Author: Caroline Kavanaugh
Caroline first came to Nicaragua in 2015 with Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has been coming back to Nicaragua ever since! She interned in the summer of 2017 and again this past summer. She is a junior at Villanova University studying Civil Engineering and hopes to one day use her engineering degree to help provide a clean, sustainable source of water for those in need!
Getting to know the group members each week was another gift. Witnessing others being transformed by their weekly experience reminded me how blessed I was to be there and what an amazing and impactful organization I have the honor to be a part of.
Another one of my favorite parts of the intern program was the shared faith amongst the other interns and staff members. Monday morning staff meetings and our Partnership team meetings never felt like “work” because we always began with praise and worship or a prayer. Knowing these relationships were built on something as meaningful as our faith, makes them all the more special and never-ending. It is such an honor to be able to interact with so many bright spots on a daily basis, whether that be staff, community, or group members. Working Juntos with people so on fire with the Lord, we were able to accomplish amazing feats.
This internship allowed me to learn so much about myself this summer, who I want to be as a person, and what I want to do with my life. It opened my eyes and taught me that the Lord has put a passion in my heart to help communities in need.
But ultimately, I have learned that—across all races, genders, nationalities, and ages—everyone just wants to be seen, known, and loved. This is how we can help those who are hurting, whether they live on the opposite side of the globe or right next door to us.
