Final Internship Reflections: Jocelyn

It’s the last week of my internship and it’s a bittersweet feeling. I don’t know where to begin expressing my gratitude. It began with my friend Katie rushing to Kingdom Causes to find out the deadline to apply for the internship. After applying, having the face to face interview with Robert Verwys and being accepted to be a part of the Friendship Manor. Also, spending time with the residents from the Friendship Manor and helping Sarah with activities for the grand finale - the Comedy show. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of the Kingdom Causes Family and be allowed to share God’s love with Friendship Manor in Bellflower.

Life has a funny way of teaching us to love it. From my experience at the Friendship Manor, I came to a realize that I am not any different from the elderly. I learned from them as much as they say they learned from me… but I still feel guilty. I feel that I gained so much more from them then I could have offered. From their stories, lessons about life, and their perception of me. It has all touched me, and I will be forever grateful. They overwhelmed me with compliments, that helped my self-esteem, and taught me to love myself. As human being, the act of giving is ironic because the receiver receives but the giver gets so much more. In my case, I was there to give my time and I am walking away with friendships I truly care for. The residents taught me to love life in a way I had never experienced before.

They taught me that visiting and listening goes a long way. A simple visit can turn a straight face into a bright smile. I invested many hours at the Manor and with the residents. Imelda, one of the residents, has earned a special place in my heart. Despite her illnesses and her with struggle life, she was always willing to open her home to me. There were times that she felt depressed and did not want to go outside or see anyone, but when I knocked she welcomed me in. We would laugh and share stories about our childhood. When she grew tired or sleepy and it was time for me to go, she spoke kind words to me like “I’m glad you came to visit”, “ That beautiful smile will stay with me for a week” and other kind words that uplifted her spirit and mine as well. It was a privilege to become very close friends with Imelda and others who I plan on visiting even when the internship is over.

So I want to thank everyone who welcomed me into the office of KCB in the mornings with their bright smiles and hello’s. Also Sarah Leck, who was always so patient and helpful in anything that I needed assisting with. It’s been a great summer.

Final Internship Reflections: Crystal

The Last Day: The last day of my science class was supposed to be the perfect farewell. My students were supposed to enjoy homemade ice cream and select prizes after weeks of saving tickets. It was my seventh week as a science teacher and I was still expecting the day to go as planned. My seventh class was by far the most chaotic, with supplies running low and all sorts of liquids seeping through kids’ fingertips. Once I took a closer look, however, I noticed some miraculous moments. I heard kids shouting with excitement as volunteers poured vinegar onto baking soda. I spotted volunteers giving instructions to make slime and kids responding with precision. While the day continued to be filled with mishaps and mayhem, I found relief in the fact that a number of kids were truly enjoying themselves. It was already an honor to be called teacher, but being told “Thank you so much” and “I will miss this class” was such a humbling experience. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the students who had opened up their minds to science and the volunteers who had dedicated their time to the class. I even had a few parents stay afterward to help me clean up. It was far from perfect, but I could not have asked for a better last day.

Lessons Learned: I started my internship at Kingdom Causes as a high schooler with no formal teaching experience and little to no idea of what community development entailed. It took a leap of faith for me to seize this opportunity and take advantage of the freedom I had been given. I could simply complete the assigned tasks or devote my time to making a class that would benefit the youth of Bellflower. I wanted to motivate the kids to be fully engaged in their education and be curious about the world around them. Although I never specifically stated this goal to my students, I attempted to provide a learning environment where they could utilize their creativity and acquired knowledge to build something all their own. I could congratulate myself for a job well done, but at the day there was something bigger than me at work. I was simply responding to the needs of the community and loving my city the best way I knew how. Thank you Kingdom Causes for giving me that opportunity.

Looking Forward: As my internship comes to a close, I become more and more certain that I have obtained valuable skills and unforgettable experiences along my journey. I was able to connect with my students, my co-workers, and my city. Establishing these relationships was my favorite part of this internship. I opened my heart to the community and they opened their heart to me. With this also came letting go of pride, ego, and sometimes control. At first I was uncomfortable with the chaos, but then I realized a small dose can be necessary (especially when you put science and kids together). My internship began with saying goodbye to a much beloved community leader. My internship ended with saying hello to a new executive director and a future of being invested in my community.

