Kristen said. “It was the sweetest thing and it just amazes me that someone who has been through so much in his life can still be kind and love others.”
Spiritually, Kristen learned to turn to God and ask for help in the flurry of activity. She also learned that while, it is hard to leave the children behind, “Lord willing, I will see them again,” she said.
“The purpose of Orphan Outreach’s internship program is for college students and young professionals to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of orphans and vulnerable children around the world,” Missions Coordinator Katherine Cheng said. “Interns spend about a month serving children, and reminding them of God’s love for them and who they are in Christ. They also provide support to Orphan Outreach in-country staff and the orphanage staff with day-to-day tasks. Interns are immersed in the daily life of a culture different from their own and learn more about themselves.”
“The people I met in Russia, who where a part of Orphan Outreach, have such big faith—everything is centered on the Lord and they turn to Him for every need. It showed me what true faith in God is supposed to look like. Being an intern really opens your eyes to a different culture and a different type of people,” Kristen said. “God knows and loves every one of us. It is such a great experience to be used by Him to reach people around the world and He can teach you so much through that.”
Orphan Outreach needs interns for 2012! Click here for more information on internship opportunities to India and Russia. |
|
|
|
|
|
