My summer at EA – an intern’s perspective

Hi, my name is Emily Neal and I am a student at California Baptist University. I spent 10 weeks of my summer at El Ayudante. The EA family and the community of Lo de Reina were kind, welcoming and so loving during my time there! I was in awe every day that I got to call this place home, even though it was just for a few months. The country and the people alike are the most wonderful and beautiful to encounter. I am honored that the Lord chose me to spend my summer in Honduras!

I had no idea what was in store for me here and came with little to no expectations, just a mentality to be ready and available for whatever was needed! I had been to Honduras a few years prior with medical brigades, but had never stayed longer than a week. I knew the Lord had told me to stay there longer this time, and He made it evident through so many different signs. Even if I had had a long job description, nothing prepares you for the experience of living and working at EA. It is so much more than you can even imagine.

Once at EA, I wore about as many hats as can possibly fit- from helping with VBS, teaching a graphic design class, helping brides pick out their wedding dresses and hosting book clubs! There was always something new happening around there and the ministry is constantly growing and finding more effective ways to build long-term relationships. I love this kind of flexibility and exciting change! This kind of atmosphere fuels my joy and my energy and keeps me motivated to be “all in” each day. It was truly an honor to be able to cultivate a love for learning and a love for knowing more about who God is.

Did I mention all of these fun opportunities were in Spanish?! I am so thankful the Lord constantly equipped me with the language when I needed it most. I loved being able to communicate in someone’s first language and build relationships without the challenging language barrier. Not to say there were not PLENTY of times I was humbled and messed up my Spanish completely or used phrases that only made sense in Spain. Yes, the kids sometimes laughed at me but we made it through and my Spanish improved!

I learned a lot about dependency on the God during my stay, due to the fact that I was sick a majority of my time there. I have to eat a very limited diet and have a chronic illness in my stomach that affects daily life pretty frequently. Some days were really hard to gain the energy I needed to finish even the simple tasks, but the Lord remained faithful and sustained my energy, providing just what I needed each day. I had to be dependent on Him because it was impossible on my own. I realize more and more that everything I do is for the glory of God and only through Him are all things possible.

The summer was so memorable and I have learned so much about truly having a servant’s heart. I saw Biblical encouragement and people celebrate and mourn together. I learned more about the character of God, even in the trials and storms. What a blessing it was to be a part of the EA family!