If you've been following my journey here at The Tales of an Intern, I can't thank you enough. I write because I love it, and I find it amazing that others would be interested in reading these articles that are so much a part of me. Your comments strengthen and encourage me.
Unfortunately, I will probably not be writing on this blog anymore. I plan to keep it up as a reference for myself when I put together my senior portfolio, but I will no longer be posting on here.
However, I will continue to post on my blog scribbles by megan. So, if you're interested, come join me there. I would love for you to follow me. And thanks again for being a part of my journey. I will never forget this summer and my tales as an intern.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
The End...Sort Of
I've had a lot of time to think about this post. And judging by the "nudging" I've received from some of you faithful followers, I've probably taken a little too much time to consider this post. =D
I use the word "consider" pretty liberally. My "considering" has included a lot more than just thinking about what I should write. Since I've been home, I've been spending quite a bit of time being, well...just plain lazy. I've been catching up on my reading, playing Monopoly with my family, baking delicious goodies, hiding away from the oppressive heat, tickling my baby sister, and enjoying girls' nights made up of Chinese food, chick flicks, and friends. I've been such a bum!
But I have worked on a little something since I've been home. As part of the internship class I am enrolled in this summer, I am required to write a paper about my internship experience. So, last weekend, I holed up in my room and reflected on the past six weeks of my life.
From June 1 to July 13, I worked as an intern at Shepherds Ministries. I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. I always knew it would be, but this internship never ceased to exceed my expectations.
Have I told you that I had worked on landing this internship for nearly two years? In 2010, I visited Shepherds Ministries with my church youth group. I was a sophomore in college, and I acted as a sponsor on what was my second visit to Shepherds. While there, I learned of a communications internship, and my interest was immediately piqued. Just a couple months after that week of volunteering, I contacted a friend at Shepherds about this opportunity, and thus began a 21-month-long chain of e-mails and phone calls between my wonderful supervisor, Susan, and me.
There were ups and downs, glimmers of possibility followed by gray clouds of bleakness. There were times when I wondered if this thing I was pushing so hard for was something that God really had in mind for me or just something I selfishly wanted for myself. But I kept trying, praying all the way that God would shut the door for good if He really didn't want me at Shepherds.
I was persistent, to be sure. Probably to the brink of annoyance, at times. But I didn't give up, and Susan didn't give up, and God never said no. And at some miraculous point, He made it all come together and work out perfectly.
My time at Shepherds was so beneficial because of the workplace experience I gleaned. I've been studying this thing called corporate communications for the past year, but I didn't know for sure what a career in this field was exactly like until I went to Shepherds.
I love the variety of this type of job. You definitely do not do the same thing day in and day out. And there was lots and lots of writing to do, which made me very happy! I also enjoyed gaining the experience of working for a non-profit organization. Tacking that factor onto a career adds in a whole new element of variety. There's always something to be done, and you may be asked to help out, even if that certain task is not specifically listed on your job description.
The camaraderie among coworkers at Shepherds is fantastic! It's easy to tell that you are working in a Christian environment. At Shepherds, there are things much more important than working as many hours as possible or trying to climb up the corporate ladder. Things like your coworkers' well-being or your desire to do your best or your love for the clients.
That's the best part of all: the clients and students at Shepherds. They are the reasons why every employee goes to work each morning. They are the reasons why churches and schools come from across the nation to experience Shepherds. And they are the reasons why I traveled seven hours to live in a little village of 5,000 people for six weeks during my summer.
Sometimes it sounds a little crazy. I live less than an hour away from a giant metropolitan area. Why didn't I try to get an internship at one of the hundreds of businesses in that city? People have asked me that. People have looked at me in shock or surprise when I told them I had considered interning at an opera theatre or a history museum or a hospital, yet I forsook or turned down those opportunities. "Why?" they ask.
I always indulge in a tiny, secret smile when people stare at me with that concerned, sympathetic, "you poor fool" look. You see, I know something they don't know. I know that choosing to intern at Shepherds Ministries was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I know that most likely, I would not have been near as happy interning at those places as I was interning at Shepherds. I know that this was all in God's plan for me, and I feel so blessed to have had this experience.
My internship has ended. I am finished with that chapter of my life, but that doesn't mean it's completely closed. This chapter, this moment will influence many other future chapters of my life.
I am deeply connected to Shepherds. I have been for awhile, but these past six weeks have only strengthened and nurtured that relationship. I consider myself a self-assigned advocate for this organization, and I wish everyone could experience the unbelievable things that are happening here.
