Final Summer Reflections

Crystal

 Final Art Show

       At the start of this internship, I was ready to make an impact, ready to see a new side of Bellflower. But what I found was so much more. I’ve realized where my place is in this city by helping others find theirs. It’s incredible to think that my mom & I moved to Bellflower when I was five, and this summer, I worked I worked with kids around that age who call this city their home.

       The best thing about interning with Kingdom Causes is the ability to see faith driven dreams become real in our everyday lives. Simple tasks such as setting up a community art show became what I looked forward to in my weeks spent here. I learned so much about myself as a leader and as a person. I know what my weaknesses are, and what I need to work on. I also know what my strengths are and where it is that I shine. 

       Most importantly, I’ve learned what the heartbeat of my city sounds like. It sounds like a mother’s “Thank you” or a child’s smile at their artwork or a neighbor’s patience as we help them find a place to call home. There’s a certain rhythm to the heartbeat of Bellflower. It goes, Struggle. Triumph. Repeat. 

      Our staff has taught me so much and has shed insane amounts of grace. It’s been a busy summer and it’s been a tough one as well. Despite all the chaos, God has shown me what His peace really looks like. It’s not the absence of struggles we should be hoping for, but the presence of His Spirit in the midst of them.

En Agape,

Crystal R. Luque

Ashley

Community BBQ @ Caruthers Park

This summer has been filled with so much joy, laughter, and hard work. I have learned so much these past couple of months while working for Kingdom Causes. Not only did I learn about event planning, time management, and community development, but I also learned more about God. Summer of 2015 has been the most memorable summer I have ever had.

I have learned so much about God this past summer and it is something that I never want to give up. I not only learned, but I saw God moving through people that I encountered in my role this summer. Even though I saw people in their struggles, I saw more people filled with gratefulness and love for God than I have ever seen. Our neighbors said so much with just their smile and that is one 

thing I will always remember.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was with regards to perspective. I got the full experience of my internship when I was able to put myself into another person's shoes. I got to understand as much as I could about someone and their situation when I just tried to see things in their eyes. At times, it was really difficult but doing so made me grow and I am glad that I was able to have this experience.

As this internship comes to an end, I will remember all the fun times I have had with the amazing people in the office and the great experiences I have gotten through this internship. I will truly miss the Kingdom Causes staff and am so grateful that I got this opportunity.

Ryan

My time interning at Kingdom Causes has come to an end. It's really a bittersweet moment. Sure I don't have to work anymore, and I get to go back to school soon (Yes I said, "get"), but I also have to leave a wonderful place and wonderful people. Everyone here has been a great help to me. I would name them all, but that would take too long, and I'm not THAT sentimental.

I am very thankful for the opportunity I was given to work here. I learned a lot about the inner workings of non-profits and finances. I gained and improved many valuable skills as well. Sure, there were challenges, but those challenges helped me grow and develop. I will never forget my experience working at Kingdom Causes.

Thank you all for supporting me, but most of all, thank you for supporting Bellflower.