Dance Classes at KCB!

For the last couple of months a dedicated group of kids have been attending Kingdom Causes' First Dance Class. While there are many benefits to dance: improvement on flexibility, strength and endurance, what is more exhilarating is that dance gives them an overall sense of well-being by increasing their self-confidence, reducing stress and tension, and building teamwork. It is exciting to see them eager to learn new steps and ask for challenging moves. Not only have the kids been excited but there is a great sense of excitement and support by their parents as well, who have helped tremendously by making sure their kids are stretching and practicing their moves at home. It is compelling to teach these amazing kids and get them ready for their first performance. If you would like more information about this dance class or are interested in signing up your child, please contact April at 562-804-2189.

Meet the Community Fellows: Sarah

Sarah Knaapen grew up in Northern California, in the Bay Area. She moved to Southern California to go to nursing school at Azusa Pacific University. She graduated December 2012 with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing and is now working night shift at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. She has always had a passion for homeless ministries, international missions, and women's health and rights. Moving into an apartment on Flower street with the Fellows Program has already been challenging but very exciting. She is thrilled and thankful for this opportunity to discover more about the adventure that God has planned for this year.

Meet the Community Fellows: Lucy

​Hi! My name is Lucy.

 I want start by saying how ridiculously excited I am for the opportunity Kingdom Causes has given me to be a fellow in a city that is very near to my heart.  Although my parents now live in Downey, they did a great job passing on their love for this small town. I grew up here, graduated high school and even commuted from Bellflower to Cal State Long Beach (where I still attend) for the first two years of my college career. I am 22 and quickly realizing that age and time aren’t as relevant as God and His plans are. I want this year to be about loving the people God has placed me near, and I can’t wait to experience His presence in the contact I have with my neighbors as well as my fellow fellows. 

Meet the Community Fellows: Janet

Hello, my name is Janet and I am in the fellows program this year. Recently I just graduated from Cal State Long Beach with my bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Also, I recently just got my first social work job, which I am very excited to begin. I will be working with older adults and will provide them with resources and services, so they can remain living at home safe and independently. 

I grew up in the city of Pico Rivera but Bellflower is my second home because I have attended Bellflower Brethren Church since the second grade. My family and Bellflower Brethren have showed me the passion I have to help and serve others. I am excited for this new year to be part of the bellflower community and to make new friendships. It has only been a week and the neighbors on Eucalyptus have been kind and welcoming. I look forward to what God has in store for the Bellflower and me. There may be challenges through out the year so I ask for your prayers that I listen carefully to the wisdom of God to further expand his Kingdom.

Meet the Community Fellows: Gabi

Perspectives are a strange thing. They affect every aspect of what we do, how we see, how we think, how we feel, who we are. As you read this post, you’re reading from a very particular and special perspective. I’d like to share some of the things Jesus has used to create my perspective over the last twenty years.

But first, a few quick facts: my name is Gabi Benalcazar and I have the opportunity to be a Community Fellow this year. I was part of the Fellows Program last year, but only for half the year beginning in January. I am incredibly thankful for the chance to continue living in Bellflower.

Alright, back to perspectives. One of the biggest ways Jesus has shaped my perspective is, no surprise, my home-life. “Home” is in Ohio; Westerville, OH to be exact. “Home” is my awesome, supportive parents, my big bro and four grandparents whom I was lucky enough to grow up living close to. “Home” is an old horse farm with way too much space to run around in and to spend time alone with Jesus. “Home” is where Jesus first drew me to himself, it is where I learned to love and live life with people. “Home” is a huge factor in Jesus shaping my perspective.

The next biggest factor is a place located at the corner of Clark and Flower...well, not the place, but the people there who make up part of Jesus’ body: Bellflower Brethren Church (BBC). Jesus has used BBC to shape the way I see and connect with community.

I’ll end with this story... The other night, I was running around with some kids that live in the apartments behind our church. We raced up the stairs of the courtyard at church and over to a balcony. The kids noticed that it was facing the direction of their home, so we ran to the railing to see if we could see their door. We could. Excitement, pointing and happy chatter broke out. Then they just stood there for a bit (the longest they stood still all night, no joke!) looking at their home from the second floor of this building. They had a whole new vantage point, a whole different perspective of their home, one that they’d never seen before. And that’s my hope. I hope that Jesus will continue to bring me through and to places, people, whatever it may be, to give me and others a new perspective. A “new” perspective for me, that is, but one as old as time to Him. I trust that, completely by his grace, during this next year and beyond, he will continue helping me to see and love like he does. Helping me to live with His perspective. I hope and trust that the same will happen with you.

