I moved out of Glenwood, my old neighborhood, last weekend. It was a pretty abrupt change, and I'm mourning the loss of some wonderful neighbors, the awesome diversity there, being nearby some students that are involved at my church, and two amazing housemates who became some of my closest friends. I've been struggling with how me being there was effective for such a short period, but perhaps it was not so much for the benefit of others, but for what God wanted to teach me. I've learned a lot in the past few months about God's heart for the poor and for racial reconciliation, about incarnational and relational ministry, about loving beyond my limits, about patience and getting out of my comfort zone, about fear and the one who conquers it, about living communally with others who share your vision, and about how to listen to the Spirit's leading. And what's exciting is that I have so much more to learn!
Even though leaving Glenwood is pretty heartrending, I've moved back in with my sister, brother-in-law, and my beautiful niece, which makes me joyful and thankful! They have been so flexible with all of my life changes this year. I'm grateful for this time with them before I leave for Bolivia. However, whenever I drive around my old neighborhood, I still feel like that's home. I'm trusting that God will make a way for my new place in La Paz to feel like home, too.
Thank you, Lord for Glenwood, for changes, and for the people you put in my life, even if only for a short while.
