As my first summer internship with Project Transformation Tennessee came to an end in July 2012, I knew that my life had been forever changed. I was opened to listening to where God was leading me? I met with a local United Methodist pastor who recommended the book, Let Your Life Speak, by Parker J. Palmer. Finally, I discovered words to describe my vocational journey! Palmer advises leaders to listen to the joys and pains of their own life. As I listened deeper to my own inner voice, I connected on a deeper level with God and discerned that my call to ministry was guiding me down an unconventional path.

I accepted a part-time youth ministry position at a local congregation and an internship at The Upper Room in Nashville. I served a second summer with Project Transformation, which confirmed my passion for ministry among the Latino community. I graduated with a business degree in December 2013 and after serving for a year, full-time, at United Methodist Communications, I took a leap of faith and relocated to Dallas, Texas to serve at Christ’s Foundry United Methodist Mission, a Latino congregation and Project Transformation North Texas site church. I learned so much in two years at this wonderful place, and I also enrolled as a full-time Master of Divinity student at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. My time in Dallas was filled with both blessings and challenges, and I am grateful for the experience. The leap of faith to move to Dallas, attend seminary, and serve in a context very different than my own would not have been possible without my formative two summers with Project Transformation.

In May 2017, I returned home to Nashville where I now have the privilege to serve with the Nashville Episcopal Area as Cross-Cultural Strategist and Ministry Intern as I complete my studies at Perkins. I work with leaders across the Tennessee and Memphis Conferences of The United Methodist Church and equip churches to build relationships with new and diverse people in their communities. I began to discover my vocation as a bridge builder five summers ago with Project Transformation, and I am thankful that my journey continues to unfold in unexpected ways. I pray that the ministry of Project Transformation will continue to expand and grow so that young leaders may discern how God is calling them on a new and exciting journey.

Morgan (left) and two other interns receive pies to the face
at Family Fun Night at Project Transformation Tennessee.