What is community? By dictionary definition it is, a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
Well, that defines my life currently.
It’s month 5 of being away from home, away from my independence [physically speaking], away from my normal, & far away from what I understand [which is, the freedom to be alone].
Where I am in life [you know, abroad for 11 months] is a rare opportunity. I realize this isn’t everyone’s story, which reminds me that I am blessed. However [to be honest], I don’t always feel that way. I miss the quiet; I miss drinking coffee in stillness; I miss the freedom to make my own decisions.
I am surrounded by a community- constantly. I can’t change that.
But I can make a daily choice [in my spirit]. Do I choose to “dive into” this life of community- to soak up all the wisdom and fellowship? Or do I live each day as if I am planning an escape to somewhere far away [preferably an uninhabited island]? Some days, the latter seems more appealing.
I’ll admit it. This has been hard and the thought of hanging up the towel is frequent.
Here’s a truth that can be hard to hear. Growth doesn’t happen in familiar, easy situations- it happens when you are uncomfortable and in the raw experiences. As you can see, I am in the prime situation for growth. Yes, I miss home and I am exhausted [mentally, physically and emotionally]. But, I can confidently say that I have grown in ways that home can’t provide.
Then again, among the rough edges- I have experienced too much beauty to hurry home. I get to break bread with people [daily & sometimes even hourly]. We share meals, experience new cultures together, and serve alongside one another.
This month has brought to light the blessing of “breaking bread”. This month has been about late night conversations, early morning prayers, & just simply- sharing our lives. Our host, Danielle Benz is a mom to 19 children. She runs Bykota House [a Cambodian Children’s home] and we have been blessed to call this place our home. Danielle constantly has her home filled with children, world racers, interns, and international travelers. If anyone should complain about zero freedom- it would be her. She doesn’t though. She loves her big family in Cambodia. It stirs her spirit with joy. Why? I believe it is because she craves more of God. Community is a intimate way to see God’s handiwork. It’s too good to give up, though it is hard at times.
It’s the raw moment when our flesh becomes weakened, so that our spirit can become awakened.
That’s community. It’s filled with vulnerability and invasiveness but it is where life grows.
Imagine a community garden. It’s where people plant seeds, nurture the growth, harvest the fruits, & share it with others. The land [community] was created for growth and at the end of the day meals are being shared together.
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” –Acts 2:46
Bykota House brought thankfulness into my heart. I am thankful to break bread with people all around the world.
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[Ironic] it happens to be the season of thanksgiving.
