EYA Summer Internship

Social Justice For the Beaten and Burdened: Aloise McCullough

2006-07-26T11:48:00.000-05:00

Wow it has been twelve days!!!

Well, the social justice issue that stands out the most to me is abuse. I believe abuse is a silent-killer in today's society. It is the root of low self-esteem, suicide, and murders. It is the root of failed marriages, relationships, and battered self-worth. It is an issue that America in particular needs to deal with. The focus of abuse in my view is mainly peer-pressure and the inability to stand up for oneself. I believe that the root cause of this inability is a lack of confidence and individuality. I believe when you feel you are not appreciated or of worth you allow anything to go. I know because I have and still struggle with this issue personally. But I believe it is good to know that we are valued and have a right to live a fabulous life just as much as the person next to us. I believe abuse needs to be stopped but I believe that it needs to be stopped in three ways.

1. Pointing out the source.
2. Confronting formerly "oked" behaviors that are wrong.
3. Improving one's self-outlook.

I look at people today who have come out of their closet of shame and misery. Most say they came out by realizing who they were (in Christ). I believe as a Christian, I can change my own outlook in life by changing my view point. The only person who values you and loves you the way wants to be loved is God. I believe the main reason abuse is let happen is because people think it is the only way they will feel accepted in life. But if they view point is changed into God's will for everyone's life to be prosperous, more people will wake up and say it is not about how I look, feel, dress, or not about my faults, failures, rejections, and disappointments, it is because I am a human, and God's creation and I have a right to live freely!! It is an on-going journey to get to that level of freedom. But I would suggest that the best way would be through counseling, reading the Bible, having a good community, and a whoooole lot of prayer!

Well, if you keep up with me in years to come I am sure you will hear more from me about this issue I am passionate about as God gives me strength. God Bless.

My Final Blog...Xochitl Garcia.

2006-07-24T09:46:00.000-05:00

Well...I am truly grateful for everything. One of the greatest gifts anyone can receive is the gift of enpowerment. Feeling as if you have the ability and strength to do anything, is an amazing gift. I have always felt strongly on this or that political issue, but have never taken any action in supporting them, feeling that I had no voice, but I have learned that without each individual voice, you will never be heard.

I feel everyone should be exposed to the reality of how easily we can contact our senator or representative. They should also be aware that the senator or representative is there to listen to their constituent's concerns. So if you voted to place soemone in office, they owe you much more than just a listening ear.

I really want to stress that the problem is not that we cant create a change in policy-making, the problem is if we are willing to put effort into that goal. We can sit around and say oh well they will never listen to me, and they won't unless we act as if we care. I used to feel that way, i know better now.

And through all this, Our church, with it's open doors and mind should allow you the freedom to think and feel as you wish. It is not the church's or anyone's place to judge and sometimes you must remind them of it. I love knowing that the Methodist Church will support me on any endeavor I will encounter or pursue and that I can be free to be involved in policy-making with an open mind and religous heart and know that is alright for the two to mix.

I just wanted to give thanks again for this great experience, through all it's ups and downs, I have been shown a stronger side of myself. A side that will no longer sit idle as political issues of concern cross my path.

Change may come slow, but it will come.

Thank you and God Bless.

There are no words to express how I feel, by Sade

2006-07-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

"God is the joy and the strengths of my life, he moves all pain, misery and strife, he promise to keep me, never to leave me, and he's never ever fallen short of his word"

That's a line from one of my favorite songs we sing at my home church, and it most accurately depicts how I feel right now. Being here has help me realize that all of my good days truly out weigh my bad days. I've learned so much from Friday seminars and from my internship about social justice, I've experienced Methodist worship service 5 different ways and I've toured D.C in my own special way, oh and I can't forget that I met a lot of awesome people along the way.

I guess we're supposed to give a general description of the things we've done, but I feel that it would be very time consuming to list all of the wonderful experiences I had so I'll just point out the ones that really touched me.

Though all of the Friday seminars were useful, inspiring and insightful; the one that stood out the most was the night session we had where we learned how to express our selves and celebrate our differences through poetry, song, dance or even a rap. That session thaught me that there are different was to be advocates or attack social justice issues especially within the community. I also learned that you have to be true to yourself first before you can began to help anyone else.

Going to the different churches was exciting. Going to different Methodist churches with very different worship styles has truly help me see, understand and embrace our cultural differences. Its a very comforting feeling to know you can walk into any house of God and truly be excepted. The church that stood out to me was Emory. The pastor (sorry I can't recall his name at this moment) gave a moving sermon about how we are plants with branches simulair to grape vines. He goes on to explain how God is our base or foundation but we still need sunlight to grow (sunlight=scripture, food for your soul) then he says how we need to prune some branches in order to grow, that if we hold on to dead branches (negative people or situations in our life)then it stunts our growth as a person and we can't bear more fruit. Though I paraphrased it a lot, his message really spoke to me. In life we can't make positive steps for the future holding on to the past, we must truly "prune our branches"!

As far as the culturally different food we've experienced, I loved it all but I have to confess that the best place I've ate at so far has to be Phillips sea food buffet. Oh my! You've never had good sea food untill you can have it buffet style, there are endless possibilities! LOL!

Oh I can't forget the tour sights. My favorite place to visit here besides the shopping malls would have to be China town, because you could spend the day there shopping, eating and then you could see a movie, it reminds me of Los Angeles the most. My other favorite place is the National Monuments at night. They look gorgeous at night especially the Civil War monument with the waterfall in the middle of it. It also felt empowering to be in the exact spot that has held so many important marches for Civil rights and social justice, the pictures I've seen don't do it justice.

Being in D.C away from the comfort of home and school, has allowed me to see things a little better as far as school and my life. Being here has showed me a whole new world, one I didn't know existed or that I ever imagined my self being apart of. We are all here for a reason, God has plans for every last one of us and I can't wait to find out my own.

I'M LOVING IT!

2006-07-13T11:21:00.000-05:00

Buenos Dias Bloggers!

This internship and being in DC has been an absolutely amazing experience.
I live in Miami and yes Miami is very diverse, but somehow it is very culturally segregated. Cubans with Cubans, Nicaraguans with Nicaraguans, African Americans with African Americans etc. Another important fact to mention is that it is predominantly Hispanic. I have met people from different ethnic backgrounds and I can call a few friends, but somehow I always end up being surrounded by Hispanics or Cubans. That is just the way it has turned out to be, or the way most people in my community are raised. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it has deprived me personally from being culturally inform. It has deprived me from being aware of other people's beliefs, styles of worship, food, and just way of living. This is why I have love every single bit of this internship.

