By Alexandra Darby

This summer (2009) I had the opportunity to travel to Moscow, Russia for an internship. As my plane hit the landing strip of SVO my heart burst with anticipation and thoughts overwhelmed my mind.  What would my time here be like? Would everyone be nice? I don’t even know how to speak Russian! Once settled in at the dorm I was introduced to staff and fellow interns I would be living with for the next few weeks. Right away I was welcomed into my new big family; it’s amazing how so many people from different walks to life can come together and serve, all sharing the common bond of Jesus Christ. As my days flew into weeks I was vaulted into endless days of walking, long van rides, cramped spaces, and sharing the love of Christ with the lost and broken. Though at times I was worn out mentally and physically, the Lord gave me strength to keep enduring. As I was stretched out of my comfort zone in aspects of my faith my fellow team members and interns were there to encourage me, and I was reminded that my life is not my own.  Not always would doing the Lord’s work be easy: You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. - Timothy 2:3.

When my last weekend came to pass and I was packing my bags to leave, I reminisced on all the memories I had captured in my heart - some very funny, others filled with seeing the Lord’s work being accomplished. My time spent as an Intern in Russia was an unforgettable experience. I made friendships that I will always have, memories I will cherish, I have eyes that will never forget the faces of little children, and a heart that has been changed by my time spent at CCCPM.

“Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labors into His harvest.” Matthew 9:38