As an intern, my first couple weeks working at Chirilagua’s Kids Club went by in a whirlwind: walking a dozen boys to and from Cora Kelly Elementary, mobs of children demanding piggyback rides, and constant cries of “Ms. Corina, Ms. Corina– was I good today?” But amidst all of the constant activity and learning that comes along with being a part of Kids Club, I’ve also been incredibly blessed with countless short and sweet moments in Kids Club that I will never forget: witnessing an act of kindness from one student to another, bonding with the kids during Friday field trips, or seeing a child realize that they can succeed in learning something new, despite how hard it may seem.

Never having worked with a group of kids as large as this (about 45), I’m learning so many new things about myself and how to best care for and love these children. In our classes this summer, we’ve been focusing on various art forms and styles, enjoying the talents and lessons of local artists from the surrounding community. Along with that, the kids have also been learning how to appreciate the talents of themselves and of others. The fact that they’re encouraging each other while creating their masterpieces is a great testimony to the lessons that Emily, Dawnielle and Janice are teaching in Kids Club– lessons about loving yourself and your neighbors, and lessons about being salt and light in the world, even at a young age. It’s amazing how through the encouragement and support that I’m giving these children, these same values are being revealed to me once again.

These weeks in Chirilagua have been incredibly blessed, and I love the fact that I’m able to spend so much time here, being a witness to what God is doing in this community– and in turn, learning about how he is working in myself.

Corina