So, yes, this is the end. But in a way, it's also the beginning. I don't know what's in store for me next or when Shepherds Ministries and I will cross paths in the future, but I do know that this internship was more than I've ever dreamed of and something I will remember for the rest of my life.
I use the word "consider" pretty liberally. My "considering" has included a lot more than just thinking about what I should write. Since I've been home, I've been spending quite a bit of time being, well...just plain lazy. I've been catching up on my reading, playing Monopoly with my family, baking delicious goodies, hiding away from the oppressive heat, tickling my baby sister, and enjoying girls' nights made up of Chinese food, chick flicks, and friends. I've been such a bum!
But I have worked on a little something since I've been home. As part of the internship class I am enrolled in this summer, I am required to write a paper about my internship experience. So, last weekend, I holed up in my room and reflected on the past six weeks of my life.
From June 1 to July 13, I worked as an intern at Shepherds Ministries. I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. I always knew it would be, but this internship never ceased to exceed my expectations.
Have I told you that I had worked on landing this internship for nearly two years? In 2010, I visited Shepherds Ministries with my church youth group. I was a sophomore in college, and I acted as a sponsor on what was my second visit to Shepherds. While there, I learned of a communications internship, and my interest was immediately piqued. Just a couple months after that week of volunteering, I contacted a friend at Shepherds about this opportunity, and thus began a 21-month-long chain of e-mails and phone calls between my wonderful supervisor, Susan, and me.
There were ups and downs, glimmers of possibility followed by gray clouds of bleakness. There were times when I wondered if this thing I was pushing so hard for was something that God really had in mind for me or just something I selfishly wanted for myself. But I kept trying, praying all the way that God would shut the door for good if He really didn't want me at Shepherds.
I was persistent, to be sure. Probably to the brink of annoyance, at times. But I didn't give up, and Susan didn't give up, and God never said no. And at some miraculous point, He made it all come together and work out perfectly.
My time at Shepherds was so beneficial because of the workplace experience I gleaned. I've been studying this thing called corporate communications for the past year, but I didn't know for sure what a career in this field was exactly like until I went to Shepherds.
I love the variety of this type of job. You definitely do not do the same thing day in and day out. And there was lots and lots of writing to do, which made me very happy! I also enjoyed gaining the experience of working for a non-profit organization. Tacking that factor onto a career adds in a whole new element of variety. There's always something to be done, and you may be asked to help out, even if that certain task is not specifically listed on your job description.
The camaraderie among coworkers at Shepherds is fantastic! It's easy to tell that you are working in a Christian environment. At Shepherds, there are things much more important than working as many hours as possible or trying to climb up the corporate ladder. Things like your coworkers' well-being or your desire to do your best or your love for the clients.
That's the best part of all: the clients and students at Shepherds. They are the reasons why every employee goes to work each morning. They are the reasons why churches and schools come from across the nation to experience Shepherds. And they are the reasons why I traveled seven hours to live in a little village of 5,000 people for six weeks during my summer.
Sometimes it sounds a little crazy. I live less than an hour away from a giant metropolitan area. Why didn't I try to get an internship at one of the hundreds of businesses in that city? People have asked me that. People have looked at me in shock or surprise when I told them I had considered interning at an opera theatre or a history museum or a hospital, yet I forsook or turned down those opportunities. "Why?" they ask.
I always indulge in a tiny, secret smile when people stare at me with that concerned, sympathetic, "you poor fool" look. You see, I know something they don't know. I know that choosing to intern at Shepherds Ministries was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I know that most likely, I would not have been near as happy interning at those places as I was interning at Shepherds. I know that this was all in God's plan for me, and I feel so blessed to have had this experience.
My internship has ended. I am finished with that chapter of my life, but that doesn't mean it's completely closed. This chapter, this moment will influence many other future chapters of my life.
I am deeply connected to Shepherds. I have been for awhile, but these past six weeks have only strengthened and nurtured that relationship. I consider myself a self-assigned advocate for this organization, and I wish everyone could experience the unbelievable things that are happening here.
So, yes, this is the end. But in a way, it's also the beginning. I don't know what's in store for me next or when Shepherds Ministries and I will cross paths in the future, but I do know that this internship was more than I've ever dreamed of and something I will remember for the rest of my life.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Summer Fun
I've just been having a lot of fun lately.
Don't worry. I'm still working every day, but these past few evenings, I've just been able to enjoy time with friends. It's been really nice.
