This is the beginning...the beginning...the beginning of our story

And so it begins…the most intense experience of my life. Picture this: Lauren Peffley walking the streets of DC in a suit…? Haha, doesn’t that just scream INTENSITY?!?! I assure you that what I set out to write is much more intense than a recent college grad trading in her sweats for suits. What I write about here and now is the story of a young girl trading the familiar with the UN(familiar). A girl jumping head first into the biggest adventure yet- an internship with International Justice Mission.
Training week was an overwhelming, yet fulfilling experience. The baby IJMers got to hear from an experienced and well-spoken staff that looked something like super-heroes to my eyes. We were reminded of the mission that we are now on: the mission to “seek justice, to encourage the oppressed, to defend the cause of the fatherless, to plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17) It is one thing to say this casually to a friend, but I assure you it is entirely different to see it being acted out by the brave souls at IJM. They have truly taken up this cause. It was refreshing to see people so devoted to serving the poor and following God’s heart.
We got the chance to hear about each department and its function. We learned the importance of stories. We became familiar with IJM’s four fold purpose (victim relief, perpetrator accountability, structural transformation, and victim aftercare). We witnessed an organization that is entirely Christian, entirely professional, entirely attentive to detail, and entirely devoted to a cause. We joined in daily prayer for ongoing operations. We met our amazing fellow interns. We read casework methodology. We deployed pepper spray! And I’m telling you, we swallowed an insane amount of information! I cannot tell you how much it meant to let it all sink in. Over the summer, I told people over and over again what I’m about to go do and it became my scripted story on repeat. Only this week did I begin to realize the importance of this story. This is real and it is happening now! I’m leaving for South Asia today and it is a big deal! Hearing the staff of this incredible organization tell us that we were going to make a difference- that we are Christ’s hands and feet in this world- really made me stop and wonder…Are they crazy?! The answer is NO. They really do believe that it is both our duty and our privilege to serve the poor. When Moses heard from almighty God that he was to go and rescue his people, Moses said “Who am i?” God did not give Moses an easy answer. He didn’t say “Well, Moses you are qualified for this job in SO many ways and let me tell you what I mean…” No, instead He said “I will be with you.” Now GO. (Exodus 3)
The question “Who am i?” has been occupying my brain space since I got this internship. Who am I and how can I ever do this? We all have times where we ask the question, even spiritual giants like Moses voiced their doubts on the matter. But we must realize that no matter who we are, we are called by God to GO seek justice and He will GO with us. So who am i? I’m Lauren Peffley! I’m GOing to South Asia. I’m GOing to be an intern with International Justice Mission. I am GOing to do significant work. And dangit, I am GOing to affect lives.

All in God’s hands. Peace
lauren.susan


Prayer Requests: Safety in travel. Health in arrival (so I don’t get pegged for a Swine Flu victim- ee gads). That I find the women who are picking me up from the airport! And that the city welcomes me with sights and sounds to remember!