Experiences of Summer Interns
It has been a wonderful summer full of short-term interns and we thought you would enjoy hearing from a few about their experience!
“Coming back to the James Place has been everything I ever dreamed of and much, much more. There is something so special about this place. It’s hard to describe; one simply must experience the joy and beauty of this ministry to fully understand. However, in my opinion, one of the best ways to capture what the James Place is all about is to watch the ladies washing each other's feet. Yes--- the ladies wash each other's feet. Sounds weird, right? The other day, two of the ladies called me out during chores and sat me down. They told me they were going to wash my feet. I refused at first, but then it hit me. They were not doing that because they had to, they were doing it because they wanted to. How humbling is that?! These friends of mine got down on the ground and washed my feet for me because they wanted to. The women wash people’s feet with humility and grace. The same humility and servant-hood Jesus had when washing the disciples’ feet. Painting a perfect picture of what it means to be a daughter of Christ and to serve His people, the women of HEAL simply amaze me. They taught me how to love better, smile more, be more kind, and how to have more fun. They taught me what loving Jesus really looks like. It looks like serving the people He loves, whether you want to or not, simply because He loves them. The women and children of the James Place have given me a lifetime of love, memories, and laughter that I will never forget. This place radiates joy, and the Holy Spirit is SO evident here. The abundance of love here is overwhelming, but that is the way it should be. Love should be overwhelming. God’s love is overwhelming. I simply want to say “thank you” to these people for loving me. Thank you for showing me what being a follower of Jesus looks like.”
- Caroline Ambrose, Volunteer Intern
“When you sign up to go to Uganda, you are signing up to have your life turned around completely. Aside from the time change, sleeping under a mosquito net, far too many bathroom visits, and insane roads, you can also expect to find your heart by the immense love and immense poverty. Because this is my second time working with HEAL, I had a fairly good idea of what to expect during my month here, but it seems that I had forgotten just how wonderful the people are. Working as a preschool teacher can be infuriating, but I adore all of my kids (even the troublemakers) and I could not have asked for better people to teach beside and learn from. I have become especially close with Joanne, who has shown me what it looks like to work hard, love hard, and make the most of every day. We joke about our favorite pop songs from the 2000s, and yet we can also talk about life and school and family. I am inspired by the way that she puts her all into everything she does, even if that is as simple as leading a song to a small group of children. Jo has taught me how to laugh in any situation, and that pouring out love to these children is far more important than I may realize. These are the kind of experiences that seem almost too good to be true. I mean, how can a person love so deeply? You cannot expect to leave Uganda without leaving a piece of your heart here with it. And you will be inspired to live a more meaningful and loving life each and every day.”
- Georgia Slattery, Volunteer Intern
“What I've come to know through the past two months spent at HEAL is that Jesus created us to have intentional, bold, and full relationships. Relationships that are more than just superficial conversations but complete with radical love. Despite language barriers, I saw ladies, interns, and children alike create blossoming friendships all thanks to the foundation The Lord has given us. One of my favorite relationships I made this summer was with a childcare employee, Moreen. Through long talks while pushing kids on the swings, we took the time to care and understand each other. My sweet friend invited me to her home where her hospitality and kindness went through the roof as she showed me true Ugandan culture. Moreen, along with the rest of the ladies at the James Place, manifest love and truth in the way Jesus made us to. As the kids at the James Place would say "Hallelujah, AMEN" and praise be to God for this summer!”