Mosaic Internship Newsletter No. 2

Hello there, reader! 

Is it just me, or did it seem like February just flew by? The next thing I knew, it was already progressing into March. Granted, February is a shorter month, but it seems that once January is over the spring months just zip by. 

You might be wondering why I have another post for February for my Mosaic Newsletter. Originally, the first post was for January, but things took a bit longer than anticipated, so it became part of February. My goal, however, is to post at the end of each month to recap what has been occurring during that particular month. 

So, without further ado, here is how February went! 

1. Alaska’s having its first false spring. 

If you come from Alaska, you know exactly what I am talking about. Things suddenly start getting warmer, the days are getting longer (thank you, Jesus!), and the snow is melting; it feels like spring! It’s almost too good to be true! 

Well, it is. 

Because the next thing we know, we are back to freezing temperatures. Snow and rain storms (sometimes at the same time) run rampant. We no longer see the asphalt on the roads or the grass that's been buried for months. All that progress is lost! (Perhaps a metaphor for how life can sometimes feel this way?)

Being born and raised in Alaska, I know to expect this every year, but like many other Alaskans, we just forget! After being cooped up inside for what feels like an eternity, we are so eager to go outside that we think, “Maybe we will get lucky this year.” Although it has happened, we usually don’t see the actual spring season until April or May. But that warm sunshine and snow melting off the roof gives us hope and a little encouragement to finish off the winter. Until then, we must endure a few more ‘false springs’ before we can experience the real deal. 

Still, I’m grateful for that extra sunshine heat and the fact I don’t need my heavy winter gear. I’m even tempted to get the shorts out when it’s a bombing 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

(1st picture) I mean just look at that sunrise! At 8:20 AM too!

(2nd picture) To put into context, this river was just frozen a week or two before this photo was taken.

2. Our student leaders are doing a remarkable job serving in Mosaic.

Even though I have no idea what it is like to be a mom, I sure feel like a proud one. We couldn’t be more blessed to have such a wonderful group of students joining our team serving the students at UAA. I’m in awe at their eagerness, willingness, and proactivity to reach the students with the Gospel and just how close they have grown with each other. They bring so much energy and excitement to the table, which is exactly what was needed! From Nerf War games to planning a campus-wide Worship Night, I can see each of them growing and becoming amazing ambassadors for Christ. I'm looking forward to seeing what the remainder of the semester brings and how each one will develop in not only serving the community but also in their own relationship with God. He has placed talented students on our team, and I couldn’t be happier. 

Student leaders serving on campus

3. Mosaic is thriving! 

There is just something different about Mosaic since I first met them. It was amazing then, but it’s fantastic now! Mosaic Campus Ministry’s presence is beginning to grow at UAA, and we are meeting new faces, I’d say almost weekly. We have about 15-20 regular attendees who come to our weekly gathering, and I can see how they're connecting with one another as time goes on. It’s like a slow-growing fire and is about to be set ablaze, and as someone who loves fire, I love to see it! 

Our director, Brock (in the red shirt in the photo below), has been leading us in amazing messages and life applications for what we learn at Mosaic Nights. The theme he has focused his messages on is the Fruit of the Spirit, and every week, it is what I and the attendees needed to hear. (If you’re reading this, Brock, you’re doing a fantastic job!) God is doing something wonderful, and I can’t wait to see Him do more.

Mosaic nights in the Den at UAA

4. I’m in love with my internship with Mosaic.

I will admit that, at first, I had a little trouble navigating my internship. Not that the job itself was difficult, I just struggled with transitioning from a student figure to being recognized as a staff member. I felt very awkward with the students because even though I was around the same age range, our dynamics were a bit different. Exposure helped to decrease this feeling, but my team member, mentor, and close friend Megan helped me put things into perspective, saying I was in a "big sister" role. That took some of the pressure I felt on my shoulders that I needed to appear as staff. I still have duties and responsibilities as one, but thankfully, I’m feeling more connected with the students than I did before. 

My team of Brock, Megan, and Nathan also treat me like an adult and have never made me feel inferior because of my age and lack of experience in collegiate ministry. We are there for each other in both the ministry and personally. They are helping me to grow and become more vulnerable about the things that weigh on my heart and mind. I am so grateful for the support network I have gained through them, and I sense tremendous healing coming through this next year. Although I know parts will be painful, I know it will be healthy. 

5. Support-raising, even though slow going, is producing beautiful fruit!

Slow and steady wins the race, and that's exactly how I have been viewing my support-raising journey. Also, remembering that God will always provide; He hasn’t let me down before, and He won’t now! 

At first, I was a bit discouraged because of not hearing replies to the letters I sent out and follow-ups. Since I'd done support-raising for my Youth With A Mission trip to Japan last year, I foolishly thought it would be ‘easier’ to create connections and ministry partners. I am now realizing that during this season, the Holy Spirit is pushing me to speak at churches about the Mosaic ministry and my internship. 

Excuse me while I go crawl under a rock. 

If you know me, you know that I am absolutely terrified of public speaking. Having the full attention, the spotlight as it were, brings feelings of immense anxiety and self-consciousness. I become so dizzy and nauseous (thankfully, I’ve never vomited in front of everyone, but that is a fear of mine), my heart pounds a mile a minute, my throat feels it’s choking itself, my body and voice shake, as though my mind and body disconnect from themselves. I really despise crowds, and all I can say is it absolutely sucks having social anxiety. 

But I refuse to let my social anxiety control me, and even though I may not like it sometimes, I will listen to God and do as He says. I believe He wants me to speak at churches to not just spread the importance of collegiate ministry, but also to help me overcome the leech of social anxiety. 

All I can say is praise God for that. 

It’d be nice if our favorite fruit we planted would be ripe immediately. But that is just not the case. Sure, we can take shortcuts to help it grow quicker, but it never tastes quite as appetizing, does it? It takes time to plant the seeds, cultivate, nurture, and produce before it is ready to consume. Pick too early, and it is sour and bitter; too late, and it is rotten and without value. Either way, it is inedible or isn’t quite as nutritious as when it is ripened.

Support-raising is very similar; we must care for it just as we would with fruit. We are to plant the seeds (contacting people), cultivate them (building a foundation), nurture them (keeping those connections alive), and wait for them to produce (giving the ask). Once it is ripe, it will make itself known (receiving support). All I can say is that it is one of the sweetest fruits you will ever taste.

So there you have it! Already over a month in, and so much is happening, rather quickly I’ll say. God is moving in wonderful ways, and I am so excited to see what more He has in store for us. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows, but it is absolutely worth every minute of it.

I hope you enjoyed reading the latest update; stay tuned for more next month! God Bless you all. 

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