All of us at the internship are very different not only culturally but also in character. Each day I learn more from every single one of them. I have so far eaten Korean (Thank you Lidia for those amazing dinners), Hawaiian/Tongan (My roomie best cooker ever; Love you Lupe) foods. And of coarse I can't forget Sade's fried chicken HMMMM! Delicious. We have also eaten Ethiopian and Thailand foods. My roomie Lupe has taught some nice Hawaiian/Tongan moves, and has also exposed us to the lazy Hawaiian slang language. We call it lazy because they don't like to finish none of the words. Hey they should teach us that in school! Less work! hahaha. This is all something I have experienced while been here and is something I will never forget. I LOVE YOU ALL. YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING! Living together has just taught us a lot about each other; from testing our characters to learning from it. I guess living together is one of the key elements of this internship.

On Friday seminars we have tackled issues about Ethnicity, Oppressions in our community as well as in our churches, Poverty, Education, Government. We have discussed the Methodist Church structure and position on many issues from homosexuality to child labor. All these topics discussed have impacted my life because it has first taught me things I didn't know, second it has made care for things I didn't use to find interesting, and third it has taught me through everyone’s questions and reflections that my way of thinking is not particularly either the correct one or the only one. It has open my eyes and mind to be open minded, and it has open a wide range of possibilities for my life. One of the things that has impacted me the most is the issue on Oppression. On how we all suffer from some sort of oppression, and how we can't think our oppression is the only or the biggest one because then it causes us from not realizing other types of oppressions that are out there; devaluing them and the people suffering them.

Now, going back to where I started. Washington is an absolutely beautiful city. I have visited the monuments (WWII memorial my favorite), the museums (The Holocaust; highly recommended), the city night life (Georgetown) and I love it all. The churches we have been to, everything! I love the fact that everything is very multicultural and that everyone is just very open minded.

I LOVE IT HERE! BUT I CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK HOME TO SHARE IT ALL!

TO ALL THOSE PEOPLE PRAYING FOR US AND SUPPORTING THIS INTERNSHIP; THANKS A BUNCH, AND MUCH BLESSINGS FOR YOU TOO!

Until next week bloggers!

and how the spanish version says..... QUEN DIOS LOS BENDIGA!

Agnes

Joe Kim

2006-07-12T09:48:00.000-05:00

Good morning once again to all you bloggers out there taking the time to follow along on our journey over the course of the summer. It's another hot one today, sticky and humid. Don't forget those water bottles and sunscreen. It's a scorcher out there.

Can't complain though from inside the United Methodist Building. The air conditioning blaring on high, my tie loosened, my sleeves rolled up, a glass of ice tea on the corner of my desk. This is the life, eh?

Oh by the way, a BIG SHOUT OUT to Ms. Roxanne Dass, the creator of this blog. She and her office envisioned this project and has maintained it so that all of you sitting at home or at your offices can take a look into the lives of the people you are supporting with your prayers. So yeah, thanks Roxanne. She rocks! hehe.

For those of you who don't know, the United Methodist Building is the only non-government building on Capitol Hill. You have the House Office Buildings on one side, the Senate Office Buildings on the other side, the Capitol Building in between. Then you have the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. And wedged right up against the Supreme Court, in a position to make change and advocate of justice, accross the street from the Capitol, is the United Methodist Building. It was constructed before the Supreme Court and still stands tall reminding everyone on the Hill that there are right choices.

So already, we're in the 6th week of the summer, with a little over 2 more weeks to go. I feel like we've been here forever and I'm loving it. I love the atmosphere and the pace of D.C. I love the public transportation, the endless amount of things to do. I love everything there is to love about this city. I love the opportunities to do ministry. The great thing about this program is that we're building leaders. We're nurturing them, at least allowing a seed to be planted, to say that justice is something we can all work towards. Our Friday seminars are based on social identity and privilege, and working for the equality. Not just racial equality either. We span EVERY social identity, hoping for our interns to be engaged and to really understand what is driving not only GBCS but all the organizations, faithbased or not, to do advocacy work. How many of us notice walking out of the subway that elevators are out? Not me, because I can take the stairs or the escalator. But for those who identify themselves as disabled?....

DC has been a blessing and I'm looking forward to sharing more next time.

So, with my strawberry flavored ice tea on hand,

Until next time, bloggers...
Joe Kim signing off

Lois' Places I Have Been

2006-07-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope you all know that you are blessed!! That's what my daddy always says. So confess it, I know I am no matter hooowww you or I feel!!

Anyway, on that subject I have been blessed to do a lot here in Washington about a thousand miles away from the rolling hills of Texas and Oklahoma and the muggy swamps of Louisiana. This is what this young girl has done.

On a given Friday session she has gone with her colleagues to the United Methodist Building and learned about various topics. Topics such as The United Methodist Church, the different organizations in the United Methodist Church, a little bit on the United Methodist Church's policy/view on various issues, this girl has learned about the Arab heritage, group building and expression, conscious and unconscious perceptions (perceived and unperceived)and prejudices, how to lobby and advocate, and how to act in leadership in various cultural venues. If I missed any...You know..Not my heart, my mind maybe:)

But mainly I have learned about others and myself. It is unique to hear about your own culture and it is even more neat to hear about others and how they do things and how they suggest things be done. Anyway, this girl has been..to..let's see:

* Five different churches: a mixed church with Hispanic and African heritage, two Afro-American churches one traditional the other more contemporary, a predominately Anglo church with mixed ages (more young people), another predominately Anglo church that was reconciling and had a good number of openly-gay/homosexual members, and I believe that's all (again if I forgot any...I don't think I did.) The social principle this probably pertains to is different styles of worship in different cultures. A social justice issue could be either positive or negative. The positive could be how different cultures and make-ups worship. The negative could be about the famous 11 O'clock saying. All make sense.

* Now, I am going to wrap this up because I am a writer and I can easily go on a looonnng time and I have to give my fellow interns some room. They will help me explain more if I forget anything. Places this have been to quickly: a poetry house where they talked about free expression, a picnic which could be about building community in and out of work, the Rayburn building where I learned about the House of Representatives process of hearings. I learned about issues surrounding my placement. Yesterday, I went to Bus Boys and Poets and I learned about Venezuela and the issue surround Hugo Chavez, yes controversial, but interesting! I have been to several receptions surrounding key social justice issues such as the Colombia women's struggle. Wooooo, that's a lot!! So as you can see, since I have been in this internship I have learned and have been exposed to a lot that is going to help me become a better individual, leader, whatever you want to call it in life. I know God has a plan for me and I am very proud to be one of his billions of servants. I hope that if there are any people younger or even older than me out there that have a call, even a desire to serve God on your life to stay encouraged because God can take you waayy beyond your limitations and flaws, trust me. He loves you and I do to, so stay committed and try not to get side-tracked there are millions of people counting on your witness.

Praise God, Be Blessed, Smile,Laugh, and Know you are loved if by no one but the Father Himself!!

Thanks Monica for reminding me about the good in the morning! Everyday is a new day, we should treat it as such.

