Community

I joked to a few friends before leaving cincinnati, that this was my big "going away to college" life experience.  We've all seen the coming of age stories, or experienced them ourselves, where we grow up, move out, get random roommates, and have to make all new friends.  Some of you experienced that first hand.  I went not even a full hour away, roomed with one of my best friends, and didn't really do all that well in making new friends.  I made a few.  But I also learned how, at my core, I am an introvert and not very good at making social plans, which are often necessary for friendships.
Then I made the "big move" to Virginia after college; to work with some of my closest friends and live with my best friend.  Not exactly a stretching experience, community wise.  In fact, that was one of the hardest parts about leaving Virginia.  I had such built-in community that I knew it could never be replicated.  It was like a cruise ship where there's something every night, you merely need to decide if you will be in attendance.
Then back to Cincinnati, where I lived with and around my best friends and family.  Community was no Virginia, but it was wonderful and handed to me on a silver platter. (known as a small group I was annexed into and WCC leadership)  So when I first thought about coming out to Oregon, I was hesitant.  I can be a bit awkward and shy.  Some of you are confused and would say no no, not the case.  Others are glad that I am aware because they thought eventually they would have to have a conversation with me.
And so, three weeks ago, I was plopped into a built-in community of sorts.  You see, incase you didn't know, all of staff lives on property.  We all live in a little community of condos.  So, if you want to go to dinner, chances are it's just a few condos down.  And yet, when my roommate (aka social coordinator) was out of town for two days, I stayed in.  I haven't mastered the art of reaching out.  And if we're being honest, I'm completely okay with my own company, but I know that eight months is a long time, and community is a must.  It's not that I'm afraid or nervous, but that I'm perfectly content on my own.  But I know that with community comes growth.  We were designed to walk this together; as Chuck said this past sunday, as a tribe.
My big life adventure is definitely pushing me to grow, and ultimately that's exciting.  While it isn't always comfortable, I know that it is best.  Because Jesus takes us to places of new growth for our good, not for our comfort.  So be proud, any second now, the lady interns will be stopping by for a good 'ole fashioned ladies night.  And all that said, I give you free reign to call me out and challenge me.  Ask me if I've been faithful to stepping out of my comfort zone, and even out of what I feel like I need, because that's the joy of community with you.  You'll push me to grow, even if you are one of the many that finds themselves 2,500 miles away.