Talitha Connors - Intern 2009

This year did not have a great start, I'd lost my job due to that pesky economic downturn and it was nigh impossible to get another. So I prayed. My mum told me about the Edify Internship in Surry Hills, and to begin with, I really wasn't interested. Moving to Sydney and working with homeless people was not what I had planned for this year. But as I prayed about it, I realised that as a Salvationist, God calls us to the darkest places to help those in need. I continued looking for a job, but applied for the internship as well.

A few weeks later, I was moving to Sydney. I was so scared. I'd never lived in the city before, and knew no one down here. But God has really blessed me since I have moved and started working in the community centre. I have met so many people I would never have even looked at before, and they are amazing. I get to serve these people, and just love upon them almost every day.

Sometimes serving in community is something as simple as sitting down and chatting with someone during lunch. I can also be as difficult as trying to find someone a bed for the night and getting knocked back at almost every turn because there are hardly any beds available.

Most of our community members just want someone to talk to, someone who will listen and make them feel valued. Yes, they need help with food, clothing and accommodation; but they also need help to reconnect with people. I am so blessed that I have the opportunity to be a part of their lives and to share with them. We have some hectic times in our community, but there are many, many great ones as well.

I am learning so much about God through our community here, and am learning what God wants me to work on for myself: Fruits of the Spirit! Streetlevel makes you learn patience, and this is something I usually have very little of... I am blessed to have the opportunity to have it grow as I try and bring God's love to people who have never been shown love by anyone else. I can't wait to see what else God has planned for this year.

• Tags: 

• community,
• serve