My journey started nearly two years ago, during the second week of my freshman year at BYU. One of my professors shared a video with the class about an internship in Romania. My initial thought? Oh good, nap time. But by the time the video was over, I knew Romania was where I needed to be. Honestly, I don’t remember a single thing about the video; only the unbelievably strong impression that I had to go. Eventually, impression turned into dream turned into reality. And so, despite the fear and the doubt, I attended some meetings, worked a few extra hours, crunched some numbers, and here I am today with a flight booked and a suitcase ready for packing.
So what will I be doing in Romania? My time will be split between an orphanage and a hospital, where I will work with children who are underdeveloped both physically and psychologically, and in need of some serious love. And so it is my job to help them grow and develop by teaching them and doing the best I can to offer my entire self to them. I’ll be sharing my summer with 11 other BYU students.
But why this internship? Believe me, I wish I knew the answer to that question. Now of course, children have always had a way of pulling right at my heartstrings, so it seems fitting. But Romania? I’ve never been one with some intense desire to study abroad, I hate spending any more money than is necessary, and I’ve always had this idea of a ‘fast track’ to graduation. But Romania seems to contradict all of that.
Here is what I do know: I feel the most intense love for these children. I don’t know any of their names, back stories, or individual needs, but I know that they are precious angels. I know that despite the fact that I am signed up to serve them, they will teach me more about myself and love and millions of other things that without a doubt will leave me with the learning experience of a lifetime. And I know that through the paralyzing fear I feel toward immersing myself in such an inevitably difficult environment, I somehow feel an immense amount of peace knowing that I will be exactly where I’m supposed to be. (Though maybe I should mention that I do earn school credit as it fulfills the capstone for my major).
So that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I wish I had the proper words to express my excitement and gratitude toward my acceptance to the program and the incredible opportunity that this is for me. I believe I owe a great big thank you to everyone who helped me make my dream a reality, which means my parents and family, roommates, teachers, supervisors at work, and friends (for real though, I couldn’t have done it without you). Hold on tight, Romania here I come!
