Hi everyone, My name is Emily and I am currently in my freshman year at the institute. I plan to travel abroad this summer as an intern to El Salvador, Uganda, and Kenya. Last year before coming to school I was in Uganda for 4 months serving at a babies home. I served the kids alongside the local staff that worked there. During my time there, I got to grow relationships with the mamas(Ugandan staff) there, get to know them and their stories, and work with them daily. I got to care for 35 children and specifically help in the girls room with 15 precious girls, who stole my heart. I often think about my time there and the people I love so much. Those months I spent there felt too short when it came time for me to leave. But now I have the chance to go back not only to Uganda but also to Kenya and El Salvador. The weeks leading up to the internship announcement, the mamas and children were on my mind daily. I thought about them and missed them so much, I wished to be back there, and I knew all I could do in those moments was pray for them. My mentor even encouraged me to just write about what I was learning and write it in a letter to them even if they would never see what I had written to them. When summer internship was announced I knew there was a reason they were on my mind. I now have the chance to serve alongside my brothers, sister and leaders. I have the chance to take what I have been learning in my classes, chapel, church, and in the community and bring it on Internship. We have been told many times through this first year and semester that this education is not only for us. Everytime I hear this I get to think about the mamas(staff) and children, and how this education would impact them and empower them. Being here I have realized the importance of learning God's word, so that we can serve and be available for the work God wants to do through and with us. Through my trip my prayer is that I will be present and willing to let God work in ways that will help advance his kingdom. I will be willing to learn and submit myself to the place God has me and be used where I am needed. Thank you all for your support and prayers.