You would think living with 24 other people 24/7 would be a challenging environment. Never having time alone, no place to go escape, waiting to use the bathroom or the stove or the mess left on the table could be looked at as annoyances. However, those little things do not compare with what fruit comes from living with the body of Christ. I’m not denying the effort it takes to make community work but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This month has been SO good as we all have been intentional with each other and have created this safe place to come back to after a long day. I feel so loved and supported and couldn’t imagine how this journey would have gone without these brothers and sisters beside me.
How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1
Throughout this whole journey I have learned how important community is not just for this experience but also for life. God never intended for us to go through this journey called life alone.
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
1 Corinthians 1:10
My squad mates challenge me, call me higher, support me and spur my growth in ways I could never get to by myself. I have realized how much of a verbal processor I am which reveals areas of my life I don’t even realize I am struggling in but come to surface when chatting. Talking with others brings truth to my thoughts and feelings. I do not feel alone on my areas of struggle because I have someone going through the same thing or someone who has already been through what I am going through. We have been intentionally or unintentionally discipling each other while on this crazy adventure that has become our life!
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Fun Fact: The thing you gotta do when in Thailand is see some elephants! These gentle giants are being rescued from inhumane conditions in this reserve area outside of Chiang Mai. This past weekend I was able to visit and spend the day with three of these creatures! We got to feed them, bananas are their favorite, walk them and bathe them, starting with a mud bath then splashing around the river!
*Keep a lookout for pics…I have to get them uploaded 🙂
