6 things about Marina Ghaly’s summer break

During the summer months, our students work, intern, or study in a variety of settings, often earning course credit and learning what it means to be the Church in the World. Some stay near campus, while others move away for a few months. On the blog this summer, we are featuring some of our students and the work they’re doing. This week we feature Marina Ghaly!

By M.A.C.E. / M.Div. student Rosy Robson

 

Rosy Robson:  Where are you and what are you doing this summer?

Marina Ghaly:  This summer I am interning at River of Life Community Church in Henrico, Virginia. My main task is heading up the ESL conversation cafe and co-teaching/teaching Wednesday night Bible Study. I also help with worship and different tasks on Sunday mornings.

RR:  How does this summer’s job/activity/study fit into your larger education at Union?

MG:  This internship is allowing me to think both theologically and practically about church ministry and function. I’ve been learning a lot lately and I’ve been meeting really nice people!

RR:  Why is this job/activity/study important for the future of the church?

MG:  This internship is specifically teaching me and reminding me a lot about Christian hospitality. This church cares deeply about immigrants and refugees. Specifically what the church is doing for refugees or immigrants is hosting a free ESL Conversation Cafe. This “class” is designed specifically for the refugee/immigrant to practice their English by having conversation. The immigrants seem to really enjoy this because they come back every week, and their English is improving. We provide refreshments and games. The task is a lot of interaction. Therefore, if the discussion topic is on food, this gives the visitor a chance for him or her to share the popular food items from their country. The individual from America has a chance to learn about the immigrant or refugee and vice versa. I love this because I’ve met so many people from different parts of the world and it has been awesome. The congregation desires to be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus. They want to open their doors to their community and help in any way they can. This is important to me and I believe for the church specifically because of all the division and tension occurring in our country.

RR:  What exciting insights or learnings have you gained so far?

MG:  I’m learning a lot about Christians who care about immigrants and refugees. I’ve been having the chance to meet a lot of immigrants and refugees and that’s been one of the best things about this internship. Another wonderful aspect of this internship is the love the congregation has been giving me. They seem to like having me around and they always provide encouraging words and support.

RR:  What are you reading or watching this summer?

MG:  I’ve been reading a lot of books (as usual haha). I always have a book about the Middle East and Coptic Christians. I’m currently reading “The Grave Robber” by Mark Batterson and (nerd alert guys!) “Religious Difference in a Secular Age: A Minority Report” by Saba Mahmood. If I have extra time in the day, then I’ve been picking up and putting down “The Coptic Question in the Mubarak Era” by Sebastian Elsasser. I’ve also been watching TONS of Arabic TV shows and movies. Ramadan was this past May through June and this is the time when a lot of Arabic shows are released. Watching the shows has been helping me get better and better at my Arabic and understanding the culture a lot more.

RR:  What is your favorite summertime treat?

MG:  I love eating ice cream during the summer. Any and ALL ice cream! Ice cream is my favorite. Especially if you have fresh baked cookies and make an ice cream sandwich….yum!

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