First of all, thank you to the EMI MENA family. Though I lacked many things, they gave me a chance to work at EMI and were good mentors and teachers.

I still remember the excitement of the day we had the telephone interview, and the word God gave me: "Consecrate yourself, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you” – Joshua 3:5 

I can't say the pandemic did not cause me confusion and fear. We were able to complete our projects through systematic handling of the situation, including wearing masks and using disinfectants. We worked in small groups and at home and our team devotions became more colorful through YouTube praise video sharing.

I returned to Korea hoping to join another internship at EMI Cambodia, but that opportunity closed due to COVID.

Now I'm praying and preparing for the next step. I want to go with a clean heart before God, who guides and governs all our moments.

2020, I can honestly say, has been a highlight year for me. There’s nothing ordinary about the environment that is EMI South Africa.

There is a unity here that can only be described as being one in spirit. The love each member has from abiding in the Lord overflows toward one another. That unity in spirit can be experienced beyond the office walls.

Therefore, despite COVID and isolation having its tough moments, the office family made those moments so much more bearable. At times, there were powerful moments of deep challenge through daily devotionals and individual connections. Yes, even over the dreaded screen.

Some of those conversations deeply challenged my thinking about what the engagement of the church looks like in our country with its legacy of injustice. This during a time where we could easily become very inward-focused.

Conversations that might have seemed insignificant to the people I was talking to have led to a big alteration in my way of living. I am excited to see where the Lord will take this.