My roommate, Leah, and I discovered that we both LOVE stuffed crust pizza, yet we never get it because most of our friends and family hate the stuff. So, what are two girls to do? By all means, get the stuffed crust pizza!!! We found a Pizza Hut in nearby Racine and ate to our hearts' content. We couldn't decide whether to get supreme or pepperoni, so we thought ourselves pretty clever when we decided to get half and half and each take two pieces of each kind. Smart, huh? =D Here's Leah with our leftovers which we saved for dinner the next day.
Leah is preparing for a missions trip to China, so we decided to go to Walmart to pick up some supplies. We wandered for awhile looking for random things, such as baby wipes and flash drives. Good times.
Please be praying for Leah. She leaves for China on Saturday. She will be teaching ESL to Chinese students and living with a Chinese family. Hopefully, she will be able to share the gospel and be an amazing testimony for Christ. I know she would appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
To round out our night, we spent some much needed time at Starbucks and then browsed Barnes & Noble, noting all the books we want to read but never have time for. Sigh.
Tuesday night, I went to a patriotic service with Gayle and the ladies that live in her house. We sang patriotic songs, read verses, and listened to a devotional. There was a fellowship afterwards, and then we sat in the church parking lot, waiting for the fireworks to start. I'm a little spoiled. After seeing Disney's fireworks, I'm a bit dissatisfied with any other fireworks. But I had so much fun watching the residents enjoy them. They "oohed and aahed" loudly over each and every one. So precious.
Wednesday was of course, July 4. Union Grove has a parade on the 4th, and Shepherds always participates with their own float. Their float won second place this year. Their theme had to do with marching bands and classic musicals, so a few residents were picked to ride in the truck as a marching band. We have a volunteer group here this week, and they dressed up as characters from different classic American musicals and walked alongside the truck. They highlighted Grease, Oklahoma, and the Newsies. I was kind of jealous. It would have been fun to dress up like a musical. But then, I realized it was 105 degrees, and I laughed. Have fun with that, kids!
Instead, I got some sun and hung out with my friends Gayle and Corrie. Win!
I got a bit of flack for wearing my 2011 World Series Champs t-shirt in Brewer Country. I can't imagine why! =D
After reviving ourselves from the heat, I spent the afternoon with the Cayton house ladies. They've been so sweet to me during my time here. They've let me hang out at their house, eat dinner with them, tag along to their patriotic service, etc. I wanted to do something special for them, so I bought some craft supplies, and we decorated canvas bags. They really loved it! And they did such a beautiful job. Faith also got to join us, which made me happy. I love that sweet girl!
Here's my creation for my baby girl. Miss her so much!
Also, I watched real T.V. for the first time in over a month last night. We have a T.V. with cable here, but for some reason, I forget about it. I think it's because the furniture out in the living area is not the most comfortable in the world, but nevertheless, I caught Sleepless in Seattle and NCIS yesterday!
And tonight......it rained!!!!!!! Not very much, but I'll take what I can get. I feel like I haven't seen rain in forever. I was about to go out and play in it, but it stopped before I could get out there. Figures. Oh, well. Maybe I'll catch it next time.
Don't worry. I'm still working every day, but these past few evenings, I've just been able to enjoy time with friends. It's been really nice.
My roommate, Leah, and I discovered that we both LOVE stuffed crust pizza, yet we never get it because most of our friends and family hate the stuff. So, what are two girls to do? By all means, get the stuffed crust pizza!!! We found a Pizza Hut in nearby Racine and ate to our hearts' content. We couldn't decide whether to get supreme or pepperoni, so we thought ourselves pretty clever when we decided to get half and half and each take two pieces of each kind. Smart, huh? =D Here's Leah with our leftovers which we saved for dinner the next day.
Leah is preparing for a missions trip to China, so we decided to go to Walmart to pick up some supplies. We wandered for awhile looking for random things, such as baby wipes and flash drives. Good times.
Please be praying for Leah. She leaves for China on Saturday. She will be teaching ESL to Chinese students and living with a Chinese family. Hopefully, she will be able to share the gospel and be an amazing testimony for Christ. I know she would appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
To round out our night, we spent some much needed time at Starbucks and then browsed Barnes & Noble, noting all the books we want to read but never have time for. Sigh.
