reflections on outsiders

This past weekend I had a friend visit from Sioux Falls. I was suprised at how draining it was to try and explain my entire lifestyle to a person who has no clue about what I do or why I do it. Trying to explain intentional community is like trying to grab water. It is something to be experienced, to be soaked up, not to be discussed. When I am seperate from my community part of me is missing. It sounds silly and codependent, but the eight of us are really one whole and it is very difficult to have one part of that body missing.
Also, trying to explain my job and why I love it is also really draining. Often times, the only people that I can discuss work with are my coworkers. When we have a particularly draining day (today we saw 400 clients!) I can really only process it with the people who are closest to me.
In a way, having visitors is very difficult. I want to be hospitable and share my experiences with the people I love, but it is really difficult sometimes to do that when I am trying to process this whole year.
But it is so important for people from other parts of my life to learn what I do here, because so much of it has shaped who I am and who I will become.

Mountains!

These pictures are also from South Park when I returned with my friend Jason.

This is Jefferson Lake itself. Gorgeous!



Jason and I at the top of Georgia Pass in South Park.

pictures

The following pictures are from Jefferson Lake in the South Park Wilderness Area. (Yes, there really is a South Park!)
Patty and I. Renee is throwing a snowball in the background.
Stefan kicked over a log and then was covered with fire ants!

Me, Sarah W, Renee, Patty and Marta hiking the W. Jefferson Creek Trail.

What lies ahead...

My time with this volunteer program is fast approaching an end. Everyday I feel like I am sliding faster and faster towards the last day. I have very mixed feelings about the end. On one hand, I am so excited to get a paycheck! Even just that small token can really keep up your positive attitude at work, and being able to save money makes me feel like I am planning for the future. I am also very excited to try something new. I have settled into a routine at work, at there are not really any opportunities for advancement.
However, on the other hand, I am not looking forward to the dissolution of our community and not always having the same people around. It is going to feel weird to not have seven roommates! I would enjoy having my monday and thursday nights back and being able to just come home from work and lay on the couch rather than having "intentional christian community" to work on. But the feeling is bittersweet. About half of us will still be here next year, and I am counting on that group for some continued sense of community.

Happy Father's Day!

As it is Father's Day, I would like to give a tribute to my dad. My dad gave me my common sense, love for animals and drive for excellence.
I love you Dad!