The first week was spent becoming oriented with the MissionYear vision, familiarizing ourselves with our neighborhood, and building a community in our residence. Monopoly. Live Action Mafia. Mao (I really wish I could explain you the rules to this one)...(actually, no I don't). Creating "inside jokes" in two weeks. And becoming a family...Real World style (with a Christian twist). Let's take a look into each of my housemates...
Dave "The Veteran" (from Maine) - A swell guy that did a great job of creating a "safe" environment to be ourselves from the onset.
Aaron "The Gramps" (from Oregon) - Although he is the elder of the group (just celebrating his birthday on the 12th!), he has such a love for loving people.
Mary "Miss Smiley" (from North Carolina) - Whenever confronted with cross-cultural conversations, she abrupts with smiling due to happiness, not to mention she introduced me to sriracha (amazing, get yoself some!)
Megan "The Jedi" (from California) - Have a day to plan? She is yo gal! Not to mention that she would probably whoop you in some Star Wars Scene It, just sayin...
Rigsbee "The Jokester" (from South Carolina) - He is always there to crack a joke and enjoys reaching out and meeting new people in the neighborhood.
Emily "The Baby" (from Michigan) - She is not only the youngest in the group, but also the youngest in MissionYear Philly but despite her youth, she has some great taste in music (can I borrow your iPod again?)
After an amazing week, something weird started happening to my body (Noah voice). I ended up having to go to the hospital on Thursday and discovered I had a case of tonsillitis. No bueno. I know that tonsillitis isn't the most extreme trial in the history of the world, but it is a trial nonetheless. That's when I realized something. When you are following Christ and pursuing social justice, "Bad" will not stop. Bad will do whatever it can to prevent you from befriending Good. My good friend James (the author of that book in the Bible...called James) reminds me to "Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds" (James 1:2). Obstacles may arise (thanks a lot convergent boundaries) but each obstacle is an opportunity to get closer to the goal in our race.
I can't wait to see what will unravel this year. I feel like in just two weeks I've already experienced Jesus in such a real way that surprises me to be honest. I won't be able to post anything until next Friday, but I will definitely be updating all of you on my first week of work at ICHS!
With love!
Mitch
MITCH!! You played Mao and Mafia?! I can't ever get anyone to play those!! I am so happy for you, we all are. Your team sounds like it is so much fun. I know that these people will impact your life and you will impact theirs. I know that right now, there are an infinite number of emotions running through you, but you are doing something wonderful with your life, and you are making a difference in the lives of others. I'm glad you're feeling a little better, and we look forward to hearing from you soon. God bless.
ReplyDeleteOk, so I figured out how to comment lol....what an awesome blog! It warms my heart that you are fitting in with your group and exploring Philly.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you got sick. You are soooo right though. When you are serving God... "Bad" will do whatever he can to try and defeat you. Of course, me being your mom, I hated being away from you while you were sick but I stayed strong, prayed every second and knew that you were in God's hands.
You are amazing and I am so very proud of you. I can't wait to read your next blog and learn how much you enjoyed ICHS (Go TITANS!) I will continue to pray for you daily, son. Stay strong and know that God is with you every step of the way. I am here if you need ANYTHING!
Mom