Tuesday night, I went to a patriotic service with Gayle and the ladies that live in her house. We sang patriotic songs, read verses, and listened to a devotional. There was a fellowship afterwards, and then we sat in the church parking lot, waiting for the fireworks to start. I'm a little spoiled. After seeing Disney's fireworks, I'm a bit dissatisfied with any other fireworks. But I had so much fun watching the residents enjoy them. They "oohed and aahed" loudly over each and every one. So precious.
Wednesday was of course, July 4. Union Grove has a parade on the 4th, and Shepherds always participates with their own float. Their float won second place this year. Their theme had to do with marching bands and classic musicals, so a few residents were picked to ride in the truck as a marching band. We have a volunteer group here this week, and they dressed up as characters from different classic American musicals and walked alongside the truck. They highlighted Grease, Oklahoma, and the Newsies. I was kind of jealous. It would have been fun to dress up like a musical. But then, I realized it was 105 degrees, and I laughed. Have fun with that, kids!
Instead, I got some sun and hung out with my friends Gayle and Corrie. Win!
I got a bit of flack for wearing my 2011 World Series Champs t-shirt in Brewer Country. I can't imagine why! =D
After reviving ourselves from the heat, I spent the afternoon with the Cayton house ladies. They've been so sweet to me during my time here. They've let me hang out at their house, eat dinner with them, tag along to their patriotic service, etc. I wanted to do something special for them, so I bought some craft supplies, and we decorated canvas bags. They really loved it! And they did such a beautiful job. Faith also got to join us, which made me happy. I love that sweet girl!
Here's my creation for my baby girl. Miss her so much!
Also, I watched real T.V. for the first time in over a month last night. We have a T.V. with cable here, but for some reason, I forget about it. I think it's because the furniture out in the living area is not the most comfortable in the world, but nevertheless, I caught Sleepless in Seattle and NCIS yesterday!
And tonight......it rained!!!!!!! Not very much, but I'll take what I can get. I feel like I haven't seen rain in forever. I was about to go out and play in it, but it stopped before I could get out there. Figures. Oh, well. Maybe I'll catch it next time.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Nothing New
I've spent the last several minutes racking my brain for something to write about. What I have to share is not necessarily new or terribly intriguing, so I apologize if you find this post to be a bore.
Writing has been my main task during most of my time here, so that's what I've been busy with this past week as well. I LOVE it! But it doesn't really make for good pictures to post on here, nor do I want to give you synopses of what I wrote when you can just as easily go to the Shepherds College blog or pick up the fall edition of the Shepherds Folder and read it for yourself. So, suffice it to say, I've been writing, writing, writing!
One bit of excitement is that a press release I wrote about the Shepherds College graduation was printed in Union Grove's Chamber of Commerce newsletter. That made me pretty happy! It's nice to see your work in print, you know? You can view the article here.
Gayle and I spent some more time together Thursday night. We went to Dairy Queen again. Boy, can that lady eat the ice cream! Another resident from Shepherds was at Dairy Queen with a volunteer that worked in Day Services this past week. The volunteer really connected with little Faith, which made my heart swell. Faith has been waiting for a Shepherds Friend for awhile, and it was so wonderful to see her having such a happy time with her new friend.
Last night, I ate at Noodles & Company for the first time. It was pretty good stuff. I also dawdled around Hobby Lobby, one of my favorite stores of all time. It's always a dangerous thing when I go in there. =D
I decided I wanted to do something special for the Cayton house ladies (the house where Gayle lives) because they've been so sweet about opening their home to me on several nights. So, I bought some craft supplies for each of them to decorate their own canvas tote bags. We'll be doing our craft night sometime within the next two weeks, and I can't wait to share the pictures and stories with you.
Next week, is also the annual Union Grove 4th of July Parade, so I'm sure I'll have plenty to share about that as well.
I have only two weeks left here. Two weeks! Can you believe it? Time has flown! I love the work I'm doing, and I truly love it here at Shepherds, but I am deeply missing my family and my home. I'm eager to sleep in my own bed again!
So, I plan on making the most of my last two weeks here, as I will be happy to go home but sad to leave. I think I'm contradicting myself. Oh, well. It's complicated.
Writing has been my main task during most of my time here, so that's what I've been busy with this past week as well. I LOVE it! But it doesn't really make for good pictures to post on here, nor do I want to give you synopses of what I wrote when you can just as easily go to the Shepherds College blog or pick up the fall edition of the Shepherds Folder and read it for yourself. So, suffice it to say, I've been writing, writing, writing!
