Staff / Travels Archives | HOPE International

Every year, we look forward to welcoming interns and fellows from across the world for a summer with HOPE International. Each time, we’re blessed by the creative ideas, fresh perspectives, and extra dose of energy and joy they bring to our work.

And it’s our mission to pour into each intern and fellow both spiritually and professionally! We’ve designed the program to promote spiritual formation, professional enrichment, and significant involvement in HOPE’s mission.

But rather than take our word for it, we want you to hear from them! So, we asked a few of our 2025 interns and fellows to reflect on what their time at HOPE was like. Here’s what they shared.

By Bethany Hammond, HOPE International staff member

“Something you want. Something you need. Something to wear. Something to read.”

It’s begun—the endless chorus of “Mom, can you put this on my Christmas list?” And here I am, caught between two worlds.

In one world, I want my kids to experience the wonder of Christmas: the miracle of Christ’s birth, the glow of lights, the smell of cookies baking, and the magic of traditions that make the season sparkle.

But in the other world, I feel the weight of frustration. Every message aimed at my kids (and let’s be honest, at me too) insists: “You need more. You deserve more. You’re entitled to more.”

By Allie Bradshaw, HOPE supporter

On Monday, our group started arriving in the bustling capital city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Nothing quite tests the measure of a group like a long bus ride after a travel day that started before the sun, but it didn’t take long to discover that this trip was going to be something special. As we got to know one another on a drive to the eastern peninsula of Samaná, Julie Wilson, president of Women Doing Well, introduced people to Women Doing Well and the journey we were about to take together through The Pathway.

Having visited HOPE International’s work in Kigali, Rwanda, in the past, I appreciated HOPE’s dedication to always interacting with the people they serve in a dignified manner, and I was intrigued to see how Women Doing Well’s curriculum would influence my experience of this trip.

We had the privilege of meeting several women whose lives have been impacted by their involvement with Esperanza, HOPE’s microfinance institution. It was so much fun to celebrate the success and growth of these women (whom Esperanza calls “associates”) as they shared their stories about how they started with small loans to grow their businesses.

By Andriy Kopyl, managing director, HOPE Ukraine

It’s been three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And life in my country continues to feel more and more fragile with each passing day.

Thousands have been killed. The constant threat of attacks and the sound of sirens have become a part of our daily lives, causing many to experience sleep deprivation and stress.

By Savannah Jeffery, 2024 Executive Writing Intern (pictured above, top left)

If you look closely in one of Peter Greer’s early books, there’s a picture of me and my sister, proudly holding little glass jars filled with beans and a small shallow candle nestled in the center. When we snapped that photo at our church’s Christmas market, I didn’t know much about what HOPE International did. Little did I know that following my sophomore year at Wheaton, I’d be interning with HOPE, helping Peter write more books! From making bean candles as a child to now interning with HOPE’s executive team, here are some lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey with HOPE.

By Alisa Hoober, HOPE Board Member

Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to visit HOPE International’s work in Zambia.

I’ve traveled and seen poverty before, but being with my children changed how I related to those I met. It was a blessing to visit with our whole family, especially with my three young daughters.

At home, we pray for HOPE and support their work—but showing our children HOPE in action was something I won’t forget. Continue Reading…

Archives For Staff / Travels

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HOPE interns and fellows share their experience

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Sharpies and goats: a different approach to giving

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Learning about generosity from women in the Dominican Republic

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Three years of war: an update from HOPE Ukraine’s managing director

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From bean candles to book editing: lessons from my journey with HOPE

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What my 3-year-old taught me about helping people in poverty

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