Meet the Community Fellows: Lindsay

Hi! My name is Lindsay Pals and I am a recent transplant from Grand Rapids, Michigan, where my most recent position was in the housing and education side of community development. I was born, raised, and went to school in that lovely city, but have always been drawn to Southern California. Through family and friends I heard about the good work KCB has been involved in, so with my pending move to Southern California, I decided to check the organization out.  Needless to say, God leads and God provides- two huge lessons I’m still learning in this entire transplant. I know He has more blessings and lessons in store for me, the fellows program, and our community this year.
I enjoy meeting new people and I really enjoy coffee. Take that as an open invitation J

Meet the Community Fellows: Noemi

Hi, my name is Noemi Vega and I am part of this year's Community Fellows Program. Even though I grew up in Paramount, Bellflower is where I've spent most of my life! I have attended Bellflower Brethren Church since the age of 2, so it's safe to say it's where my roots are. last May I received my Bachelors degree in Psychology, from Grace College, Indiana. Like any psych major, I enjoy meeting new people and hearing about their life! This love for people was what sparked my interest in the Fellows Program. I am most excited to learn about community development and to really be stretched in my walk with the Lord. I am already starting to see God's faithfulness and his blessings over the community on Eucalyptus. I am hopeful and excited for what God has in store for me this year!

Intern Reflections: Betsy

The above pictures are from my Art class, it is kind of crazy in there. I’ll get into why it is “crazy” in a bit, because it is crazy in a good way. First of all I am blessed for this experience because it is so rewarding. I love the kids and this class, and my volunteers are all so amazing. My volunteers help me with so much and we go through a lot in one hour. We are literally running around the classroom the whole time. For this class I planned things that I knew for sure the kids would like. One of them is a paper-mache piggy bank, and that project has lasted three weeks. In the pictures above you can see the kids working on the piggy bank and also myself, captured in the momentum of going around the tables checking on each kid. One of my most favorite parts of the class has been at the beginning when I ask the class if they are ready to continue the piggy and they all shout “Yes!” It makes me feel so happy that they love it. Though there has been a couple of times that I get a little frustrated in the beginning of class, because I do not know how to set things up or if I have enough of supplies. Then it just so happens that the kids arrive, and they say hi and talk to me and it makes me feel better. All I want is for them is to enjoy my class. I really want to give this class my 100%. Thankfully the things I have them working on keep them intrigued. I do enjoy interacting with them and looking at their masterpieces. I have to say they are really creative kids. The second best part of the class is that when we are done my volunteers and I clean up and talk about how the class went that day. We are tired and messy with paper-mache all over our hands, but I feel a sense of accomplishment when class is over because I know we gave it our all.

Overall, I feel I am getting a better grip of things and know what things kids can and cannot do in regards to art, because some things are a little difficult for them to do. I feel happy I‘m in charge, and I feel this class is a good fit for me as I myself am a kid at heart.

Intern Reflections: Jocelyn

Elderly & Laughs

It is always intimidating to enter a room of unfamiliar people. Currently, I am on my fifth week 

of this internship. There has been silence and laughter. I have met some pretty amazing women.

Everyone loves and enjoys their company.

Laughter, is present during our Comedy Show practice.

Dear friends at the Bellflower Friendship Manor, thank you for allowing me to spend Tuesdays and Thursdays with you.

Emhelda, Costa Rican, artsy woman with an obsession for feathers.

Remember me Ms.Patrica? 

Lovely nicknames from Mary; please call me Jocelyn #3

Youthful at heart. You are appreciated by Sarah And I!

Intern Reflections: Isaac

    Limitless

I want to be limitless.

But I can’t get out of my own skin.

I dream of the impossible.

But at some point I have to face reality.

I want to save the world.

But that’s not my job.

I want to make a difference.

But I need to change my perspective.

Jesus already came to save the world.

It’s not about me.

He is changing the world.

I’m just here to help.

I have limits.

