Christina – intern 2016

Christina D'Onofrio from New York, United States - intern 2016

Hello everyone, and thank you for taking the time to read my blog! I just graduated from the St. Bonaventure University in New York State and a few weeks later I find myself in a small Dutch village entertaining the notion of helping to build a youth community both here and in the nearby city of Antwerp. The first days here I experienced information overload, as well as a six hour time zone difference. While I've had a great first couple of days, it's been very tiring.

But I am here and it feels right.

St. Bonaventure University was my home away from home for four years. St. Bonaventure University is rooted in the Franciscan tradition, modeled by St. Francis of Assisi. We had a mantra: love God, love each other, and love the world around us. That was our main focus. Learning how to love God and to love the world He created. There is so much hurt in the world that needs a touch of love, real love from a God who has enough of it for all of creation.

In my work with Atlantic Bridge this coming year, I hope to continue with bringing God’s love into every situation He leads me to, whether it is a school classroom, a refugee center, a Bridgebuilders club, or just being with friends and families who are hosting me or driving me from place to place.

As I have learned, Bonaventure means "good journey". I would like to take you with me on this journey. I do so by writing about my adventures with God in a strange land as I build bridges of friendship, faith and understanding and as I share with young and old about the abundant love the Lord God has in store for us all.

Next time I hope to share with you about becoming more acclamated with the culture and language as I meet new people!