Beyond Expectations

By Grace, Summer Intern at St. James Town

This summer marks the start of a new opportunity for me to serve in St. James Town again, through Sonshine Day Camp. During my first summer in St. James Town, I was met with feelings of fear and nervousness, as it was my first time working with kids. As the summer went by, the initial fears I had were replaced with a deep love for the kids in St. James Town. Now in my second year at Sonshine Day Camp, I have come in with a different outlook; I no longer carry my initial fears but I feel blessed to be able to serve in St. James Town again. Within the joy I feel in serving the community, some worries still exist; they come from the expectations I have for this summer, and how such expectations have the possibility to become limitations.

The expectations I have for this summer are based on my experiences from last summer. While I like that those previous experiences give me a deeper understanding of my community, I do not want them to limit my view on what God has planned for this summer. The passage that helps me open my heart to what God has for my summer in St. James Town comes from Ephesians 3:20-21:

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

This passage shows me that I should not limit God and the ways in which He is working in the community. Instead, I should open up my heart to receive all that He plans to do. God is moving and I am humbled that He has chosen me to be a part of it!

Grace is returning to St. James Town for a second year. As a summer intern, she has had an amazing experience learning how to present the gospel to children.