Life After the Internship

A guest post from Becca Schneider, a 2007 intern:

“So…How was Africa?” This is the most common question I got asked when I returned to the States after Thrive’s year-long internship. Considering all that can occur in a year, I found it difficult to articulate how Africa was. What did they really want to hear? That I saw lions? (No tigers and bears, mind you.) That I learned to say a few sentences in another language? That I ate interesting foods? That there was no heat and I slept in my winter jacket? That for three weeks after being in the States my body didn’t know what time it was (not to mention my appetite)? Sometimes they wanted to know those things.

But I think people wanted a pointed story of what God did in my life. It took me several months to figure out how to give a Reader’s Digest version of the ways that God transformed my life, and even now, after being stateside for exactly six months, memories seep out of me at sporadic times, rather than a recitation of a speech.

What did God do?

He showed me how to extend grace to myself. Before the internship, I took a class in Bible College entirely devoted to studying the book of Hebrews, which deals with people who resort to their old ways because they seemed to work before. The writer of Hebrews pleads with his readers to turn away from sacrifices and to worship the God who has paid their penalty! When I got to Africa, I was heavy from burdens I’d tattooed to myself. God showed me how to forgive myself for things in my past. Removing those tattoos was not the simplest or least painful thing I’ve ever done, but I am now spotless.

I learned how much I love both teaching and writing. I was exposed to different types of ministry that gave me insight on things I honestly never knew existed inside of me. Some things became more polished, and some were completely uncovered. I fell in love with my LaunchPad students, particularly two girls: Oceania and Evodia. This passion for exposing students to the message of the Gospel made me giddy inside. I looked forward to trekking into the village to teach. I’m now back at Bible College where I next year I’ll be one of the RAs on the floor, giving me an opportunity to teach in formal and informal ways. These things have become part of me.

One more thing. God took my heart and left it in South Africa. I fell in love with the Basotho people, and my heart has been forever changed because of it. I want to live my life there.

I spent a year in Africa, and there’s no real Reader’s Digest version for this time in my life. What I do know is that God’s heart for His people bled into my veins and I will never be the same.

7 Responses - Add yours below

1. danielle says:

   Becca,

   I loved reading this post. Questions like that are so hard. “It totally changed my life” now sounds almost like a cliche answer…although we both now Africa did totally change our lives. I can’t wait for the day when I get to annouce that I’m going to go see “how Africa is” once more.

2. Char (staff) says:

   We miss you Becca…glad Africa is in your heart…look forward to seeing you here again some day!

3. Alex says:

   Once again this was good writting :-)
   That simple question…does not have a simple answer…
   Glad you shared Becca!!!

4. Amy says:

   Great testimony! I love the way you describe learning to apply grace to yourself… that’s so tough!

5. Megan says:

   Very well put Becca. I can defintely relate.

6. shannon, intern says:

   mmm, i like reading your words!! i’ve been wondering how in the world i’ll be able to describe everything that God is doing in me…i find it hard to picture future convos about this year without imagining that i’ll find myself continually discovering more and more of what has been uncovered and recovered in me…oh africa…. if you could go back to your year here, becca, what do you wish you would have paid attention to or been more intentional about doing or learning, etc…?

7. Becca says:

   Shannon- what a fantastic question. I answered you on Facebook.

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