One bit of excitement is that a press release I wrote about the Shepherds College graduation was printed in Union Grove's Chamber of Commerce newsletter. That made me pretty happy! It's nice to see your work in print, you know? You can view the article here.
Gayle and I spent some more time together Thursday night. We went to Dairy Queen again. Boy, can that lady eat the ice cream! Another resident from Shepherds was at Dairy Queen with a volunteer that worked in Day Services this past week. The volunteer really connected with little Faith, which made my heart swell. Faith has been waiting for a Shepherds Friend for awhile, and it was so wonderful to see her having such a happy time with her new friend.
Last night, I ate at Noodles & Company for the first time. It was pretty good stuff. I also dawdled around Hobby Lobby, one of my favorite stores of all time. It's always a dangerous thing when I go in there. =D
I decided I wanted to do something special for the Cayton house ladies (the house where Gayle lives) because they've been so sweet about opening their home to me on several nights. So, I bought some craft supplies for each of them to decorate their own canvas tote bags. We'll be doing our craft night sometime within the next two weeks, and I can't wait to share the pictures and stories with you.
Next week, is also the annual Union Grove 4th of July Parade, so I'm sure I'll have plenty to share about that as well.
I have only two weeks left here. Two weeks! Can you believe it? Time has flown! I love the work I'm doing, and I truly love it here at Shepherds, but I am deeply missing my family and my home. I'm eager to sleep in my own bed again!
So, I plan on making the most of my last two weeks here, as I will be happy to go home but sad to leave. I think I'm contradicting myself. Oh, well. It's complicated.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
A Pattern of Prayer
This is my fourth week at Shepherds. We've seen some exciting things this week.
Our Shepherds College blog had an all-time high amount of hits on Monday. The college sent out their e-newsletter which included a link to our blog, and within 45 minutes, we had over 100 hits on our blog. It was pretty incredible and very exciting.
My tour on Monday went just fine. Thank you for praying. On Tuesday, a couple from Georgia showed up on our doorstep. They had just heard about Shepherds College the day before, and they decided to visit. Their granddaughter has Down Syndrome, and they were so excited to learn about a college possibility for her.
Well, it being at the end of the day and all, several of the staff had already left, so I was asked to give the tour. I really enjoyed it. It was so exciting to see the hope and dreams in this couple's eyes. You could tell that they just wanted to give their granddaughter some normalcy and independence in her life. It was truly a unique and treasured moment.
For those of you who have been reading my blog, you know that earlier I told you I would be working on my prayer life this summer. I chose this as my challenge to coincide with what our Bible study group was learning.
I still need your prayers, of course. I've had some highs and lows. There are days when I really spend quality, fulfilling time in prayer with God, and other days when I fill my time with other things and fail miserably. But I'm growing, and I want to continue down that path.
There is a specific lady at Shepherds that is encouraging me in my prayer life. Her name is Kathy, and she is a resident. Kathy is very difficult to understand, but she loves to talk to people. She's always smiling and laughing.
When I worked on the night shift last Thursday, Kathy was one of the residents that we had to wake up during the night rounds for her designated bathroom time. Joanna, the lady I was working with, explained that Kathy has to be woke up multiple times during the night, and every time she wakes up, she asks the night staff to pray with her before she goes to sleep again.
As I watched Joanna help Kathy back to bed, Kathy saw me standing in the hallway. She asked who I was, then immediately said, "She's my friend." Kathy motioned to me and asked me to pray with her before she went back to sleep. It was the most precious thing.
I saw Kathy again yesterday when I was taking the couple on their tour. She wanted to say "hi" to the visitors and shake their hands, so we stopped next to her walker and chatted for a bit. Before we left, she asked the couple to pray with her. I was amazed at her testimony.
I don't know if this couple was saved or not, but that didn't matter to Kathy. She wanted the couple to talk to her and her God.
Kathy's first reaction is to pray. Why is that not my first reaction?
One of my friends here just posted a quote on her facebook page. The quote was by Corrie Ten Boom, and it said, "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?" So convicting, right? I can be such a "spare tire" person. I wait 'til life gets bumpy before I turn to God in prayer. Why is that? Sin nature, I guess, and the desire to do everything on your own, but it's frustrating to me. I feel like I'm so slow to change.
So, if you're a "spare tire" person too, join me and let's work to become "steering wheel" people. People like Kathy.
Our Shepherds College blog had an all-time high amount of hits on Monday. The college sent out their e-newsletter which included a link to our blog, and within 45 minutes, we had over 100 hits on our blog. It was pretty incredible and very exciting.