He is limitless.

- Isaac Taylor

Outreach intern

Intern Reflections: Crystal

Progress Report: For the first three weeks of my internship, the majority of my time was spent at a desk and on my laptop. I researched science experiments that were both safe and fun. I created activities that were both educational and engaging. I was determined to be true to the neighborhood flyer that titled my class “Science is Fun”. Countless hours, however, did not prepare me enough for that first class. My lesson plan was organized and precise, very unlike the kids who would walk through the doors of the community center that first day. Remaining patient was the most difficult part of the day. I had to make sure that the kids had everything they needed, that the volunteers understood the curriculum for the day, and that all the parents’ questions were being addressed. When the class finally started and the activities commenced, I was relieved to see the kids enjoying themselves and cheering when I asked if they were ready for the next experiment. The most rewarding part of my day was saying goodbye to the kids. At the end of the day, even the kids who struggled through the three hour class approached me and said “Thank you teacher”.  

The Big Picture: Organizing the summer science class has taught me the importance of balance.

Not only should I be fun and friendly when addressing the kids, I should also be firm when giving instructions or handling materials. Not only should I be rigid about following safety rules, I should also be flexible if an experiment does not go as planned. I cannot get so fixated on my lesson plan that I lose touch with how the kids are doing. By my second class, I was able to rely more on my volunteers and walk around the room. I received input from the kids on which activities they liked and what lessons intrigued them. My original goal of having a well-run class was no longer relevant. The most important thing was that the kids had a genuine curiosity about the world around them. One of my favorite experiments was creating earthquake-safe buildings from marshmallows and toothpicks. In a sense, I too was trying to create a stable foundation. This foundation would allow the kids to look back on my class and see that learning is invigorating and that science truly is fun.

Meet Our Summer Interns: Jocelyn

                         

I started my internship a 2 weeks ago and I was given a position where I'll work with Sarah Leck at the Bellflower Friendship Manor planning events and providing encouragement to the residents. I had anticipated hearing back from Sarah and I was given the chance to met her in person and found out that she is such an amazing person who truly loves her job. It will be a privilege to shadow her and take some leadership roles in event planning and putting my planning into practice. I want to think outside the box and bring new and creative ideas to the residents in the Bellflower Manor. Currently I have met with Sarah and I am in the process of transitioning my way to working with the residents. Thursday, Sarah will be introducing me to the residents at their dinner time. I am looking forward to presenting my face to the residents and hopefully becoming friends with the residents. I look forward to managing school, my job and most importantly the internship. I am truly blessed for having the opportunity to intern at Kingdom Causes and I plan on taking advantage of this experience.

Meet Our Summer Interns: Betsy

Hello! My name is Betsy and I am excited to be a summer intern this year! I am 21 years old and currently am a student at Cerritos College. I have been a native of Bellflower since 2010 and a member of Rosewood Church in Bellflower almost my whole life. I used to live in Paramount where I grew up an only child. A few things that I enjoy are; running, shopping, reading books and being with my friends and family. I love being active and out of the house a lot, you can probably find me at Starbucks with my friends almost every end of the week.

I have participated in many of my church’s activities including a youth group called “Serve,” that I was in for 5 years straight every summer. Serve in a nutshell is a type of ministry that brings together youth from all over the U.S including Canada in one church for a week and serve the community in a way that gives you the opportunity to get closer to God through worshipping, Bible studies, to fun day outs in groups with people that love Jesus. Anyways, ever since the first serve trip 5 years ago which took place in Ensenada Mexico, given I didn’t know anyone, I was extremely out of my comfort zone, but ever since that time I’ve been inspired to help people and join activities for a cause. “Whatever you do, whether in word or in deed do it for God.” Colossians 3:17

All in all this year will be a different type of summer, I am going to be coordinating and teaching a summer art class – for which I am so excited! I am happy I got this opportunity I will try my best, I know it will be a summer of learning and growing and I am ready for it!

Meet Our Summer Interns: Isaac

Who am I?

A poem by Isaac Taylor

Who am I?

I’m not a poet so I’ll keep this short,

I am a new summer intern, or something of that sort.

My new place is with outreach, I’ll give it a try.

Who am I?

Its a struggle to describe, which is why

I decided to write a poem. Easy as pie.