Okay, bye bye until the next. Lois (Aloise McCullough)!

Sade's Formation of faith

2006-07-10T14:04:00.000-05:00

Though I grew up in the Methodist church my faith was formed outside of the walls of the church. Church has been the place I've gone to for a deeper understanding of the word and fellowship, but I have truly learned what faith mean by seeing God in my everyday life situations. I thought I knew everything about being a good Christian till my first year of college. That time period fall 2004 through spring 2005 was very challenging for me. My mom told me that her and my Aunt had Breast cancer and though they both pulled through successfully I still had other problems to deal with on a daily. Everyday I was faced with the anxiety of being away from home in a new place where the closest friend I had was 20 miles away from me. All around me there was underage drinking, smoking and other haphazard things that college kids get into. Being in that situation let me really see God, because it was God keeping me away from drugs, alcohol and the pressures of my new found friends. It was God that woke me up every morning for class and was with me every night while I studied. So many kids dropped classes or out of school all together because for them it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, they couldn't see how all this hard work could possible pay off but I have faith that it will. Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths". I now have a different understanding of faith then I did as a child. My mom and family have been living testimonies to me that when one door closes it because a window has opened. I now see faith as believing that there is no bad situation that God can pull you out of. God has a plan for me, this internship is part of his master plan and I have faith that only good things are sure to come but if not God will carry me through.

Lupe Maka INTRO

2006-07-05T14:26:00.000-05:00

Greetings to all,

I know I'm kind of behind schedule with my blogs and I do apologize in my part of keeping up with the blogs:(

The General Board of Church and Society mainly focuses on placing interns in organizations promoting different aspects of social justice. I am currently placed at the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) under the supervision of Sally Jo Snyder, which is the director of the Religious Action Division. Marian Wright Edelman is the founder and President of the Children's Defense Fund, and has been an advocate for disadvantaged Americans for her entire professional life. Under her leadership, CDF has become the nation’s strongest voice for children and families. The mission of the Children's Defense Fund is to Leave No Child Behind® and to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. CDF provides a strong, effective voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves. This organization pays particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investment before they get sick or into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown. CDF began in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit organization supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations. CDF has never taken government funds.The Religious Action Division is mainly the moral voice of the Children's Defense Fund, in which we promote child advocacy to different faith based communities. My responsibilities here at CDF varies from administrative work, research, and attending meetings and conventions dealing with faith outreach. I'm not quite sure what my goal or goals are, but I do hope that I leave with a sense of greater awareness and understanding of CDF.

malo 'aupito (thank you in tongan) brothers n sisters

2006-06-30T21:30:00.000-05:00

wow i cannot thank you all enough for your huge support through prayer. my mother is in the same condition but improving very slowly, but i wont worry because god knows what to do, he hears us. my family wants to thank all of u guys for understanding our situation, and handling things so well. i miss all of u guys and i know god will bless you and your journies through life. um... oh! ill keep u'all updated n stuffz. OFA LAHI ATU (love ya'll very much) "k den braddahz n sistahz" GOD BELSS n take care.

Formation of Faith

2006-06-29T09:10:00.000-05:00

If I had to sum up to one thing that had the most influence on my faith, I would have to say it’s my family. My mother’s strong faith allowed me to see how Christ works in the lives of many. Through years of hardship, my family has overcome trials, struggles, and uncertainty. To this day, I remain prayerful for them. They have been a source of encouragement, comfort, and strength. Last nights’ devotion was dedicated to our families, as well as those whom we consider as family. It was a good reminder for all of us that life is going on back home. Many of us have lost focus of our lives back home being preoccupied with our internships and life here in D.C. The unfortunate departure of a fellow intern was a reality check; difficult situations may arise anytime and anywhere. We must always be prayerful for our loved ones.

-W.Seo

AGNES Formation of Faith

2006-06-28T16:16:00.000-05:00

Hello Hello again!

Yeah I know everyone is already tired of my writing for today, but sorry I have to do this blog. If I had to list all the people who have been influential in the formation of my faith I would have to write a log that would be too long to read. I thank God that he has given me the opportunity to meet and have amazing people in my life that in some way or another have guided me and maybe even without the intention have inspired and influenced my life. One of those people is my mother. My mother Wow I dont think I have words to explain the amazing mother God has given me. My mother has been extremely influential in the formation of my faith because she was the one that first made the decision that I would follow Jesus steps when she gave her life to Christ, and then ofcoarse I made that decision myself. And let me tell you that marked my life forever. See once you have lived with God's grace is really hard to turn away. And even when you decide to turn away, he will never turn away from you. Even when you decide to give your back to him, you would never forget who you once were. My mother constantly reminds me that I am a young christian woman, and this is a symbol I carry every where I go. I appreciate that she never made me go to church, or never force what others may call religion on me. I think this is why I am so passionate about my faith, because it was never felt by force but by experience. When I am down she lifts me up, and always uses the right words when I need a prayer. She is constantly working for the church and I love that about her. At my church I am in charge of a lot of things and she is always the one helping me out and running when I need something. And she just always has a way of coming up with amazing ideas for things I can do with what I am in charge. She is definately my sustain. The other person who has influenced me greatly has been my current pastor Cezar or how I call him "mi gordo". My pastor is probably the funnest person you are going to meet. He has not only become my pastor but also my mentor and friend. Everytime my spiritual life is down, or I feel discourage by something he is always there pushing and having faith in that I can do it. Other than my mom I dont think I have met anyone with so much faith in me than him. He is very open minded and is extremely free spirited. One of the best phrases or things I have learned from him is "Why not". Meaning I can do anything I put my mind to. There is nothing imposible for God. Thanks to him I did this program, and thanks to him I have accomplished things at my church and grown in my spiritual life. Finally but not least my friend Sherwin. I dont even think Sherwin would ever expect for me to write about him. When I met Sherwin, my church and my spiritual life were going through a very rough time; in other words down the hill. To the point where the youth group got disintagrated on top of many other things, and I was at a point where I didnt want to go to church any longer. Sherwin is around my age, and I just admire the way he served God and with the passion that he did. He pretty much lives his life for God. His own spiritual journey was the one that was holding me so I would not fall. His life and they way he lived inspired me so much, that there is where I made a true commitment with God to serve him forever. I didnt want to be like the many people that surrounded my life that said to be christians, I did not either want to be like the other people in my life who were not christians. That is why I made that decision with such precision. You can give your life to Christ at a certain point in your life, but it is not enough if there is no commitment. So all those experiences I had during that period of time which was not that long ago and these three people influenced the formation of my faith.

Following Jesus was probably the easiest decision I have ever made in my life, but it is the hardest to follow. And it is definitely the best and smartest I have made.

GOD BLESS YOU!

Agnes

Remembering Toni :(

2006-06-28T14:37:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone again!

