Appreciation

Hello! Hola! Hafa Adai! Kamusta! Bonjour! Jambo! All of us, interns, come from different places. Our differences are what make each of us unique and weird (not in a bad way). Our actions, the way we dress, and our cultural beliefs are some of the factors in which we differ. Sometimes, we may have opinions that does not complement each other. Though it can lead to arguments, we learn from one another. One of the many important things that I learned while living together is that, no one can really understand a person if they do not know their stories or their backgrounds. Knowing the roots of a person is an integral part of understanding their perception and stance in life.

For the many weeks we spent together, I have known parts of their personality. We have gotten close since the first week. I recall our first bible study night. We had to think of adjectives that starts with whatever letter our first name starts with. It goes Kind Kevin, Strong Skye, Jubilant Jas, Keen Kendal, Kinesthetic Khary, Joyful Julliane, Noisy Nura, Interesting Iris, and Edgy Engoma. Introducing ourselves has been a daily part of this internship. We would usually laugh at each other’s introduction because it always sounded like it was scripted. Our late-night conversations, jokes, imitation of one another, games, surprises, arguments, and embarrassing moments are what made us closer.

To Noisy Nura/Nurs, thank you for having the District Superintendent/Pastor’s kid conversations with me. No one can get my PK life like you do. It feels great to have someone who understands my experiences and think like me! I appreciate you for being responsible and for being the big sister you are. You are very patient and understanding and I admire that about you. I will always remember your love for fisheye and your bright, positive personality. Stay bubbly!

To Interesting Iris/Irene, thank you for being responsible, thoughtful, and for sharing your opinion on different matters. I will always remember your cute dresses and smile. I will miss the sound of the laugh you make whenever you talk on the phone at night or when Skye cracks a joke. Stay amazing!

To Strong Skye, thank you for being a fun yet responsible person to be with. I am grateful for the meals you make for everyone and for being helpful with anything. I will miss the times where we would just look at each other because something odd or hilarious just happened. Keep that highlight popping!

To Jubilant Jasna/Jadhav, thank you for making me laugh effortlessly and for sharing your life stories with me. I will never forget our little unexpected trips, museum hopping, and our love for Pho and chicken wings. You are a free spirit and that makes you unique. Stay crazy and keep shining!

To Edgy Engoma/Jerry, no one will forget about your fascination with Michael Jackson and the moves you make. Thanks for sharing your experiences and always giving the group something to laugh about. I admire your strength despite what you have been through. Keep inspiring everyone with your story!

To Kinesthetic Khary/Kharbear, my work out partner. Thank you for taking photos of me (in every angle), getting my weird obsession with pinching everyone’s elbow, and for sharing your cherries! But most importantly, thank you for the motivation to work out and for pushing me to my limit.  I appreciate your bomb music taste and our listening sessions. I admire your intelligence in almost everything and your eagerness to learn on your own. Stay “fantabulous!”

To Kind Kevin/Kejo/Lulu, I have no idea where Lulu came from but for some reason it popped up my mind. Thank you for making us laugh with your hilarious remarks. I appreciate you for always being there and listening to my complaints and the mildly mean opinions and jokes I have. I admire your unique mindset and strong personality. I like how you get my sassiness because you can also be sassy at times. Stay cool, Lu!

To Katie, Neal, and Kendal, I will eternally be grateful for sharing your empowering messages about life with us and for generously providing us with our necessities. Because of you all and the whole GBCS, I got to meet inspiring and uplifting people and experience some of the best days of my life.

It is sad to part with everyone especially with all these unforgettable memories. But as this internship comes to an end, another opportunity will begin. I will bring these life-lessons into my community and apply them daily as a United Methodist as I continue to advocate for social justice. I am delighted to be a part of this program and I will treasure this opportunity forever.

Julliane Osias
GBCS EYA Intern 2017
Interfaith Power & Light