.community.

When i decided to step down from my position at Wellington Square Church, I was looking forward to a break. But I did know that I still desired two things.
purpose & community
I am so grateful I have so many wonderful experiences where i can find those things.

I was reassured that even tho I was traveling to another country, leaving my friends and family behind, that I would not be alone. As i lived and work at EOC, I am blessed by a diverse community of interns, pastors, Mexicans, Americans, Canadians, rich, poor, construction workers, accountants, young, old, conservative thinkers and liberal Christians. And even though it takes effort, it somehow works. And its wonderful.

I flew home early to make sure I could spend time with my family - my parents, siblings, their spouses, and my neices and nephews. It was crazy having 17 people in the house at one point, but cool to be reminded of the importance of family. Sometimes dealing with family dynamics can be tricky, but it was a life giving couple of days...

And then camp. Where do i start with this incredible place. I spent over 10 summers working and living at this Christian children's camp (8 of which i was the director) and had invested alot into that place. So much of my identity, my transformation, my purpose was stirred up in that community. I made my 'comeback' this past week after being away for 2 summers. It was strange and wonderful all at the same time. Catching up with old staff, reconnecting with youth campers who I watched grow up over the years, and being encouraged that I was apart of something big... it brought me so much satisfaction. I was reminded of how well we do community at camp. Living, eating, working, worshiping, serving one another... it's an incredible picture of how we are supposed to be. I also forgot how much joy and laughter is important to community. It was good to laugh until it hurt. Also great to talk and connect with people... working together to figure out who they really are... What an honor it was and is to be apart of that community...

So as I spend the next month here in Ontario, I am so looking forward to more moments of community. Whether it be celebrating my friends' wedding, or sharing a drink on a patio or taking some youth out for lunch...
I realize how friggin' blessed I am.

I don't know how people try and do it on their own. It meaning life. faith. everything.
I am created for community and am so glad I am apart of some of the most fantastic communities out there.

(photos to come soon... once i find my camera cord!)