Today is a beautiful day but we are all very sad because Toni left. His mommy got sick and he had to go back to Hawaii. For all those people who have never met Toni I will just tell you a little about him and I guess this is how everyone in the program will always remember him. :(

Toni had an appetite that could move mountains, and I think everyone in the program will agree with me on this. He was known as the person that ate the most out of all of us, he would literally clean our plates if he had to. He is also the sweetest and most polite person I have ever met. He is quiet most of the time, but he is super fun to be around. He was always smiling, and playing his super tiny Hawaiian guitar (sorry I dont know the exact name of the instrument.) He was always very attentive, and what really touched me the most about him was his big heart and passion for his Tongan culture. He always took care of all the girls, and would always make sure everyone was okay. If you ever asked anything about what he thought his future was going to be like, the first word that would ever come out of his mouth was FAMILY. To him that was the most important thing, and I really admire that on him. He is known as the big guy, and I personally always called him Toni Macaroni (even though I dont think he really liked it). This is the Toni I met, and I am sure the Toni everyone else met as well. We started missing him since the first moment we found out he was leaving :)

For everyone reading this blog please keep Toni and his family in prayers. Please pray for his mommy, and pray that Toni may keep growing in his faith with God.

There is a lot more to say about him but for now this is all I can really share.

WE LOVE YOU TONI!

REMEMBER EYA FOREVER!

WE MISS YOU!

Agnes Poveda

Pictures from Toni's Last Night

2006-06-28T14:15:00.000-05:00

Agnes Ethnic Background (blog 3)

2006-06-28T11:37:00.000-05:00

Goodmorning everyone!

Today is actually a beautiful day here in DC after all the bad weather we been having for the past couple days. This is actually last week's blog so please excuse me for being late. As you all know the weather has been really bad and is easy to get sick. Now I am fine, and I am ready to tackle last week's question.

So here it goes:

How do I think my ethnic background will help me with this internship?

How do I think my ethnic background will help me address the various issues I will tackle during the internship?

As I mentioned in one of my previous blogs I work for CARECEN, which stands for Central Amercian Resource Center. CARECEN gives legal services to the latino community in DC. They pretty much guide and fight for latino's rights. As a latina and an immigrant in this country I find it that is easy to identify with the legal issues that most of these latinos are going through. As an immigrant I had to go through the Naturalization process to become a U.S citizen like most of these latinos that come to CARECEN. The Naturalization process is one of CARECEN biggest services. It is also one of my main assignments as an intern; to help with the process by doing applications and screening people. It is easy to indentify myself with them, because I too went through the same process, and I find myself at a position where I am not only helping them with paperwork but I can also tell them my own experiences with the process (which is tedious and long). I feel it is important for these latinos to find someone they can identify with, and this helps them feel secure with the work the organization is doing for them. Most of these latinos are in a strange country, where they don't know english, or know anybody. This creates a feeling of distrust and insecurity. I know this because for the first couple years my family felt like that and I felt like that. I too had to learn English, and work myself up into society. Which is what most of these latinos are trying to do. And the Naturalization process is just a mere process of what immigrants like myself and the people that go to CARECEN have to go through to be recognize in society and exercise their rights. For me to be able to understand this concept which you have to live and experience in order to understand is important to these latinos because it makes the process a lot easier for them, and it also helps boost their confidence as a hispanic in this society letting them know they are not alone out there, that there are people like them. It is important in the other hand to me because it influences how well I do my job and it makes my job a lot more meaningful. In the other spectrum even though I am also a latina like them, and that I can relate and indentify with the situation (and this is where it becomes ironic) it has not relatively made my job easier. Here is why: I am Cuban, and most of the clients that CARECEN has are Salvadorians and from other Central American countries. Even though we are all latinos, Central America culture is very different from the Caribbean culture. Sometimes is hard for me to understand the way they speak, and just the way they carry themselves. It is still spanish we are speaking but just in a different style. And this is where my caribbean culture kicks as an obstacle. And maybe not even an obstacle anymore but a new experience which I am definately learning from. This is how I feel my ethnic background can both help and be an obstacle during my internship.

Again sorry for writting so much.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Agnes A.K.A Aggie

Aloise McCullough: My Formation

2006-06-28T08:19:00.000-05:00

There are a looottt of people who influenced by beliefs and formation as a Christian. First of all Jesus is my main influence. He is the model for those who walk with him. Then there is my parents who are both called to the ministry. They have very deep beliefs, a lot of them that have been instilled in me. Then there is my grandmothers, they both have wisdom that lives on even in death (for one of them). I remember the comfort they both made me feel, I remember them humming hymns and telling tales of growing up that made me want to be just like them. Then there are the old timers of the churches I have grown up in. I loooovee to hear those stories they tell and the advice they have given me based upon their wisdom. Then mainly, it is experiences I have had in and out of the United Methodist Church. Experiences in conferences, media, tapes, quiet conversations, observances, and my own meditation. Many of these things make me who I am proud to be today, and I am still growing in the Lord....

Prayers

2006-06-26T15:32:00.000-05:00

This is Joe Kim again, asking all you readers out there for prayers for my brother, Toni.

One of our interns, Militoni (Toni) Toetu'u, will be leaving us Wednesday, June 28, on a flight back to Hawaii at 8:50 am. Unfortunately, his mother has undergone some health issues and his presence is needed with his family and mother in Hawaii. He has been an irreplacable part of this internship and this group, and his presence will definitely be missed. Toni is a man of potential and one of the most genuine people that I have had the pleasure of encountering. I have had the awesome priviledge of watching him grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Even after knowing him for only three and a half weeks, I feel that I have gained a brother who has the potential to do incredible things for God's kingdom.

Please keep him in your prayers during his travel back to Hawaii and please keep his mother and family in your prayers as they go through this hardship.

We love you Toni.

Until next time...
Joe Kim signing off

Monica White

2006-06-22T15:09:00.000-05:00

Third Time Around!

"How do I think my ethnic background will help me with this internship?" Well, I feel that my background as an African American woman with Senegalese heritage will help me tremendously in this internship. I will not only have the opportunity to tell others about myself and my experiences in this skin, but I can personally relate to my placement at the NAACP Washington Bureau and its continued mission to fight for every persons' civil rights and liberties. As an African American woman, I know from personal experiences what it is like to be treated like a third class citizen in one's own country. Second question: "How do you think your ethnic background will help you address the various issues you will tackle during the internship?". Thus far, I love the program and my fellow interns. We are so comfortable with each other that if someone has a question about someone's race/ethnicity and those customs, they feel no hesitation in asking because we respect each other.As an African American woman, I feel that I can address certain issues such as racial profiling,sexism, etc.

lydia b

2006-06-21T09:11:00.000-05:00

To be honest, I can’t think of any area of my life that my ethnic background doesn’t affect. How, or to what extent, I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure that my ethnic background would, in some way, affect my internship. I come into the internship with preconceived notions, bias, expectations, hopes, worries, etc. that are probably largely molded by either the culture of my particular ethnicity or by the experiences I’ve had as a result of my ethnicity (by this I mean things like discrimination, etc.). Also, the way I do my work is probably influenced by my ethnic culture. So basically, I’m saying that I don’t know how my ethnic background will help me in this internship, but I do think that it will have some effect. I’m also not really sure how my ethnic background will help me address the issues I’m working with, but I do think that peace is something that all humans would be concerned with, regardless of ethnicity. I guess one’s perspective or idea of peace might be different depending on one’s ethnic background. For example, my organization works for peace with a focus on ending the war in Iraq and stopping nuclear proliferation. This is something that affects all people, but maybe, to an ethnic minority, peace might also be more domestic, such as an end to all discrimination and hate, etc. I’m not sure, these are just some thoughts.

