Question: What did you learn through this internship that you found particularly valuable and how did you learn that?

Working with people at an inspired and efficient speed. It was easy to work slowly, sluggishly, and confused early on when things were foreign. It was easy to get frustrated which slowed the whole pace down, but with time and team growth, we found a better groove became more fluid and worked at a good clip. However, the time came when everything was routine and mere repeat. Then, with reminding ourselves the sacredness of our goal, we moved on with more delicacy and intent.

-Matt Fossen

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Through planning and such I found a whole new creative side to myself that I didn't even know I had.

I also learned that I had a nurturing side of myself with kids. I knew that I liked kids but was never really that comfortable leading them until now. I actually earned the nickname, Mamma Jackie, over the course of the summer while I kept everyone on task and making sure we had everything we needed for BKC; I became the official shopper for my group as well.

- Jacklyn Snoek

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I learned how to be a better leader through all of the great speakers that tacked to us. Also how to work as a team, each one of us had our own unique gifts and we learned how to put them together for one purpose. I am now thinking less of myself but more of others people's needs. I feel so blessed to be aport of the internship because I have built so many deep relationships that will last a life time.

- Jenna Jongekrijg

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I learned a lot about myself. I found out how relational I truly am and how far I have come in my faith. I learned that through many of us share completely different personalities and how we take on different tasks, only makes us a better team, or in this years case - a family.

Also, it never once felt like a job to me... it was like the money didn't even matter in all honesty. Seeing the smiles on those kids every Tuesday and Thursday made it so worth while. By the end of it, I realized that it didn't matter how many kids showed up on the last day, but instead how amazing it was to look back and say, "we've had the opportunity to influence and show God's love to these kids that God already hand-picked for me. By the end, it seemed like the children infect, had blessed me more than I had them. I think that's what I took away from this internship most invaluably - that it's about having a constant missional mindset everyday and being a leader, by taking what I've learned this summer, and applying it to my everyday life.

- Kendra Koleen

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I learned how to work in a group and who to build better relationships with people. I can not go through life on my own so I that it is good that I learned this group stuff now. God made us to work together and to build relationships with others. And show others his love through us. It is really hard to explain how much this summer has effected me.

- Elizabeth Hoekstra

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This summer I've learned quite a bit. First, I learned that in a group setting my form of leadership is in focus and logistics. I keep progress moving and consider details in depth. I also made sure to clean ukp after our kids or my fellow interns which was my way of serving them that came  somewhat naturally.

I learned that I'm better with kids than I thought I was going into the internship. In the past I'd thought kids didn't seem to like me but I got along really well with some of the girls at BKC.

Through our eLeadership classes I learned that ultimately, love and as true heart for God will help you lead others. Also that there are different kinds of leaders and leadership styles, and that all of these need to work together to achieve success.

In eDiscipline classes I realized that my awareness of God can be heightened by being international about thinking of and communicating with God.

- Kaylie Wierda

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I've learned more about myself through the internship at Calvary. I found myself having a better relationship with God as well. And, I think the big reason is because of the eDiscipline practices. They really gave me a great connection with God. I can listen to what he tells me. Throughout the 10 weeks, I've also gotten a better knowledge about kids. I've learned to love them just like God would love me. Relationship with kids is amazing. I could potentially do it as a back up plan if broadcasting doesn't work.

- Jeremy Stewart

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One thing I really learned for the first time is that we live in a post-Christian world. I really have grown up in a Christian bubble. It's eye-opening to realize that most people scoff at Christianity. I learned that through a number of ways this summer - backyard Kids Club (BKC), Monday Canvasing (Matt Lehr), and experiences outside the internship. But, I didn't get the message "Oh well, the world is post-Christian. Sigh. We'll just sit here." The internship has shown me how to or what to do. I can't change or save anyone - only God can. But, I've learned how to practically love people towards God in a church setting and in a personal stetting too - through Matt Lehr's poverty sessions, eating lunch at Western Theological Seminary, the patience and time with BKC kids, and more.

-Abby Gritter

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I learned how to work with others, and how to treat little kids to show them that I love them but God also loves them. Spending time with these kids helped me learn a lot. I built relationships that will last forever. I also learned how to treat/work with my team in ways that will help me for the rest of my life.

-Caleb Maat

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I learned patience this summer. I learned it by working with the kids in the neighborhood. They would test the limits and give us tones of attitude but it would usually go better if I was calm instead of getting upset.

I also learned that a time of solitude really refuels me. The week we were to practice this was kind of a hard week for me but after I spent time reading the Bible, journaling. and praying, I felt so much better and ready to continue with the internship.

I also learned how important it is to recognize what type of leader you are and the type of leaders the people around you are. THere were times I was frustrated because we were not all going in the same direction but then when we talked about what type of leader we each were, it all made sense. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses and of our team member. We can all build off each other. When we are aware of our weaknesses we can ask for help and we can work on making those aspects stronger.

- Erin Rietveld

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I learned a lot about leadership. I found that by listening to our speakers, seeing church leaders, and practicing leadership, I was able to develop myself. I used to be a very driven and self-focused person who was all about getting things done in the best way, which was usually my way. But I have learned to lead as a person who brings out the best God-given talents in people and that has made a world of difference in my life.

I also learned about making my life more Christ-focused. Dan Webster told us about being a person of God by surrendering everything. He decided to not let anyone out serve him. That hit me. So, I made a choice to be a moan of God by out serving, out loving, and schedule my time in a more productive and godly manner.

-Benjamin Attema