My tour on Monday went just fine. Thank you for praying. On Tuesday, a couple from Georgia showed up on our doorstep. They had just heard about Shepherds College the day before, and they decided to visit. Their granddaughter has Down Syndrome, and they were so excited to learn about a college possibility for her.
Well, it being at the end of the day and all, several of the staff had already left, so I was asked to give the tour. I really enjoyed it. It was so exciting to see the hope and dreams in this couple's eyes. You could tell that they just wanted to give their granddaughter some normalcy and independence in her life. It was truly a unique and treasured moment.
For those of you who have been reading my blog, you know that earlier I told you I would be working on my prayer life this summer. I chose this as my challenge to coincide with what our Bible study group was learning.
I still need your prayers, of course. I've had some highs and lows. There are days when I really spend quality, fulfilling time in prayer with God, and other days when I fill my time with other things and fail miserably. But I'm growing, and I want to continue down that path.
There is a specific lady at Shepherds that is encouraging me in my prayer life. Her name is Kathy, and she is a resident. Kathy is very difficult to understand, but she loves to talk to people. She's always smiling and laughing.
When I worked on the night shift last Thursday, Kathy was one of the residents that we had to wake up during the night rounds for her designated bathroom time. Joanna, the lady I was working with, explained that Kathy has to be woke up multiple times during the night, and every time she wakes up, she asks the night staff to pray with her before she goes to sleep again.
As I watched Joanna help Kathy back to bed, Kathy saw me standing in the hallway. She asked who I was, then immediately said, "She's my friend." Kathy motioned to me and asked me to pray with her before she went back to sleep. It was the most precious thing.
I saw Kathy again yesterday when I was taking the couple on their tour. She wanted to say "hi" to the visitors and shake their hands, so we stopped next to her walker and chatted for a bit. Before we left, she asked the couple to pray with her. I was amazed at her testimony.
I don't know if this couple was saved or not, but that didn't matter to Kathy. She wanted the couple to talk to her and her God.
Kathy's first reaction is to pray. Why is that not my first reaction?
One of my friends here just posted a quote on her facebook page. The quote was by Corrie Ten Boom, and it said, "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?" So convicting, right? I can be such a "spare tire" person. I wait 'til life gets bumpy before I turn to God in prayer. Why is that? Sin nature, I guess, and the desire to do everything on your own, but it's frustrating to me. I feel like I'm so slow to change.
So, if you're a "spare tire" person too, join me and let's work to become "steering wheel" people. People like Kathy.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Up to Speed
For you faithful followers out there who check my blog regularly, I apologize. I haven't done a very good job of posting lately. And not to make excuses, but I have been busy nearly every night this past week. So, anyway, here's what I've been up to:
This past week, I've been doing a lot of interviewing. I'm working on several projects right now, and most of them require me to interview different people here on campus. Last week, I interviewed several of the key people who were crucial in the start-up and development of Shepherds College. I'm trying to really understand the history of the college, so I can piece together a timeline that can be used as a reference document by the marketing department and others.
I've also been interviewing Shepherds College faculty members. I will be writing their biographies, and these will be posted on the college website as references for potential students and their families. Sorry if I've already written about this. I can't remember if I've shared that information before or not. Oh, well.
Last Thursday night, I had a very unique interviewing experience. I will be writing a story for a Shepherds newsletter about the night staff here at Shepherds, so Thursday night, I shadowed two of the ladies, interviewed them, and got a small taste of what it's like to do their job. I didn't make it all night with them, but I observed long enough to experience the true servant's hearts of these amazing ladies.
Not many people would be vying for this particular job. They work all night long. They provide care to residents who need it in the middle of the night, maybe multiple times a night. They do basically whatever tasks need to be done before the next day: laundry, sewing, cleaning, etc. But here's the thing: they love what they do, and they have a very special connection with the residents. I think the residents know that everything will be okay at night because these ladies are watching out for them, making sure they are safe and helping them with whatever they might need.
I feel blessed to have been able to meet these women, and I look forward to Monday night when I will shadow them again.
The Shepherds College blog has also taken up a significant part of my time. Thankfully, we were able to write a post every day last week. We've started three weekly segments that will hopefully build interest. Please pray that this blog will be shared by many and will reveal a new way to reach our target audience. Also, for those of you who may not know, you can easily follow the Shepherds College blog or my blog by using an account with Google or signing up to receive posts by e-mail. Hint, hint. =D
I've also been observing tours, so I can learn how to give one. Becci, the director of ministry partnerships, usually gives the tours, but I will be filling in for her this week. I'm giving my very first tour tomorrow morning, so be in prayer for me. I want to give the best impression I can while also making it fun and informative.
