Writing, writing, and more writing...

In my third week here at HOPE, I'm realizing that their warning that the summer would go by quickly is going to be quite true. Already, I've gotten to work on a variety of projects, which I love, because there's always something new to learn, and it makes for some good variety when I get stumped on a project (which often seems to happen). One of my favorite projects right now is coordinating the Thurman Award, which HOPE awards to one of its clients each year who has truly lived out the mission of HOPE. Some of the most encouraging client stories are ones of clients who are so grateful that they use the profits from their loans to help not only their families but their communities as well. I'm really excited about reading the different nominations, and I'm glad that I don't have to be one of the judges!

As part of the internship program, we all read several books over the course of the summer that are relevant to Christian microfinance. We're currently in the middle of a book written by HOPE's president, Peter Greer, called The Poor Will Be Glad...we've even gotten advanced copies since it's not scheduled to come out until the fall. Talk about perks! (And I'm partially joking there, but mainly serious because I love books, so I think an advanced copy is pretty cool.) The interns who are here in Lancaster have been getting together for breakfast every Wednesday to discuss the reading for the week, and it's really one of the highlights of my week. I mean, I already love breakfast foods, and the discussion is really interesting, even (or especially) when we get off topic. We've ranged in topic from short-term missions to the validity of statistics to political systems to a debate about what rights we're given Biblically. It's a good way to begin a Wednesday; I highly recommend it:)

As always, thank you for your prayers! I mentioned last time being stressed about looking for apartments in the fall, but this weekend when I was back in Pittsburgh, I signed a lease on an apartment. I have had trouble trying to find leases shorter than a year, but I was able to sign one for six months! I think that the time between me finding the ad and me signing the lease was something like 3 days, which seems more than a little miraculous. It's a good reminder how much God is working even when I'm completely distracted with stress and worry...and a needed one!