“You are at Home"

Once again, there are many thoughts running through my mind as I write this. One thing I have realized about this place/experience is that it makes me think constantly!!! I don’t think there is a moment that goes by that I am not thinking about something, whether it’s about an experience, a conversation, a book, etc. It’s great though as I am learning so much…about God, myself, those in my community, how to live in a community itself, and what is means to be a Christian. I must admit…these are not always easy things!

However, I still live in the peace that this is 100% where God wants me right now. We are not promised easy times throughout our walk as a Christian, in fact, the Bible plainly tells us that we will have troubles… "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) This is just one of the many times we are told that we will have pain, struggles, or troubles. But, we can take heart…Jesus has overcome the world! We can live with a sense of peace because we know that God is in control, “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)…but that doesn’t always mean it will be easy. All that to say…even if things are tough here at times, I can find peace in knowing that I am following God and that He has my best interests at heart. I say all that, but things aren’t bad right now. They are really good!!! They are just challenging and tough mentally and spiritually at times…which is a good thing.

Random tangent but I wanted to express again how amazing this experience has really been so far. This is a place where I have been stretched, grown, challenged, and taught. This is a place where I have been loved. This is a place where I am allowed to think, learn, and ask questions. This is a place where I can serve others and be served. This is a place where we are poured into while pouring into our community. NieuCommunities is a hard thing to explain to others. You can’t fully understand this amazing experience until you experience it firsthand. I wanted to take a minute to thank you again for journeying with me. I am so very blessed by God to have such an amazing network of family and friends who support me the way you all do. God has created us for community and I feel the awesomeness of that to the fullest extent…both at home and here. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Lastly…we had an amazing experience in the township this past week and at the same time have been reading a book called “Irresistible Revolution” by Shane Claiborne. This is a book that really makes you think. It brings up the issue of “living with the poor”. More than anything, this book makes you think and ask yourself very tough questions. I don’t think it speaks to everyone in the same way and we can all learn/hear very different things from it. We are learning that through our book discussions. What we have been asking ourselves is…Who are the poor? There are times when we assume people to be poor who really aren’t poor. They might look like they are by our higher standards, but they might live “richer” lives than we ever will. Maybe the “poor” are those around you in nice houses but have no friends and live very lonely, lost lives. So…who are the poor to you?

Living with my “family” in the township opened my eyes to what poor isn’t. I lived with Emily and Solomon and their 3 daughters, Pretty-16, Precious-8, and Nunghile-almost 4. By the way…they gave me a new African name, Matshidiso, which means welcome. It was great! Their youngest daughter always referred to me by that name which was awesome! (She didn’t speak English besides the occasional American songs she would sing along with!)

This family of 5 lives in a cement house (as compared to the tin shacks around them) that is about the size of a small 2 bedroom apartment in the US. They live on one income and worry about what they will do with their daughter’s education when she graduates from high school next year. (Know anyone like that where you are living??? Yep…me too!) Emily would love a job but can’t find one. Unemployment is a big issue for them. But, they are so happy! They are a great family and have wonderful values. They have a roof over their heads, clothes, food and most importantly, love! If you walked up to their house you would assume they are a poor, impoverished family. But, they aren’t. They have so much and are extremely giving. I was blown away by how “at home” I felt. It was so important to Emily that I feel that way. She kept telling me, “You are at home!” However, even though I know the Emily and Solomon aren’t “poor”, how do I deal with the extreme disparities between the poor, middle and upper classes that exists in this country…and all over? So tough!

See…this place really does keep me thinking…constantly!!! Are you thinking now? I hope so!