Whew! I'm exhausted just writing about all of this. Well, it hasn't been all work, though.
We didn't have Bible study on Tuesday night, so my roommate Leah, our friend Kaitlin, and I headed to Starbucks. Spur of the moment, we also decided to hit the beach along Lake Michigan. It was lovely, and I hope I go back again when the sun's out and it's a little bit warmer.
Wednesday, my wonderful supervisor, Susan, took me out to lunch at one of the local eateries in the area. It was delicious, and I plan to go back again before I leave. That night, Leah and I decided to go out to Olive Garden. We share a love for Italian food, so we enjoyed ourselves immensely. And we had a coupon! Great news for poor college students like us! So, overall, Wednesday was a great food day for me. =D What's not to love?
On Thursday and Friday, I experienced a real game of bocce ball for the first time. Let me tell you, bocce ball is big stuff up here, and most Shepherds residents are crazy about it!
Shepherds has three Special Olympics bocce ball teams, and they've been practicing the last few nights. They're pretty good, and they have so much fun.
They even let me try my hand at it on Friday. Unfortunately, I'm not very good at all. David doesn't think I'm going to make the team. =D
But David was so, so sweet. He cracks me up! Every time it was his turn to throw the ball, he'd turn to me and say, "Now, watch this, Meg." And if it was a good throw, he'd say, "We did it, Meg!" even though, I had absolutely nothing to do with it at all. Such a dear.
Also on Friday, my sweet Gayle asked me over to dinner. Her "house mom" made us hamburgers and corn on the cob. I truly enjoy all the ladies in the Cayton House. They are such sweethearts! They've already invited me to go with them to their Fourth of July celebration. I'm pretty excited!
Gayle and I are working on her letters. Her goal is to learn how to read, so she can read the Bible. Doesn't that just melt your heart? I believe she can do it, but I don't have much time left with her before I leave. Please pray that someone will be able to take the time to continue working with her once I'm gone.
Well, I think that about covers everything. Now, you're all caught up on the happenings. And I need to go catch up on my ironing...
This past week, I've been doing a lot of interviewing. I'm working on several projects right now, and most of them require me to interview different people here on campus. Last week, I interviewed several of the key people who were crucial in the start-up and development of Shepherds College. I'm trying to really understand the history of the college, so I can piece together a timeline that can be used as a reference document by the marketing department and others.
I've also been interviewing Shepherds College faculty members. I will be writing their biographies, and these will be posted on the college website as references for potential students and their families. Sorry if I've already written about this. I can't remember if I've shared that information before or not. Oh, well.
Last Thursday night, I had a very unique interviewing experience. I will be writing a story for a Shepherds newsletter about the night staff here at Shepherds, so Thursday night, I shadowed two of the ladies, interviewed them, and got a small taste of what it's like to do their job. I didn't make it all night with them, but I observed long enough to experience the true servant's hearts of these amazing ladies.
Not many people would be vying for this particular job. They work all night long. They provide care to residents who need it in the middle of the night, maybe multiple times a night. They do basically whatever tasks need to be done before the next day: laundry, sewing, cleaning, etc. But here's the thing: they love what they do, and they have a very special connection with the residents. I think the residents know that everything will be okay at night because these ladies are watching out for them, making sure they are safe and helping them with whatever they might need.
I feel blessed to have been able to meet these women, and I look forward to Monday night when I will shadow them again.
The Shepherds College blog has also taken up a significant part of my time. Thankfully, we were able to write a post every day last week. We've started three weekly segments that will hopefully build interest. Please pray that this blog will be shared by many and will reveal a new way to reach our target audience. Also, for those of you who may not know, you can easily follow the Shepherds College blog or my blog by using an account with Google or signing up to receive posts by e-mail. Hint, hint. =D
I've also been observing tours, so I can learn how to give one. Becci, the director of ministry partnerships, usually gives the tours, but I will be filling in for her this week. I'm giving my very first tour tomorrow morning, so be in prayer for me. I want to give the best impression I can while also making it fun and informative.
Whew! I'm exhausted just writing about all of this. Well, it hasn't been all work, though.
