Kirk and I have our two year anniversary approaching next week so we are almost not newly weds, though some say three years is the mark. But according to the US government, we aren't really married until we have been married for over two years, so we will be soon filling more paper work so Kirk will no longer be a conditional permanent resident...he will just be permanent...but not really because none of us are permanent residents of this world. What does the US government know anyway?
I am writing this on the heels of returning from our first Christian Community Development Association Conference (CCDA). God has blessed us greatly with this resource of networking, encouragement and learning. Attending CCDA Institute classes and these annual conferences is how God is fulfilling my seminary desires. And wow - I am full! I spent five days (Kirk came for two.) in St. Louis soaking in the words of John Perkins, Coach Gordon and many others who are all discerning their place in God's will for the world to care for the poor, the widow, the orphan and the stranger in the land. This year's theme was Beyond the Walls of Poverty, Programs, Politics and Paternalism. So here are a few reflections.
First, I was struck by the deep understanding that true community development takes at least 15 years. My first institute class was on Indigenous Leadership Development. I have come to the realization of how if we take the time, we can truly make a difference in the life of a few teenagers - which then will ripple effect in the community if you strategically instill in them a love of community along with the love of God. Second, I was touched by the beauty of Jesus' third way, which I have a much deeper understanding than before - the way of 5 loaves and 2 fish - the way of starting with what you have. How is it that the more resources we have the less we think we can do? When we have little and start with that relying on God for the rest - miracles happen! When we have much and rely on the world's resources, we can't get past our own power. I have so many reflections that I will just share one more here. Finally, I was moved by the way the John Perkins and Coach Gordan continually spoke about how we must get beneath the surface of racial reconciliation. We had a session where two friends spoke candidly about their 10 year friendship. One being black, the other white, they spoke honestly about the struggles they've had to overcome and continue to work at - after 10 years! It seems discouraging that it takes so much work to reconcile ourselves to one another across the color line, but I have been encouraged that God takes what we have when we surrender it and does miracles. This conference was very uplifting and has given me concrete things to bring back to our work here in Roger's Park. I also found things I need to work on in myself and dreams God is leading me towards.
You may all be wondering about my massage classes. Well God has helped clarify even more how massage can be used for community development. My classes are going great and I successfully gave my first massage at the student clinic to a paying stranger yesterday. :) As my vision clarifies I will explain more.
One last thing I wanted to share, since Kirk hasn't update in a while, was that he also has found an answer to his prayers of passion. He has become apart of Engineers Without Borders. This NGO is new and has a holistic view of how to empower communities around the world to build and construct simple technologies to improve their life and communities. Some examples would be slow sand water filters for clean water, bridges for access, rain catch water systems, composting toilets and much more. We went to a conference a few weeks ago here in Chicago to be more of a part of EWB's work. Check out their website www.ewb-international.org.
May the Joy of the Lord be your Strength as you continue seeking how you fit into God's will for the world.
Blessings!