Will S.

2006-06-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

I don't think my ethnic background will neither advantage nor disadvantage me here at my placement at Peace Action. One thing I noticed here in D.C. was that there aren't too many Asian-Americans. I don't speak for every company or organization, but I bet there isn't much diversity in the workplace. A diverse work environment serves as a great way to increase understanding of different cultures a mechanism to build tolerance. By the time I leave, I hope to have set a high standard for Asian-Americans as I represent who I am and where I'm from. I don't see how my ethinic background will help me tackle the various issues (Iraq, Iran, etc.). My identity, however, as an American shapes my views and understanding about the current situations we have abroad.

Sade Young

2006-06-20T11:14:00.000-05:00

Round 3,
So we were asked "how will our ethnic backgrounds help us in this internship?" and honestly I haven't gave it much thought. I am an Ethnic Studies major so I have been taught to view race a little differently. I see race as a way in which we identify ourselves and others. I see this internship as not a melting pot experience but as a salad bowl, in which we can all hold on to our identities but mix well with others to create a good healthy experience. Okay I know I sound like a hippie, but that's the best way I can describe it. I am a African American and Belizian women. I have grown up knowing that I have two strikes against me, one that I am of color and two that I am a women. But being here I see professionals of all colors and genders and I know that even if I've been taught that I have two strikes already, but by the grace of God my third swing will be a home run. Okay I'll stop the analogies, and say that I think my background will help me tackle various issue with compassion, understanding, and faith. In the work shop on last Friday we learned not to oppress others, and to bring someone up with you as you climb the success ladder. I want to practice those values everyday and not loose sight of who I am, my people, my family and my faith.

Sade Young

2006-06-20T11:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Monica! Today is my room mate Monica's 21st Birthday!

Well I'm a little late on the second entry, but better late then never, right?! This summer I am working with RCRC the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. This organization does non-profit advocacy work for comprehensive sex education and reproductive choice. They spread the word through various summits like SYRF Spiritual Youth for Reproductive Freedom which helps teens and young adults start organizations at their schools and Universities about reproductive issues from a spiritual standpoint. Another summit they host is The National Black Religious Summit on Sexuality called Breaking the Silence. This summit opens up dialogue between parents and youth about sex and sexuality with emphasis on how "responsible sexuality relates to the spiritual sphere in which we live". What attracts me most to the organization is its ability to bring together over 30 denominations all for the sake of women's rights. It feels good to be apart of these efforts and exposing the truth and others side to the highly debated topic of "pro-choice". Here in the office I read any information I can get my hands on about the organization and the different religions view points on abortion and sexuality. Besides reading I do data entry, help with the summits and I am in the process of planning my own out reach project. And today I'm working on my first spread sheet. I plan to learn so much here, and put some action to my on going belief of equal rights and opportunity.

Joe Kim on Ethnicity

2006-06-20T10:42:00.000-05:00

Good morning all you bloggers out there! Another hot and sticky morning here in Washington, D.C. Joe Kim coming to you live from his storage room... errrr, I mean office ready to roll. I hope everyone is doing fine out there. Drink water and stay in the shade. It's going to be sticky. It rained last night, got myself soaked coming back from the metro station. I heard rain for the rest of the week, too.

Here's a little update of what we've been doing so far. Last Friday, Dan from University of Maryland came in to do a workshop on identity and social change. Great guy and great activites. I think we got a lot out of it. Sunday, we went to Capitol Hill United Methodist Church and stayed for a program they do after service of feeding the homeless neighbors. It's now another week of work. Already, it's week 3! Can't believe how fast the program is going.

So about the topic at hand, ethnicity, I think being Korean-American is why I'm here, again. Last year, I came and learned about what being Korean-American means to me on a deeper AND spiritual level. This year, I want to learn how to utilize my ethnicity and become a leader from an ethnicity that society does not really look to for leadership. That's what this program is about. We are asking our interns to bring their baggage with them. To borrow the language of our Director, Rev. Neal Christie, we don't ask for uniformity, we ask for unity. We don't ask that you check your baggage at the door, but rather, that you bring your baggage in and embrace it and share it. That you learn how to live out Micah 6:8 as ethnic young adults. How do we, as representatives of the 5 caucuses, act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God? That's the mission of our board and of this program.

That's all I have for you bloggers out there for now. Stay cool and have a great week!

Until next time...
Joe Kim signing off

PS
Today is Monica's birthday so everyone should comment and wish her a very happy 21st birthday!

MILITONI TOETU'U: ETHNIC BACKGROUND

2006-06-20T08:49:00.000-05:00

WELL, IM KNOW IM HERE BECAUSE OF MY ETHNICITY. FOR A TONGAN-AMERICAN TO BE ALL THE WAY HERE OUT ON THE EAST COAST IS UNHEARD OF AND RARE. ITS THE FIRST TIME IVE BEEN IN AN AREA WHERE THERE IS NO ONE OF TONGAN DESCENT. I DONT FEEL ME BEING TONGAN HAS ANYTHING TO OFFER TO THE INTERNSHIP BUT THAT THE INTERNSHIP OFFERS SO MUCH TO ME AS A TONGAN-AMERICAN. IF YOU ASK ME, THE TONGAN CULTURE AND THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIVING DONT MIX TO WELL. SO, THROUGH THIS INTERNSHIP I HOPE TO FIND A WAY TO MIX THEM.
IN MY JOB PLACEMENT I HAVENT REALLY BEEN IN THE SITUATION YET WHERE MY ETHNICITY COUNTS. MAINLY I'VE BEEN AROUND THE ISSUES OF IRAQ AND MINIMUM WAGE. SO FAR ITS NOT ABOUT MY ETHNICITY; ITS MORE ABOUT MY FAITH.

A Common Ground by Aloise H. M.

