Blessings

When the end of the week arrives, it is hard to even know how to sum it all up in one blog post. This is my life for the next ten months, so it sometimes seems strange to talk about it like it's a big deal. But then there are people every day who tell me that this year is a big deal. People seem so amazed at what we're doing here. Why is it so unusual for people to live simply and honestly? Why is it so unusual for people to genuinely love one another? I am realizing that this ideal life is really, really difficult to live out. And it is certainly impossible to live it out perfectly. I've only been here for a month, and already I've learned so much about living intentionally with people. Real, authentic, loving relationships are so hard.

This year is all about relationships. I am living in a house with six other girls. I not only live with these girls, but I also work, cook, shop, clean, and worship with them. We are around each other almost 24/7. It's a good thing we all like each other! But of course conflict arises and we disagree on things from time to time. We were all basically strangers before we moved in together four weeks ago. We have grown close really quickly, but there is still so much unknown. The beautiful thing about living in this kind of community is that we are forced to love each other and to work through conflict immediately when it arises. There is no room to keep things hidden or to ignore problems. We are learning to be real with each other, that none of us are perfect, and that we all have much to offer one another.

Apart from the relationships with my teammates, this year is also about building relationships with people I meet every day. It is amazing how quickly and easily you meet new people when you just look. I have had more interesting and genuine conversations with strangers in the last month than I probably have ever had in my life with similar people. It is shocking to realize how easily we overlook people and opportunities to share life with other human beings on a regular basis. It's amazing how many people I meet just by walking and taking the bus everywhere. I am suddenly forced into relationships, and it's beautiful. So much more rewarding than I ever could have imagined. Like I mentioned above, I am realizing how interconnected all of humanity is. We all have so much to offer to one another. Yet we so easily hide within ourselves, afraid to offer or to receive anything.

I am learning about humility. I am discovering how to let others help me. I am losing hold of my pride in many ways. I am facing uncomfortable truths about how comfortable my life is. Living on $17.50 per week for groceries is a challenge. Seeing the horrible produce available in our local grocery store is saddening. This week I was even hit with the incredible blessing I have in knowing I am deeply loved by so many people. The fact that I can lie in my bed before I fall asleep and read encouraging and sweet letters and cards from family and friends and really know love, this is something that many people don't even get to experience. We are greatly blessed.