The last month had taught me a lot about God, myself, and many other things, but I’ve also learned so much about community, specifically my squad community. I could go on for hours about Emma’s secret sassiness, Alex’s knowledge about literally everything, Nick’s selflessness, Kayla’s sweetness, Josten stepping into leadership, the resident hipsters Nathan and Hannah, Elijah being the best brother, etc.; but I won’t do that here. Right now I just want to share my experience, limited though it may be. 

  One month ago, I didn’t have a clue how to even talk to these people, let alone be part of the family. Over the last 38 days, we’ve gone through major rain storms that flooded more than a few tents, spectacular teachings on the voice of God, the miraculous, grief, etc.; we’ve worked on tree removal, we’ve wept with those who wept and joined them in their rejoicing, prayed together and walked alongside each other as we’ve stepped out into walking in faith. We’ve definitely had our moments, and we’ve learned to make up and keep loving. 

  Through it all, I’ve learned that community is intentional; community will never just happen. The choices we have made have brought us closer but we had to make those choices. Granted being around the same thirty people 24/7 makes those choices a lot easier, but that doesn’t change that some of those choices were hard. Asking for prayer and being vulnerable is hard; apologizing is hard; being kind when you have no physical energy and are emotionally drained is hard. 

  How have you chosen community? Why did you choose your community, and why do you continue to choose it? Most importantly, how has your community blessed you, and how can you bless them back?