Since I am new here at Riverchase, I thought it would be nice to tell everyone who I am and all the anticipation I have had for this summer. My name is Tabitha Barker, and I grew up in the middle of woods near Jasper, AL. I recently graduated from Freed-Hardeman University with a degree Psychology. I am so excited about this summer, and everything we have planned.   

So when I think of expectations, my mind automatically goes to the kids I  worked with at a juvenile detention center in Memphis. Growing up expectations were more understood than stated. In juvenile detention however, expectations were  stated before every activity. For example, before we ate in the cafeteria all of the children had to chant , “Low tone, be respectful, chew with your mouth closed, say please and thank you.” Through this I learned that sometimes it is beneficial to voice what we expect.

That being said, my main expectation for this summer is to grow in the Lord as a group, to grow in the Lord as a congregation, and grow in the Lord as an individual. I realize that this might sound stereotypical, and something I am required to say as a youth intern. But for me this isn’t just something to make me sound good. When I worked at the juvenile detention center, I was not able to get the opportunity to worship on Sunday due to working from 6 in the morning till 10 at night. I grew up in a very involved Christian family and went to a Christian college. Not going to church was such a culture shock for me. But somehow (Romans 8:28) God even worked this situation out for good. Not being able to go to worship on Sundays made me appreciate worship and God’s family so much more. It also made me look forward to this summer opportunity in an incredible way. Being able to come into such a strong youth program with such excited teens that want to worship is a tremendous blessing. So let’s not waste this phenomenal chance to grow.

I look forward to getting to know all of you. Have a outstanding week. God bless.

Tabitha Barker