faith in action

Kiss today goodbye

Ethnic Young Adult Intern Iris Gadsden reflects on her summer learning about faith, justice and peace.


Eight ethnic young adult interns.

Kiss today goodbye
Point me toward tomorrow
We did what we had to do
Won’t forget, can’t regret
What I did for love
— A Chorus Line

This summer has been incredible. I am incredibly grateful that I was chosen to be apart of this program. The United Methodist Church as a whole and GBCS have been so gracious to me and my fellow interns in so many ways. I can’t thank Katie, Neal, and all of the other involved GBCS staff how much everything this summer has meant to me; thank you for all that you guys do. I also have to acknowledge the congregations of United Methodist around the world who have made apportionments which partially fund the amazing program I am in. Together so much can be done in our world. I am so proud to belong to a denomination that works internationally to connect the issues of our current world with the church and to be an inclusive religious body. I have been able to dive deeper into the actual beliefs of the church this summer which has been completely informative and interesting. The United Methodist Church fights for the rights of all people and the Social Principles proves this fight and the love that each disciple embodies for others. I hope I will never forget the theological knowledge I have been able to gain this summer and that I am capable of living my life with the tools I have learned this summer.

The quote above is from a song in a musical entitled “A Chorus Line” that displays the progress and struggle of auditioning and becoming dancers in a Broadway show. This specific song highlights the injury of one specific dancer and the reaction of the others on what to do now. The dancer is encouraged to move on but reminded to always remember dance and the way it shaped his life. This internship has become my theoretical dancing career. I have lived this summer with some of the best people I have ever crossed paths with. They have brought so many different experiences and testimonies. It’s been interesting to compare American lifestyles, politics, traditions, and culture to those of Jasna, Julianne, Kevin, and Engoma who are all from different countries. Although we all have different experiences and lifestyles, all 8 interns have been able to work together incredibly well in the short two month span. I hope these friendships expand far into our futures. This summer has also been an incredible learning experience. I have become more politically aware and I have learned a good bit about myself and the things I will strive for in the future. DC is all about networking and it is so surprising to me the amount of connections I have been able to make in such a short time. However, all good things must come to an end and July 29th will be my predicted final dance.

In conclusion, I thank God often for this internship and the opportunities that have come out of it. I pray the United Methodist Church continues to stand for all people and spread the light of Christ internationally. I don’t know what the future holds but I know mine has been changed by this great denomination.

Iris Gadsden is an ethnic young adult intern with Church and Society. You can find this post, and all of EYA’s reflection on their blog here.