2006-06-19T15:36:00.000-05:00

I believe that in order to live in this world you have to learn how to get along with others. Being an African American woman from the South can help my sterotypical behavior and my Ethnic Identity. Although I feel as though that will never change, I believe there are other ways to modernize my feelings on my Ethnic Knowledge. The TransAfrica Forum is a community. I believe that TranAfrica is not just for African and Afro-descendants it is for those who are being marginalized. As an African American women who knows struggle, I believe my ethnic knowledge can be strengthened by listening throughly to the testimonials of other people who are Black and many of other races. I actually feel that every ethnic and general class has something in common with another. I see that everyday on the television. It is not just one race that is striving, it is all. As an Afro-descendant, I already have heard of some of the struggles I may have to face, but on the other side of that as a Child of God I know that ultimately when are all in this thing together. That is what I am learning at TranAfrica and through the GBCS Internship. I am learning that just because something say "Africa" it is not limited to it. I am working with African, White, African American, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, and even other races in this internship. This tells me that yes your own indiviual story makes you unique and proud, but ultimately more than you have to go through it. That is why, I believe, we are all here.

Peace Action Interns

2006-06-19T10:51:00.000-05:00

http://www.peace-action.org/PeaceBlog/wordpress/

Agnes Poveda

2006-06-15T10:45:00.000-05:00

Hello again everyone! This is our second week and I think everyone is just having a blast; I know I am. Sharing my life with so many different people has so far been an awesome experience. So yeah, sorry for going a little bit off topic for this week's blotter but I had to mention that. Well anyway here it goes:

Part of the EYA entrance application was to write an essay on an issue of importance to you. I decided to write my essay on immigration because not only is it a hot issue now in our government, but also because I am immigrant and what goes around with this issue concerns me. GBCS took into consideration my interest in immigration and placed me in an organization called CARECEN, which stands for Central American Resource Center. The mission of CARECEN is to help the low income Latino community in DC. They offer legal services such as advising the community about housing rights, help people with their Citizenship paperwork, organize voting campaigns, and are a strong advocate for the legalization of immigrants. As an intern at Carecen I am in charge of getting people's paperwork ready for their Citizenship application, and I am also part of the voting campaign they are organizing for the next two months. While interning with this organization I hope to learn more about immigration policies in our government today, and learn more about the rights of all these immigrants who sometimes seem to have no hope for their future. I also hope to get some experience in the fieldwork of immigration to know what I can do to make the future of all these people a lot more promising.

To who ever is reading my blog thank you for taking your time, and I promise not to make it that long next time. And thats a PINKY PROMISE!

Have a great weekend!

Agnes

Militoni Toetu'u

2006-06-14T12:14:00.000-05:00

THE CRITIRIA, I FEEL, IS THAT THE ORGINIZATIONS INTERNS WORK FOR MUST HAVE SOMTHING TO WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE. MY PLACMENT IS WITH THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES(NCC). I WORK UNDER BRENA GIRTON-MITCHEL IN THE JUSTICE AND ADVOCACY COMMISSION. TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT http://www.ncccusa.org/about/justicehome.html. MY RESPONSIBILITY'S ARE TO ATTEND MEETINGS AND REPORT BACK, AND DO RESEARCH ON ISSUES CONCERNING THE COMMISSION. ALREADY I AM ACHIEVING WHAT I EXPECTED AND MORE THROUGHT MY PLACMENT. IT KEEPS ME BUSY GAINING WISDOM KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. ALL THANKS TO THE ALMIGHTY.

lydia b

2006-06-13T15:28:00.000-05:00

i intern with will seo at peace action. will basically covered everything so i'll only add that i also hope that this experience will help me decide if i want to go into social work (as a career) or not. so we'll see.

Joe Kim

2006-06-13T14:30:00.000-05:00

Time flies, eh? Already, we're well into Week 2 of our internship and I'm having the time of my life! This summer, as senior intern, I will be working closely with Rev. Neal Christie, (take a deep breath) Assistant General Secretary of Education and Leadership Formation for the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church (now exhale). In my eyes, my primary responsibility lies with the interns and their well-being. I serve as their resource, their confidant, their contact person, and their friend. It is with great pleasure and honor that I serve your sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, youth group members, cousins, grandchildren, church leaders, and in any other capacity that you know them. At the GBCS, my responsibilities include putting together visual presentations, working on lectionary material and compiling a database of every EYA intern from 1978. I look forward to growing as a person and bettering my skills for my future.

Until next time...
Joe Kim signing off.

PS. Today is Lupe Maka's birthday so everyone should comment her entry and wish her a happy birthday!

EYA 2006 Interns

2006-06-13T13:06:00.000-05:00

Top Row (Left to right)
* William S[eo], 21, a student at State University of New York at Binghamton studying political science/pre-law. He is from the New York Annual Conference.
* Militoni Toetu'u, 18, attends the University of Hawaii and is majoring in engineering. He is from the California-Pacific Annual Conference.

Middle Row
* Agnes Poveda, 19, attends Florida International University, Miami, and is majoring in political science. She is from the Florida Annual Conference.
* Monica Michelle White, 20, attends Howard University, Washington, and is majoring in public relations, political science. She is from the Rio Grande Annual Conference.
* Joe Kim, 20, a student at the University of Michigan majoring in English and political science. He is from the East Ohio Annual Conference.

Bottom Row
* Lupe Maka, 21, attends Chaminade University of Honolulu and is studying criminal justice. She is from the California-Pacific Annual Conference.
* Lydia Baek, 20, attends Oxford College of Emory University in Atlanta and is from the West Michigan Annual Conference.
* Sade Marie Young, 20, attends California State University, Hayward Ethnic Studies. She is from the California-Nevada Annual Conference.
* Xochitl Garcia, 18, attends Hendrix College, Conway, Ark., and is majoring in religion/philosophy. Garcia is from the Rio Grande Annual Conference.
* Aloise McCullough, 18, attends Tulsa (Okla.) Community College and is studying mass communications/journalism. She is from the Oklahoma Annual Conference.

Will S.

2006-06-13T13:05:00.000-05:00

I’m interning for Peace Action which also works closely with Peace Action Education Fund. These organizations work to mobilize citizens at the local level through education and grassroots activities. The primary function of the organization is to advocate peaceful U.S. foreign policy. As the nation is involved in two wars abroad and is faced with threats of nuclear weapon proliferation, the purpose of this organization is to pressure policy making officials to adopt a moral and peaceful approach to the matters at hand. As an intern, my responsibilities include: data entry, clerical work, corresponding with coalition partners and affiliates regarding sponsored events, research, and keeping up with current events. I hope to partake in efforts that will directly result in peaceful policies. I also hope to develop a greater sense of awareness regarding global peace and our nation’s military policies and learn methods of campus and community mobilization.

