By: Mattan, Community Engagement Coordinator
I have now completed half of my internship at ET! In the past four weeks, much has been done. The summer guide is published, I’ve helped out at St Judes and joined in on the Hubsters meetups. At church, we have been working through many donations and a website for available furniture. I feel blessed to work and learn from this vibrant church community.
With the loosening lockdown restrictions there have been many more opportunities to work in person at church and in the community. I am looking forward to working more 50/50 online and in-person this next month. A highlight of this past week was shopping for three carts filled with canned goods, rice, pasta, etc. from Nofrills for the Foodbank. It was fun to collect and transport these items with the pastors and Angela, but most of all, I felt that we were helping in a substantial way for our community. Meeting with the Hubsters is something I look forward to each week because I can meet in person with community youth and engage in conversations together!
This internship has allowed me to reflect on myself and has led to personal growth. I have been reading Toxic Charity and The Only Necessary Thing (a book about prayer). Both books have challenged me to rethink my perception of community living. Oftentimes, I pray before bedtime, but find myself being tired, and not fully committed to this time. The Only Necessary Thing has challenged me to build my relationship with God by intentionally taking 30 minutes of each day for quiet time. Toxic Charity makes me evaluate my perception of what community is, and has reminded me that I am serving to empower others, not to sabotage them (even if unintentionally).
This August, I want to make the most of my time working at ET. I have seen how quickly time seems to go by, particularly when working remotely. I want to foster meaningful friendships with the Hubsters and foodbank volunteers. I want to learn how to give graciously, especially at the foodbank where I must be patient. Finally, I want to spend more time with God and grow in this relationship before I head off to university in the fall.