We didn't have Bible study on Tuesday night, so my roommate Leah, our friend Kaitlin, and I headed to Starbucks. Spur of the moment, we also decided to hit the beach along Lake Michigan. It was lovely, and I hope I go back again when the sun's out and it's a little bit warmer.
Wednesday, my wonderful supervisor, Susan, took me out to lunch at one of the local eateries in the area. It was delicious, and I plan to go back again before I leave. That night, Leah and I decided to go out to Olive Garden. We share a love for Italian food, so we enjoyed ourselves immensely. And we had a coupon! Great news for poor college students like us! So, overall, Wednesday was a great food day for me. =D What's not to love?
On Thursday and Friday, I experienced a real game of bocce ball for the first time. Let me tell you, bocce ball is big stuff up here, and most Shepherds residents are crazy about it!
Shepherds has three Special Olympics bocce ball teams, and they've been practicing the last few nights. They're pretty good, and they have so much fun.
They even let me try my hand at it on Friday. Unfortunately, I'm not very good at all. David doesn't think I'm going to make the team. =D
But David was so, so sweet. He cracks me up! Every time it was his turn to throw the ball, he'd turn to me and say, "Now, watch this, Meg." And if it was a good throw, he'd say, "We did it, Meg!" even though, I had absolutely nothing to do with it at all. Such a dear.
Also on Friday, my sweet Gayle asked me over to dinner. Her "house mom" made us hamburgers and corn on the cob. I truly enjoy all the ladies in the Cayton House. They are such sweethearts! They've already invited me to go with them to their Fourth of July celebration. I'm pretty excited!
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Gayle and I are working on her letters. Her goal is to learn how to read, so she can read the Bible. Doesn't that just melt your heart? I believe she can do it, but I don't have much time left with her before I leave. Please pray that someone will be able to take the time to continue working with her once I'm gone.
Well, I think that about covers everything. Now, you're all caught up on the happenings. And I need to go catch up on my ironing...
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Sweet Memories
Today, our first Shepherds Friends group of the summer arrived on campus. I went on their tour with them, and seeing their reactions to the people at Shepherds brought back so many fond memories.
I've been blessed to be a part of two volunteer groups in the past six years, and I have fabulous memories from both of them.
2006 -
I miss "Rip, Snip, and Dump," Boxers or Briefs in the Franke House, running around Piggly Wiggly with baby carts, Joe and Cindy ("Tuesday, Tuesday!!!"), my traumatizing first day with Elizabeth and Jeremy, Larry proposing to every girl, finding Max the Mouse in our grill, washing windows with Gayle, talking with Dennis, building towers with Joel, the choir from Sheboygan, Elizabeth and I playing Bingo with Amanda ("I don't have it! I don't have it!"), Lois calling me Miss Pinky, and Terry singing for us.
2010 -
I miss the 5K with Gayle, Kristen, Heidi, and JoEllen, attempting to play volleyball with beach balls and sheets, the residents' karaoke parties, Saul's salads, playing Curses into the wee hours of the morning, Steven winning a vacation to Hawaii, Kaitlyn's all-day Dr. Quinn marathon with Peggy, making necklaces with Gayle, PM riding by on the giant tricycle, catching up with Loren, learning how to fold napkins, and hearing the handbell choir for the first time.
So many beautiful memories. I hope we never forget them.
I've been blessed to be a part of two volunteer groups in the past six years, and I have fabulous memories from both of them.
2006 -
I miss "Rip, Snip, and Dump," Boxers or Briefs in the Franke House, running around Piggly Wiggly with baby carts, Joe and Cindy ("Tuesday, Tuesday!!!"), my traumatizing first day with Elizabeth and Jeremy, Larry proposing to every girl, finding Max the Mouse in our grill, washing windows with Gayle, talking with Dennis, building towers with Joel, the choir from Sheboygan, Elizabeth and I playing Bingo with Amanda ("I don't have it! I don't have it!"), Lois calling me Miss Pinky, and Terry singing for us.
2010 -
I miss the 5K with Gayle, Kristen, Heidi, and JoEllen, attempting to play volleyball with beach balls and sheets, the residents' karaoke parties, Saul's salads, playing Curses into the wee hours of the morning, Steven winning a vacation to Hawaii, Kaitlyn's all-day Dr. Quinn marathon with Peggy, making necklaces with Gayle, PM riding by on the giant tricycle, catching up with Loren, learning how to fold napkins, and hearing the handbell choir for the first time.
So many beautiful memories. I hope we never forget them.
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