An Inside Look at Joni and Friends Internships

By |Published On: August 23, 2016|Categories: News|

EmmaHave you ever wondered what it’s like to be an intern at Joni and Friends? Joni and Friends intern, Emma Harold, gives you an inside look at her experience!

Name: Emma Harold

School: University of Regina

Major/Degree: Elementary Education

Where are you from?
Saskatchewan, Canada

Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
In my province (Saskatchewan), we call hoodies that don’t have zippers bunny hugs!

Why did you sign up to intern at Joni and Friends?
God has blessed me so much with friends who have special needs, through my high school and church. They have been so kind and compassionate to me, and I want to work with and care for kids and people with disabilities for my life. I was so amazed when I heard Joni’s story and her amazing love for people affected by disability. I just want to learn as much as I can to love and serve with those with special needs. I’m so grateful we get a chance to serve people during this internship.

What did you learn from your internship? 

This internship was amazing and I could probably write a couple essays about everything I learned! But one of the things I’ll remember most is what God taught me in Haiti. The kids we met were each so beautifully and wonderfully created. It was just very hard to see the suffering some of them were going through. But God showed me how these kids know and depend on Jesus so much more deeply than I do. He reminded me that these little ones who suffer and are abandoned on this earth will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. God’s love for these kids is indescribable. It comforted me and gave me so much peace that He holds them so close to His heart.

If you could tell people one thing about working with those affected by disabilities, what would it be?

I can’t even explain how grateful I am for my friends with special needs and the people affected by disability we met this summer. Being with people with disabilities shows me the beauty of God’s creativity– that every single person is such a beautiful expression of His character. I can tell you that truly, the joy and the love that your friends will bring you is out of this world! When I am sad or discouraged, I go to them. You will fall in love with working and serving alongside our brothers and sisters affected by disability!

Would you like to learn more about becoming a Joni and Friends intern? Visit our Internships page!

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