The 2016 Shari Prestemon Social Justice Interns have graciously agreed to share their experiences with all of us. From time to time, we’ll be posting ‘journal entries’ from Sharell Shippen and Sheryl Garcia. Below is one of these entries.
This summer I was fortunate enough to not only work alongside another intern, but share a house with long term volunteers from whom I learned a great deal.
I feel like I say this a lot, but this summer did not turn out exactly as I planned. I have learned, though, that what I have planned and what God has planned do not have to match. I did not anticipate sharing a house with three other people, or briefly sharing a room for that matter. At first, the idea of living in a house full of strangers was uncomfortable – I mean, what if we did not get along? What if the other people found me annoying? WHAT IF… but luckily ‘what ifs’ do not count for anything and my time with the other house guests was enjoyable. I learned how to manage space (especially in the fridge… just kidding) and the importance of personal space. Just because you live together does not mean you have to spend every minute of every day with each other. My house mates were all very independent, something I have never had to be, and I have started to grasp at the idea that it is okay to do things by yourself even if it feels weird. To my own surprise I was able to venture out on my own, go sightseeing and eat at a restaurant alone. No one looked at me weird or tried messing with me (which was my biggest concern) and it gave me the opportunity to reflect on my time here and how to apply everything I have learned to my life back in Dallas.
My housemates have taught me that sometimes opportunities do not just fall into your lap and if you want something it is best to just go out and look for it! I have been inspired by the things my housemates have done and the places they have traveled and I look forward to seeking out my own opportunities in the future.
It has been a great summer and while I now have the house to myself (yay!) I am glad I had the opportunity to work with and learn from others volunteering/interning here at Back Bay Mission.