Aloise H. McCullough

2006-06-13T08:41:00.000-05:00

Hello, again. I am very excited to share the critera GBCS has in selecting internship organizations. That critera is for the organization to be about one of the social issues that GBCS identifies itself with. My organization that I am very excited and honored to be interning with is The TransAfrica Forum. TransAfrica's mission is to be "a major research, education, and organizing institution for the African America community, offering constructive analyses of issues concerining U.S. policy as it affects Africa and the Diapora in the Caribbean and Latin America." TransAfrica, "sponsors seminars, conferences, community awareness projects, and training programs." Here the staff members work very hard to educate the outside community on the above social issues. The are behind many things such as The Caribbean Film Festival here in D.C. in June also they have commemoration receptions, publications, and films about the Africa, the Dispora, and Latin America...I am honored to have the responsiblity to make a timeline of TransAfrica. I have been given the responsiblity to research and write a short profile on the countries of Ethiopia and Eritrea in Africa and Colombia in South America. Yes, these all are countries of the Dispora, something I had not learned all that much about. It is amazing, though, that ironically I was actually very interested in the countries prior to the internship and I am honored and excited about learning further and actually researching these countries and maybe even visiting them one day in my vocation. I also have the responsiblity of doing briefings on these countries, something that I surely will have to do in communications, so this is a good "heads up" for me!! While also participating in various social events ( a chance to show my heritage).
I hope to achieve a better understanding about my ethnic history and brothers and sisters of the Dispora. I want to learn more about international issues and how I can help address them. I want to have passion for these people who are still suffering from war, health care issues, famine, and hunger. I want to be ready to serve on the missions fields of world peace and social justice. As a recent evacuee from New Orleans, Louisiana these issues hit very close to home for me!!
I want to grow to love all creatures of all nations and all communities and learn how to stand together on common ground despite differences in class,social, race, gender, beliefs, and ethnicity. I also want to be the best when I start my communications career I want to learn more communication ethics so that some of the things I am learning here, I can carry and implement in my leadership area which is writing, communications,healthcare (switched my major--still have the passion Praise God), and the arts!!

God Bless until the next,

Aloise Hattrice McCullough:)

Monica Mercial White

2006-06-12T14:49:00.000-05:00

Hello Again,

I am ecstatic about my placement at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Washington Bureau. "The NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots civil rights organization with over 91 years of experience in the stuggle to advance civil rights and bring to an end racial intolerance and discrimination. The NAACP Washington Bureau was established in 1941 and serves as the legislative division of the organization. It is one of the primary forces in our nation's capital lobbying for civil rights for ALL Americans. Here, interns work on specific issues on the NAACP's legislative agenda for the 109th Congress. My designated issue centers around minimum wage. The objective of the NAACP Washington Bureau is to increase the minimum wage by ($2.10 over the next 26 months) from the current federal minimum wage of $5.15 to $7.25 an hour. This action will help approximately 7.5 million working Americans (mostly adult workers) trying to support their families. It is my responsibility to learn as much about this issue in order to help draft arguments and combat opponents of the federal minimum wage increase. I will also be working closely with Congressman George Miller, (CA) and Senator Edward Kennedy, (MA) on bill HR2429. If passed, this law would raise the current $5.15 minimum wage by 70 cents six months after enactment; an additional 70 cents a year later, and a final 70 cent increase ($7.25) a year after that. I am very glad the the General Board of Church and Society picked up on my love for civil action and public service when reading my application. It's a perfect fit. I plan to work hard and make a meaningful contribution to my organization.

Random Pictures from Week 1

2006-06-12T14:16:00.000-05:00

Monica Mercial White

2006-06-12T14:06:00.000-05:00

Greetings,

"The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with One Step" Lao Tzu.

My name is Monica White and I am one of those fortunate few that were chosen to embark on this journey along with my fellow interns. I am a twenty, soon to be twenty-one yrs. old (6/20/85) young woman from San Antonio Texas. I attend the illustrious Howard University here in Washington, D. C where I am majoring in Public Relations with a double minor in Political Science and English. My life has been steeped in Christ and the United Methodist Church, so coming to this program just felt so right to me. Also, my older sister,Morjoriee had completed the program in 2001 and just had a wonderful and life changing experience working in her placement. I look forward to working in a placement that prides itself on helping the underserved and establishing long-lasting relationships with my fellow interns.

Militoni Toetu'u

2006-06-12T12:02:00.000-05:00

Hi, my name is Militoni Toetu'u, Tongan(Vaotu'uan)-American and i am currently 18 years of age. I am enrolled at the University of Hawaii school of engineering, studying civil and enviromental engineering. I am from Palolo, Hawaii and i attend Kilohana UMC. When i got the application and read over it, i didnt even want to join. i felt like there was no time for me to waste on myself because i didnt want to leave my family, i needed to work. My parents and church family encourged me to go, telling me that i should trust in the lord that everything will be fine when i am gone. With not much of a choice i was bound for DC, i needed to focus on what i needed to gain through this internship, so i needed to learn how to work in a professional setting rather then construction all the time. I needed to experience a job where i could gain social skills. At the same time i needed to grow in my faith; my personal relationship with the lord. Well through this internship i hope to mature in faith and in person. I need to be able to socialize not occasinally but make it a daily habit in my work back home. I hope to take all that i learned and use it to encourage my generation and those to come, that GOD has a path for us to take, and that we should pursue it no matter what the cutbacks, because in the long run everything will bloom. GODS BLESSING UPON ALL HIS CHILDREN.

Agnes Poveda

2006-06-09T16:35:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone my name is Agnes Poveda and some of my friends call me Aggie. I am one of the blessed interns in the EYA Internship for 2006. I am 19 years old and I will be turning 20 next year in March (yes I know a long way to go but no hurry). I live in Miami, Florida and I attend Florida International University. I am currently majoring in Political Science/Pre-Law and International Studies. In Miami I attend church at the United Wesley Methodist Church. I have been a member of Wesley for 10 years, and is the amazing church that has seen me grow physically and spiritually all these years. I applied for this intership because I saw an amazing experience to grow not only spiritually but also professionaly. I saw those two months as a way to become more independent and mature by bringing together my two passions in life; my faith, and my career. I hope that by the end of this summer I have not only built long lasting relationships with the amazing people I have met so far, but also to have gained a vision from God for my life. I want to be able to go back home full of knowledge, spirit, joy, and love and share it with my community, church, family, and friends. So far it has been amazing and I know that God is going to keep blessing not only me but the rest of the interns because he has put us here with a purpose.

lydia b

2006-06-09T15:28:00.000-05:00

hi.
my name is lydia and i'm from grand rapids, michigan. my home church is the united methodist church of all nations. i go to emory univerisity and will major in either philosophy or history. i applied for this internship to explore a growing interest in social justice. i hope that through this internship i develop a better understanding of the problems and issues that our country faces and what we can do to help them. I also hope to strengthen my faith through the actual internship and through fellowship with the community of eya believers. i am excited to be in d.c. and am grateful for the opportunity.

