The End Times

It was wonderful to see everyone again. There was definitely a different feeling from us, coming back after six weeks away, than there was among everyone else. On the drive back to Iowa, I had plenty of time to think. I wanted to share my thoughts with all of you.
I have had quite a year of growth this year. Living in community has taught me many things. Each of you has added so much more to my life. I wanted to share the main thing I thought for each of you during my drive. So, in no particular order…

Daniel = care. There are so many ways I have seen you show care for others. You go to Haiti to provide free eye care for people you don’t even know. You spent hours and hours planning your proposal to the woman you love because you wanted her to feel special and cared for. You show genuine care for others’ feelings as you ask for advice and share your own concerns. You are such a nice guy!

Chris = humility in service. Quiet and humble. I think those two words when I think of describing you. You willingly give up your Friday nights and Saturday afternoons to serve others in the city. You then spend Sunday night and Monday morning doing dishes for those same people. You clean up after everyone else every time you are home. You are well-read and willing to indulge in conversations, but you do not force your own beliefs on others. And you were willing to accommodate Avery’s request, even though you didn’t really want to follow through with it. )

Josh = gentleness. Playing polar bears, swing dancing, making chili…there is an air of gentleness in everything you do. You will be great in your new role because it suits your personality. I am impressed with your willingness to leave behind the way of life you knew to follow the truth you have discovered.

It is strange for me to think that I hardly knew the three of you before we moved into 1607.

Ariah = passion. That is a word I rarely use because I feel we misuse it. Maybe it isn’t the right word here either, but I see you willing to suffer for your beliefs. You care so strongly for things that you are willing to make yourself and those around you think about the way they are living. The way you were passionate for your guys at work, the way your passion for changing the world began our own involvement in this whole community experience. Your own convictions challenge those you meet, challenge us all to think about who we are and who we will be tomorrow.

Mindy = acceptance. You accept people for who they are. You accept me for who I am. And in your acceptance, I feel myself wanting to become a better person, a better friend. Most of the women and girls I have known are so concerned with their own lack of confidence that they are too busy judging others and how they measure up to really get to know those friends. I respect your confidence in who you are as a woman. I respect the way you value people as individuals and as children of God.

Bryan = leadership. Throughout this entire year, you have grown into more of a leader than I think you could have ever imagined. Proficiency, responsibility, accountability. The most challenging part of being a leader though, is accepting the role. I am proud to follow your leadership throughout our journey together. I am proud to be tied to you.

One year ago tomorrow we got the keys to 1607. This has been an amazing year. Thank you to everyone for challenging me to become a better person, to broaden my view of life, and to continue following Jesus. I love you.