Author:  Lauren, serving on staff with Kaleo in New Orleans, LA.

This is my second summer interning with Kaleo. I was excited: to see my friends that have turned into family, all of the people we have worked with in the French Quarter, and just to be back in the city God has strongly laid on my heart since 2012. I believe so strongly in what Kaleo stands for, the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Just to give an overview: a Kaleo intern is responsible for leading and serving the different missions teams that come in to serve. Whether that is by cooking for them or by leading the groups to the many missions sites across the city. In New Orleans, we partner with many sites, both Christian and secular, across the city.

Some of the greatest things that were re-integrated in me this summer were the ideas of that the brokenness of sin is no respecter of class, race, age, etc. It has manifested itself in many ways in all of our lives, and it cannot be fixed with material things, only Christ. Also, what is important in life is Christ. Having Him is literally life’s greatest good. I have met people these past two summers who have nothing monetarily or materially, but have a “rich relationship with God” (Luke 12:21), which makes them better off than people who are rich in a material way in this life, but have no treasures stored up in heaven (Matthew 6:20). I have learned so much from the child like faith of the students I have met who have come on Kaleo mission trips as well as their leaders who are seasoned in their walk with God and in truth. Some of our mission sites are “exciting,” they are full of kids to play with, people to interact with, and plenty of work to do. Other sites are more “humbling” to say the least. God cares about the big and the small. The work that seems tedious for us to do, He sees the big picture and who it may help down the line. I am so fortunate to experience these lessons along with the students that come on the trips to learn and serve.

As another summer has come and is soon to be gone, I just have to say how thankful I am for how much God has used Kaleo, New Orleans, and all the people I have met to grow and challenge me.