This week I am writing from Moon Beach in Wisconsin for the peace interns closing retreat. A family camp is going on during our retreat so we have been taking turns having campfire talks about our summer and social justice issues but that is not the main focus of why we are here this week. The main point is for us to be together and close out the summer. It is so wonderful to have the three of us back together even with it being bitter sweet that the summer is ending. During this week we have been talking to one another about how our different camps have been going and learning so much from each other. It has been wonderful being able to sit down with the other interns because they understand the things that you have been doing. The peace internship is one of those things that is really difficult to explain to someone. For you to truly know what it is like you must do it for yourself and that is why we are so happy to have this time together.
It is also a time for us to relax and prepare ourselves to enter back into the "real world". Camp is a place that is so important because it is the ideal of what the world should be like, it is kind, accepting, and people are treated the way they should be out in the "real world". The thing I know I want to do is bring a bit more camp back with me to help the world be more like camp. That is why I think that despite the fact that my adventure of this summer is ending, that my journey is going on. I want to help shape the world into a kinder and more accepting place. I want to help show the importance of social justice and help it really make a change in this world.
I went out this summer to form connections with campers, link the different camps, help build faith, and most importantly teach about social justice. That seed was planted in campers and I just have to trust that it grows. However the thing I can confirm is that the campers taught me and helped me grow so much as a person and in my faith. There is no way that I am the same person that entered into this internship and I am truly grateful for that growth. This is something I am going to carry with me for the rest of my life. I plan on bringing it back to my region in Virginia as well and maybe it will help us grow as a community.
This summer has truly been amazing and I can not be more thankful to be able to have this experience and meet so many amazing people. I also know that I have made friends for life in the other interns and we will treasure the experiences we have had over this summer and over this week. We have laughed and cried. We have had deep discussions while in a middle of a lake on a kayak or paddle board as well as goofy ones. We have been each others support during the summer, making sure that we have kept in contact with one another. These ladies are amazing and have done amazing things. I also want to thank everyone who has been of help this summer especially our coordinator, Phoebe, because without her we could have done none of what we did.
Now it is time to continue my journey and start the new chapter in my life. I will continue to fight for justice and act out my ministry every day of my life. I am ready to share my knowledge with the world as I become a teacher. Disciples Peace Fellowship has meant the world to me and I will always support it because the world needs a little more peace, love, justice, and camp.