Before leaving on the race I read so many blogs that talked about what it would look like to live with 5-7 other people for almost a year. I wanted to be prepared. But realistically nothing could have prepared me for this.
I’ve never had a strong sense of community. I grew up pretty much as a only child, I never had to share a room or my stuff with others. I never did dorm life in college. Accountability groups were few and far between and being vulnerable with others has always been something I could sneak out of.
So here I am on the world race surrounded by all these things that are so unformiliar to me. This was what I was so nervous about.
What if I don’t get along with them?
What if they get sick of being around me?
What if I can’t be myself around them?
What if they use this whole feedback thing as a way to judge me?
What if they find out my past and everything I’vedone?
The past 4 months I’ve been doing life with four other women….and it has been hard! Don’t get me wrong it’s been pretty amazing too. We’ve laughed countless times to the point of almost peeing our paints, danced when people were looking, and have witnessed others lay their life down for Jesus.
We sleep inches from each other, cook together, clean together, pray for each other, and worship together. Some of us have even been in a naked sauna together! (just when you thought you couldn’t get any closer to the person!)We’ve walked miles in the hot African sun, prayed over malnourished babies, sang with orphans, painted walls, shoveled rocks and dug holes all for daddy God.
Needless to say we’re pretty close. But it’s been a journey, something we have to fight for everyday. Its listening and being there for each other when we don’t “feel” like it. Its being totally open and vulnerable knowing these people are for you. It’s saying the tough things with the intentions of building up each others character, not simply pointing out other faults. It’s grace and a clean slate everyday.
They have shown me unconditional love.
They know the worst about me but see the best in me.
They have shown me Jesus.
This is true community, this is how God created it to be. I’m so blessed by them and so thankful that God has given me this experience.
Annnnnnnnnnnnnd just when I though this community couldn’t get any better the Lord saw fight to put guys on my team!
Meet Team “Change” Here’s to a new season of growth with my new brothers!!!
**Thank you again to everyone who has made it possible for me to be on the race. Praying that God blows you away with his blessings! I’m almost there, only $2,200 away from being fully funded and meeting the July 1st deadline!! Thanks again guys!!!**