Lupe Maka

2006-06-09T15:03:00.000-05:00

Malo e lelei, Aloha, and Hello! My name is Ms. Lupe T. Maka, I am 20 years old and will be turning 21 on the 13th of this month (just a side note to all of you lovely interns). I attend Chaminade University of Honolulu as an undergraduate student majoring in Criminal Justice/Criminology. I am Tongan-American born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. I attend the First United Methodist Church of Honolulu, which has been home for me and my extended family for about 30 years. I actually heard about this internship program through my pastor, Rev. Eddie Kelemeni, who recommended that this would be a great and life changing experience for me. I was a bit unsure about applying because I already had plans to enroll in summer school prior to knowing all of this. I felt like I was in a difficult position being that I wanted to do both at the same time, but I knew that I had to choose one or the other. So I submitted my application already thinking that I wasn't going to be selected but I was blessed with this opportunity. Also with the support of my parents, families, friends, and other members of the congregation, I was able to make my final decision to come here to D.C. So here I am, sitting here in my desk that I can call my own for about 7 weeks with the title of summer intern representing the Religious Affairs Division for the Children's Defense Fund. I've learned and am continuing to learn more about this program and how my faith shapes my way of thinking and living.

Xochitl Garcia

2006-06-09T12:33:00.000-05:00

HI!
Well. Where to start?
As stated above my name is Xochitl Garcia and I am 18 years old, I think I am the youngest here, but sometimes I feel like one of the oldest...... Just kidding guys! I was born in Gutemala, but raised in Texas. I attend Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas and I love it. Right now I an interning with The Campaign for Tabacco-Free Kids and The Maryland Health Initiative. I am very excited to get started on this cause considering I am allergic to tobacco smoke. I applied for this internship to not just grow intellectually, but spiritually as well. The Methodist Church has always been an amazing part of my life and now continues to do so. It still may be early on into the internship, but I know what an oppurtunity the General Board of Church and Society has given me and I do not plan to let it go to waste.

wseo

2006-06-09T11:59:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! My name is wseo, I'm 21 years old and I'm a senior at Binghamton University located in New York, majoring in political science. I'm from New York City and I attend Vision Christian Fellowship of the United Methodist Church. I'm currently interning at Peace Action, the largest grassroots peace organization in this country. I applied for the internship to develop a greater understanding of social issues and to develop a deeper compassion for those marginalized by society. I expect to develop lasting bonds with fellow interns and colleagues, expand my understanding of social issues, gain spiritual wisdom, and finally to have a great time.

Joe Kim

2006-06-09T11:56:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! My name is Joe Kim and I serve as the senior intern for the EYA internship. I am almost 21 (July 18) and attend the University of Michigan. I am double majoring in English and Political science. While at school, I attend the Korean United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor. Home for me is located in Sterling, Ohio, where I attend the Sterling United Methodist Church. I applied for the position of senior intern because of my experience last year. I was so blessed by the work that GBCS does and their care for me, as well as the other interns. This internship allowed me to find some direction in my life, as far as finding a channel to utilize the passion that I have for social justice. Still, this is a new year and I am equally excited for the great things that God has planned for me and this year's class of interns. I am excited to see what God has to reveal for my future. I thank God for the opportunity to participate in this experience and can't wait to see what is to come out of it.

Until next time...
Joe Kim signing off.

Sade Marie Young

2006-06-09T09:42:00.000-05:00

Greetings to everyone! My name is Sade Marie Young and I am 20 years old. I attend California State University, East Bay located in the Bay Area near Oakland. My major is Ethnic Studies with a focus on Asian and African American studies. My hometown is Los Angeles, CA where I attend St. Mark's United Methodist Church. I applied for this internship because I have always been involved in the church and I know how valuable the experience of an internship could be, so when I found out it was a internship sponsors by the UMC I really wanted to be apart of it. I expect to soak up all the knowledge I can from not only where I'm placed but from the United Methodist's General Board of Church and Society that works closely with us. I am working at the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) office. I am very excited to do advocacy work and I am planning my own project to work on this summer in addition to all the other projects I will be apart of. Lastly but most importantly I plan to grow spiritually and mentally while I am here. I want to go home with a better understanding of my faith, who I am, and what I can offer to society.

Aloise H. McCullough

2006-06-09T08:18:00.000-05:00

Hello my name is Aloise McCullough and I am eighteen years old. I attend Tulsa Community College in Tulsa, OK. My major in Mass Communications with a focus in Print Journalism. My home town is New Orleans, LA. I applied for this internship because I was led to about three years ago. I wanted to do something for God and society and this is what I was led to do. The expectations I have for this internship and my time in DC is for it to be a time of growth spiritually, socially, and as a member of society, at the same time, while having fun and enjoying the challenges and joys of the internship as a whole. I expect I will be stronger by the end of the internship and I expect that I will be better able to serve the outside world.

Welcome!

2006-05-25T11:20:00.000-05:00

This is a blog for the General Board of Church and Society's 2006 Ethnic Young Adult Internship. Ten interns representing the five caucuses of the United Methodist Church - Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American and Pacific Islander - will work from June 4 - August 1 in Washington D.C. with different organizations addressing a variety of social issues. In addition to their work, the young adults will have Friday seminars on timely social justice topics, area field trips, and have Sunday worship with area United Methodist Churches.

The interns will write about their expectations, concerns and experiences during their time in Washington D.C. and also when they return home. The hope is that the church community can learn about what these young adults are doing and also let other young people learn how they too can be involved in the United Methodist Church. We hope you enjoy their stories!

EYA Summer Internship

Social Justice For the Beaten and Burdened: Aloise McCullough

My Final Blog...Xochitl Garcia.

There are no words to express how I feel, by Sade

I'M LOVING IT!

Joe Kim

Lois' Places I Have Been

Sade's Formation of faith

Lupe Maka *INTRO*

malo 'aupito (thank you in tongan) brothers n sisters

Formation of Faith

AGNES *Formation of Faith*

*Remembering Toni :( *

Pictures from Toni's Last Night

Agnes Ethnic Background (blog 3)

Aloise McCullough: My Formation

Prayers

Monica White

lydia b

Will S.

Sade Young

Sade Young

Joe Kim on Ethnicity

MILITONI TOETU'U: ETHNIC BACKGROUND

A Common Ground by Aloise H. M.

Peace Action Interns

Agnes Poveda

Militoni Toetu'u

lydia b

Joe Kim

EYA 2006 Interns

Will S.

Aloise H. McCullough

Monica Mercial White

Random Pictures from Week 1

Monica Mercial White

Militoni Toetu'u

Agnes Poveda

lydia b

Lupe Maka

Xochitl Garcia

wseo

Joe Kim

Sade Marie Young

Aloise H. McCullough

Welcome!

Lupe Maka INTRO

AGNES Formation of Faith

Remembering Toni :(