~Let go of a prayer for you, Just a sweet word
The table is prepared for you ~
A benediction for future peace interns:
Pack more socks, pack fewer shirts. Bring an extra pair of closed-toe shoes. Be flexible with your workshop; it can flow with what each week's needs are. Listen to the youth. Ask them and listen. Laugh a lot and often. You are doing hard work, but never forget the joy in good news. That is vital for survival. Sleep is not your enemy, but don’t let it be your vice. Sometimes, fighting that yawn one more time will lead to the best conversation of the summer.
Breathe.
Long and often.
Know that it is a prayer for when you are too tired to go on. Your breath is holy; the spirit is in it. Remember that for times when your voice won’t work, your words won't form when you are asked to pray. And you will be asked to pray, more than you think. Don’t be scared to ask questions to everyone, even the youth. You don’t know these grounds as the version you are now. A peace intern, and that is okay.
You are learning as much as you are teaching this summer, because blessed are those who see the scars and go tell others. You see the youth with all their scars, and they see you with yours, so Peace be with you both.