The following was written by Savannah, CWE365's Mentoring intern, regarding her internship experience.
My
adventures with the CWE Mentoring Program started three years ago. A dear
friend of mine – before I was even walking with Jesus – told me about Camp War
Eagle and its awesome mentoring program! At first, I didn’t give it much
thought. I hadn’t really given a lot of
weight to Jesus or kids for that fact. However, things soon changed that
summer after my freshman year of college. Jesus
changed my heart and directed it towards Him. He showed me that kids are
AWESOME and gave me a passion for sharing Christ with kids through many different
ministries. Realizing this fact, I decided I wanted to know more about this
crazy-cool camp called Camp War Eagle and their mentoring program. So I
did what any person would do; I called Hannah, one of the staff members of the
mentoring program. Then she called me. Then I called her back. It was a bit of
phone tag, but in the end, Hannah interviewed me and decided I would mentor
Olivia.
The
next year was spent hanging out each week with Olivia. We participated in fun
activities like going to get frozen yogurt, eating yummy food at Rick’s bakery,
slurping down Sonic drinks, or swinging at Wilson Park. It was so incredible to
get to know Olivia and her mom, Joy, better! My
adventures with the CWE Mentoring Program didn’t stop there though. My first
summer working at Camp War Eagle I was approached by Hannah Hiemstra and asked
to work as an intern for the mentoring program. I told her I would pray about
it because I already had a job lined up. Driving back from camp after
orientation, I called my grandma and asked her about her thoughts on the
situation. She knew my heart and my prayers. My grandma is so wise! She said
I’d be crazy not to follow the path Jesus had obviously opened. I called Hannah
that night and told her I’d love to be the intern for the mentoring program.
During my time as an intern, I
have witnessed the excitement of so many children – like Mateo, or McKayln, and
others – in receiving a mentor to walk with them through life. I have witnessed
the joy of kids when they get to participate in fun events like the program’s
annual Fall Festival. I have also cried because of the brokenness I have
witnessed due to the fact that unhappy things sometimes happen in the lives of
the children. However, there is hope and I praise Jesus that they have the
opportunity to be loved and supported by an incredible mentor.
Throughout
my now two years as an intern, I have continued to meet with Olivia (or Liv)
each week. I have enjoyed the many moments that we have laughed like when we
went through the drive through at McDonalds and I drove off without the food. I
have enjoyed our competitive spirits each time we play the card game “Speed”
together. I have enjoyed becoming part of her family and spending many moments
watching her use her talents as an actress to impress so many! However, my
favorite moment of ours is when Liv and her mom went to Honduras with a bunch
of college girls and I through our church. It was such a sweet week of
pointing each other towards Jesus through serving together and reading 1 Peter
together. I was also so encouraged because I didn’t really know the impact I
had on Liv’s life until her mother wrote me the sweetest note and shared how
thankful she was that I was a part of Liv’s life and hers. I won’t ever forget
that trip. I’m so thankful the Lord showed me that He is good and knew from the
beginning how beautiful it is to be able to love on Liv and her mom through
mentorship.
Looking back, I had no idea of
the journey I’d encounter, but Jesus knew the blessing that would come serving
him consistently and His desire to give children the opportunity to know
Him through Christ-centered mentors. Through this internship, I also have
learned so much. I have seen the power of Jesus in the lives of students
through mentors. I have seen the beauty of community through going into the
office each week. I have learned that
loving Jesus changes our hearts for others to be more like his . I have
learned what it looks like to be encouraged and supported by an incredible boss
(a.k.a Hannah Hiemstra). I have cultivated a passion for mentorship as I have
seen it transform my life and the lives of many others. I have seen the love of
Jesus through so many. It has been such an incredible journey and I am so
thankful that Jesus showed me that his ways were and are so much better than
anything of mine.
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