Growing up I have to say that I was surrounded by community. On a daily basis, I would run into someone I knew, grew up with, attended school with, someone who knew my mom, dad, brother, more specifically my mom from 2 weeks ago, a year ago, from college, high school, junior high, etc.; They may have had my grandma as a teacher, lived on the same block growing up, met in the grocery store- well you get the idea...I was well known through my family, and there was 2 degrees of separation rather than 6 (kevin Bacon was my next door neighbor.... J/K) To give you another idea, one time I was at work at a store in Upland, and a man came in and asked if I was Joanne's daughter...I did not know this man and he did not know my name, nor where I came from, but knew I looked like my mom- turns out he went to high school with her. All this to say, once in college, it was a weird thing to not be immersed in this interconnected community. I felt alienated in a way, which I am sure a lot of people go through this, but it was definitely a new challenge to feel like myself with out the huge network of people who knew so & so in my family.
I learned how to grow into myself, and find my own community, but again as time went by, friends left to move back home and before I knew it I was graduating and yet again looking for community.
When I met Chau there was a very different story with him and his experience with community. I met Chau and immediately became apart of his community- He has been very blessed since high school to have a solid group of people who have walked continually through life with him. I have seen how each person has invested and valued a friendship with him. This was a very blessed experience for me, because I truly believe this is what Jesus modeled for us to live life like. I desired this and was able to experience interaction like this with our church Life group and loved and valued every moment of it (I definitely miss it).
Presently, Chau and I are in the midst of redefining what Community is and where we should continue to seek. We are very thankful for having such a strong background reference of community, but also have some things to sort out as far as what this looks like in Portland. Has anyone struggled with this that has any tips or suggestions?I am not sure if people can actually respond to our blog, but if you can I would love some feedback on this, or you can email us @ both510@icloud.com ...Our main struggle (at least mine), is trying to let go of our last experience {as far as the expectations that it should be exactly same:)} and being patient to cultivate a healthy experience with new people. Prayers would be appreciated. Even though we are meeting people through work/ other people, it can be a lonely process not having a good Christian support group locally. I can totally identify with the Corinthian's need for Paul's letters and his need for their support now....Thanks for faithfully keeping up with us- you all definitely help us to know we are supported from afar!
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