I’m 18, and then 19 in July.

Who am I?

Now you’re probably wondering why

I chose to spend my summer doing this

(my rhyming is terribly remiss).

That is something I can’t easily tell:

It seems that the pieces sort of just fell

into place. Despite that, here am I.

Don’t hesitate or be shy,

I’d love for you to come by

and ask me: what? why?

and of course:

Who am I?

Meet Our Summer Interns: Crystal

Introduction: 

Life is full of character transformations, both for the better and for the worse. When I was in preschool, my teachers asked me to use my inside voice and  keep calm while indoors. This led me to keep to myself and engage in a lot of quiet reflection. This quiet reflection, however, helped me realize that I was wrong to ever shy away from my social personality. Now, I am encouraged to be outgoing and make contributions to my community, creating something much larger than myself. I am currently undergoing a positive transformation, embracing who I am as an individual through positive connections and experiences. My internship at Kingdom Causes is one of these experiences. 

Me as an Individual: 

Hello, my name is Crystal Vega and I am an incoming senior at Troy High School in Fullerton. Although I go to school in Fullerton, I have been a resident of Bellflower since elementary school. I have come to love this city and express my love through volunteer work. I started off as a reserved sixth grader whose sister dragged her to the C.M. Brakensiek Library for volunteering. I went from a fumbling sixth grader to a young adult who loves public speaking, writing, and meeting new people. I was able to put my strengths to the test when I joined clubs at my middle school and then at my high school. I am now involved in a club dedicated to spreading awareness about autism and reaching out to families in need. I also plan on starting a Ted Talks Club this coming school year that provides students with a platform for self-expression. It is such a gratifying experience to help a fellow student discover their passions. 

Me as an Intern: 

I feel especially blessed to call myself a summer intern, as this will be my second year working with Kingdom Causes. I started off working as a city volunteer who helped out wherever I was needed. Now, I am so grateful for the opportunity to work behind the scenes and breath life into the summer programs that I previously enjoyed. On my first day as an intern, I was so excited and overwhelmed that I started trembling as I began typing this blog post. I was motivated, however, by how confident the staff was that I would create an amazing summer program. It was this trust and respect that marked the beginning of my journey. I cannot wait to further develop my projects, and I look forward to every step of the way.

About my Picture:

Earlier in the summer, my family and I made a visit to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. I was so entranced by this glimpse into such a mysterious universe that I knew so little about. This visit made me realize that while the unknown can seem daunting at first, it can also present you with so much beauty and wonder. This summer I will not be an astronaut exploring space but an intern making the best of the responsibility I have been given.

KCB's Family Fun Day

On Monday all of our staff got together for fun and food! We had such a great time talking and laughing, competing and cheering. It was a time for us to grow and just be together. We had our first ever staff Olympics and I think they went quite well!

Normally, staff is "stationed" at two different branches. Some of us are in the KCB office while others are at Little House. Others are out loving our homeless neighbors or mowing lawns while mentoring the guys they are working with. While it might feel at times that we're scattered and away from each other, our meetings together remind us that we are one. We have one purpose. To love others in a way that no church or individual can do alone. We have one Boss. We are held accountable to God for what we're doing with the resources and the families and individuals He is bringing to us. We are one team. We give props and we high five. We celebrate at success stories and encourage each other when the day has been hard.

We have one heart. We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

Overdrive Movie Night

This past Saturday the very first Overdrive movie night took place at Kingdom Causes. Pizza, popcorn and plenty of candy, plus friends and Despicable Me 2 combined to provide a fun event for all the kids. At the end of the night one of the kids came up to me and asked me if we could do another movie night next Saturday! While the event was somewhat spontaneous it, at the end of the day, was such a hit with the kids and is definitely an event I hope to see become a more regular occurrence, maybe even monthly event, in the future.

Looking back on my time with KCB over the past three months the one regret I have is that I haven’t been able to invest more time in these kids. These kids are the future of Bellflower, full of energy and potential, and they are such a joy to be around! While my internship is coming to a close in a few short weeks, I hope that I will be able to continue to be involved in the awesome things Kingdom Causes is doing in the city of Bellflower. It has been an absolute blessing to meet the people I have met and join alongside the work God is doing through KCB in the city of Bellflower.

-Miranda Starbeck, Spring Intern