Lancer Diaries: Destination: ITW/Ukraine. (By: Courtney Weatherly)

It is impossible for me to talk about CBU without talking about ISP. ISP (International Service Projects) are 3 week service projects during the summer where students serve all throughout the world. This is such a great opportunity to serve and is impossible to pass up. Last year I was able to serve on the team to Panama. There, we worked at a local middle school. We worked alongside a church putting together Vacation Bible School. After my experience last year, I could not imagine spending 3 weeks of my summer doing anything else. This is, however more than a 3 week journey. Student’s apply for ISP in November and do not know where they are going until late December. In January, teams (about 10 students) begin meeting together once weekly for 3 hours a week. The more teams meet, the more they get to know each other and bond. By the time the teams travel, they are already accustomed to each other and the transition happens naturally. (As you can see, a lot of work is put in to ensure that our time in the country is time well spent). My team last year was amazing and I could not imagine better team than last year. However, I was very wrong. This year, I as well as 9 others are traveling to Ukraine. There, we are working with an orphanage through an organization called “Little Lambs”. My team meets every Wednesday night and I love meeting with them. We have bonded so much in the last few weeks, it feels like I have known them forever. Every Wednesday night, I look forward to meeting with them and get more excited for our trip.

This past weekend, we went through ISP boot camp, more commonly known as ITW, Intensive Training Weekend. From 5:30 p.m. on Friday night until Sunday at 5:30 p.m. We dedicate ourselves to ISP. Without cell phones, a schedule, or any , we step into ISPland. I am not going to give away all the secrets of ISPland but during this short time, we are pushed to our limits and at the end come away with a new perspective. Our eyes are opened to new cultures and places. More than anything this is a time to work and function as a team (a preview for the field) and to prepare ourselves as a whole. This year, ISP is sending out about 300 students all around the world, so you can imagine the strength when we all come together to serve.

This weekend was especially great for me because my team was so awesome. Regardless of how tired, hungry, or smelly everyone was, we made sure to do everything with a positive attitude and everyone was focused serving others more than themselves. I cannot wait to see what we will be able to accomplish in Ukraine!

“Ukraine is Premium”

Courtney Weatherly