Summing up

Sister Hall is putting together a history of the Europe East Area and wanted me to write a bio about my internship. I thought I'd include it here:

Upon completing her undergraduate work in Russian language and literature at BYU, Kimberly went on to study public diplomacy at the University of Southern California. Her main interests center on religion and eastern Europe, so she jumped at the opportunity to do a public affairs internship for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Europe East Area Presidency's office.

While in Moscow, Kimberly was the point person for all media covering the visit of President Uchtdorf and Elder Anderson. She coordinated with those submitting articles and pictures from each of the four cities visited. She also received the assignment of getting and in some cases writing highlight pieces on members from each city. Especially meaningful for her was talking with the mission presidents of Samara and Rostov about their members: Samara because this is where she had served her mission and was able to hear of many amazing experiences that had happened to help the Church grow, a touching experience for someone whose heart still reaches out to the Saints in that particular area of the world and prays often that others around them will be touched and come to the true gospel of Jesus Christ; Rostov because President Harrison had been her first bishop out of the dorms at BYU and now, as mission president, worked closely with one of Kimberly's former mission companions. Kimberly was able to go and visit both of them.

Kimberly's internship came at a unique time of transition for public affairs. She was involved in meetings on the restructuring of public affairs in Ukraine with the new public affairs head, Elder Manzhos. She recalls fondly a conference call to Kiev where she served as secretary, taking minutes; as interpreter for the VanDykes, who were in Kiev; and as participant in the conference who at times weighed in with her own opinion and clarifications. This was the most enjoyable exercise in multi-tasking she has ever experienced.

Kimberly also worked on various translations, ranging from articles to be covered in media to helping on translations for the Liahona to preparing an English version of the program for the conference held in St. Petersburg on law and religion.

Though her internship taught her many things and gave her great experience, what will always stand out and remain with her are the relationships and memories made with those in the office. There was not one person in the office that did not make a lasting impression on her and touch her heart. She received so much more than she gave and will forever be grateful for the opportunity she had to spend one summer with the finest people she has ever worked with.