18 days ago I landed in Oenpelli, in the Northern Territory
of Australia. After days of logistical roadblocks, flooded streets, cars with
snorkles, two 5-person planes, and many troopie (land cruiser) travels later,
my team actually made it. During this adventure, an Aboriginal family that
melted my heart and truly convicted me of how to live in real community adopted
me. I actually had a mob (family /
friend / group) to call my own!
The invitation was simple and casual. It was presented to me by my now little
Aboriginal sister, Tasma.
family?
sounds good (Huge Smile.) Who is the rest of my family?
her Mom Mom. (Tasma pointed to an elderly woman weaving.)
wisdom in her eyes.)
she proudly introduced and held our baby brother in her arms.)
invitation and was now able to claim the Belinj skin name. Over the next few minutes, I started to
be introduced to generations of Aboriginal men and women that had welcomed me
into their family with every intention to freely share their love with me. I met my Aboriginal parents, Noeline and
Leon.
grandparents, Le Ann and Jimmy and was so thrilled to know I had two other
younger sisters, Jariah and Adeline.
I also met my auntie Corina and cousin Nathaniel. It was hard not to compare these new
additions to my family back home.
How could I be so blessed to be welcomed into this close-
knit circle? God again revealed to
me that He provides family everywhere.
No matter how far I am from home, the family of Christ is far grander
than my mind can grasp.
Their display of genuine affection started a whole process
of me questioning my intentionality on how I give and receive love in
life.
Do I love strangers well? Do I love my family well? Do I really love like Christ?
You can imagine, this adoption process was not at all
normal. Nothing was western about it. There was no paperwork, no background
check, no hesitation, just a simple invitation by a cherished child of God to
another. After I excitedly
accepted, I started to develop relationships with my new family. I observed them, their lifestyle, and
the way they love and interact with each other. Nothing was hidden.
All was exposed for me to see.
I realized their reality was far different than what had
been shown to me for the past 27 years.
Things that were easily escapable to me were not an option for
them. If I was frustrated with
siblings growing up, you go into your room and close the door. You give yourself some, “me time” and
deal with it later. Wow, my perception
was so often distorted and quite selfish.
For me, one house with 15+ people, from many generations,
and little furniture is way too crowded.
To my new family it was a home and shelter for anyone that needed it.
There was no entitlement.
Lesson learned: Real Community is messy yet beautiful.
Living an exposed life is not easy but it forces you to
break down walls.
You have nowhere to run and hide. It’s hard to escape. You have
everything to learn.
“As members of one body you are called to live in peace. And
always be thankful.”
How are you living and loving today?
