Despite the fact that we are currently in the poorest state in the nation, the nearest town is half an hour away, and the largest library in the area has the Left Behind Series in the Non-Fiction section of the Library, you would be hard pressed to find anyone in our current abode who doesn't recognize G-d's moving and changing of hearts in our midst.
To say the least we have been more than blessed with our friends Karen and Ron's hospitality and generosity, as well as patience.
In the last two weeks our bus has finally received it's long awaited hardwood flooring, and about 75 percent of the interior furniture in a ready to use state. And within the next week or so, we will have a mounted water tank for our sink, potentially a lofted camper top and complete electrical system(that won't drain the engine batteries!). And maybe even a makeshift hood ornament.
But as far as the four of us go, it has been humbling to go through some of the processing and developing that have been necessary for us as of now. And in recognizing all of our short commings, failings, and weaknesses along with our walls of self defence and insecurity, I think I can say that everyday here has given us the opportunity to get to know ourselves and each other better than we ever have before. And it feels like all of the reading on community that I've done is showing itself as more and more insightful (P.S.: I would suggest reading Community and Growth by Jean Vanier, founder of LeArche communities, where Henri Nowen has been known to spend a lot of time).
And while we don't know yet how we want to define ourselves as a group yet, I think we'll get there sooner or later. Maybe someday we will consider ourselves a "Christian Community" or maybe we will remain as friend's traveling together attempting to love the L-rd and our neighbors.
And until just before PAPA fest in Illinois I think we will continue to stay here working things out and learning more about orthodoxy and the forefathers of our faith from largely monastic traditions.
Speaking of which, thought for the day: Is or isn't the body of Christ immortal? Ha! let the implications of that one stew for a minute.
Thanks again for the prayers, because they are felt in all of our hard conversations for sure.
