seven: out of ten
We had ten amazing interns this year. I know I say every group is amazing, and I swear I’m not lying. The statement is never intended to be a comparison between internship classes; they are all handpicked by God to be here at the time He wants them here, and I love all of them to bits.
Okay, moving on…
Over the years, we’ve somehow managed to maintain a 30% “return rate” of interns coming back as staff. This year, that stat’s been blown out of the water. Seven of the ten are going to be back with us next year as part of our staff team. We are humbled that so many want to return and use their gifts to help us lead Africa to thrive.
The three interns who are stepping into different things—those with non-Thrive next steps—are each heading off to do great things. We are excited with them and for them, and while we’ll certainly miss them, they’ll always remain part of the Thrive family.
We love our interns and we’re so proud of each one of them.
Stop for a second and think: Who are you proud of? Why?
And in case anyone’s wondering…
Five of them have made three-year commitments to serve in Leadership Summit, LaunchPad, Creative Services, and (for lack of a better title) the “Executive Office” (mine!). Two are coming back just for a year to help us bridge the gap in some areas where we don’t have enough long-term staff. They’ll actually be helping me create a Communications Department to assist with the writing needs across the ministry. I. Am. Pumped.
@cassgirl says:
You are one blessed woman. To have POURED in these interns alongside Niel and NOW they are going to POUR back into the ministry.
Honestly that brings tears to my eyes.. I’m not all emotional but right now..
This SPEAKS volumes of God’s mighty hand at work and POURING fresh manna back into Thrive.
God rocks!!!!
simply…
That’s great news! I am also praying that our internship brings in some extra hands as well!
Jace. I am proud of Jace.
I talked to her the other night,..
…She, wow..I am so proud of Jace.
me, too! i am so, so proud of jace!
Yeah…that rocks. I like all this snow action. My mom said they had like 6 inches the other day in Kansas. Me, I have a sun burn…okay, I lied…it’s peeling. Dan said I am an alien. He is so nice.
@moweezle says:
Yes, I’ll say it again, what an tremendous blessing! It is such a testament to you and Neil, your ministry and your staff too :) You guys really are the best!
I’m proud of the upperclassmen on my floor who stepped up and became influential and intentionally in the lives of freshmen on the floor.
I have been so astounded to see them take ownership of their “position”.
it
makes
me
smile
that’s awesome! i know that was a prayer of yours since the beginning of the semester.
@ventigrace says:
You. You’re still standing.
that hit my heart hard. (in a good way!) thank you, kitty.
It’s the strangest thing, but I’m proud of my kids just because they are my kids. haha! ;-)
I told Jake “it’s funny how we are always telling people how great our kids are when we really had nothing to do with how cute or great they really are. It would be like if we were artists and went around showing people our paintings saying ‘isn’t this just the prettiest painting you’ve ever seen? don’t you just think it’s the greatest?!’ Because who does that? I mean really?”
Yet we do that with our kids and it’s wonderful. For no reason other than the fact that they are OUR kids and we think they are perfect.
It reminds me that God is proud of us in the same way. But even moreso. ;-)
And I have to second your Kitty’s statement. In a big way.
oh oh! And p.s. I don’t get the snow. How does everyone else on WP get the snow but not me? Hmmmm…..
brandy — i love how proud you are of your boys! and you’re right, gives us a glimpse of God’s heart toward us. amazing. (thanks for the seconding) and as for the snow: in wordpress, on the left click on “appearance” and then “extras” — you can check the snow box there to activate it.
gosh i lovee you and MISSS YOU.
and all of us 10 are already doing amazing things for God..yayyy.
crazy! just crazy! seven out of 10. nuts.
i’m wicked proud of jacers. i can’t wait to talk to her about the whole year and ask her for advice if i end up going.
by the way, i thought there was something wrong with my eyes or that i was passing out when your page started snowing. i was like “oh gosh… i’m not dizzy, but i think i’m passing out.” and then i waited for a sec and was like “oh. ‘snow.’ nevermind” haha
God is so working in the hearts of our young people – I don’t know any of you but am proud of your decisions to follow Him where He leads you. Neil and Alece are so special that it is a joy to be around them and soak up their love for the Lord.
It’s good to be blessed with wonderful people surrounding us!
I’m mostly proud of my family. We’ve had such a hard time the past few years, but we’ve stuck together and with our Lord. We’ve learned to live one day at a time and give our deepest hurts over to the One able to heal them. We’re hangin’ in there!
Love you, Alece!
@danielleH says:
my girls. they are amazing people.
my husband. a fantastic guy, leader, provider, friend
you, friend. you are brave. and i just love you.
@atangie says:
Wow that is just super! Good for you!
Hm… taking a moment…
I am proud of the four teen boys who live on the streets that came to church this morning on their own volition. I am proud of them because they looked me in the eye when we talked together.
@coloraturajoy says:
My hubby. He’s been so amazing through the past year. He is strong, gentle, godly, wise. He auditioned for a part in the local musical just to be supportive of me, and ended up with the lead. He makes an amazing Captain Von Trapp (Sound of Music), and has thrown himself into this show in a way that was so surprising. I know it’s not his “thing” the way it is mine, but I love how hard he’s worked. I see how much it’s stretched him in ways he didn’t think he would be, and it makes me so very proud.
I’m exceedingly proud of my brother Jonathan and my brother David. Jonathan just entered the Air Force, and David is in the Coast Guard. I am proud of them for who they are as people and their heart for God. LOVE my brothers to bits.
This is really great. I’m very proud of our youth worship band. They are so dedicated and they are not only growing musically, but they are all growing spiritually by leaps and bounds. We are all learning the true definition of worship and I couldn’t be more proud!
i loved hearing about everyone you guys are proud of. thank you so much for taking the time to chime in.
@knights_lady says:
Was just saying to Mark yesterday that I’m so proud of our small group. Two weeks ago they went into a new level of transparency and vulnerability and they handled it with love and grace. I still get gooseflesh thinking about it. Amazing growth and bonding in a year.