i’ve never been one for new year’s resolutions but i’ll admit that this year i have one. and it is to update my blog monthly. i recognize i’m just barely getting in by the skin of my teeth this month, but nonetheless, it’s a start.
i’ve been in reynosa now for 14 months. in some ways, it’s shocking that i’ve been here for over a year, but in reality it feels much more like i’ve lived here for years. reynosa has become my home. there are still aspects of life here that are unfamiliar, as in every culture that is not your own. but what makes this place home to me is the relationships. between kelly, zach, adri, isaiah 55, and my friends from reynosa, i have come to have a family here. and i love them all dearly.
speaking of “home”, many of you have asked how our team housing is coming along in aquiles. and the answer is...it still is not ready. we’re hoping that within the year, zach & kelly’s portion of housing will be finished. but it all depends on finances and work teams. we’re learning to be quite patient and just enjoy where the Lord has us for the time and what he’s doing through us in our current locations.
i’ve been surprised at how life here has carved out a little space for me to practice the pursuits i enjoy most. my good friends adri and brent and i have formed a band. we played a few songs for kelly & zach’s wedding last spring and loved it. so we’ve decided to do it more often. we’ve already played a gig at a great little cafe in reynosa, just a few blocks from our apartment. and we’ve got another gig coming up in mcallen, texas this weekend! i have always loved singing but never figured i’d have the chance to do it down here. it’s been such a blessing to have this creative outlet.
i’ve also discovered a love for baking. i began by simply making birthday cakes and cookies for friends here. and now it’s turned into a weekly event of baking for the cafe down the street where we played our gig. i’m loving being able to practice and enjoy something that i love doing. and i’ve been able to become great friends with the two guys who run the cafe. it’s been so nice to have friendships and a “life” in reynosa outside of boystown. it’s been a healthy balance for me. and i’ve loved every minute of it.
everyday i’m learning more about what “home” really is. it’s not a building. it’s the people around you. it’s your friends. it’s your neighbors. it’s all about the relationships. and here in reynosa, i have found my home.
2 comments:
ahh, i love this so very much. when i read this i just want to come and dwell with you for a long time because it sounds so lovely. although i would dwell anywhere with you, because you are so lovely my friend. hope to talk to you soon! i. love. you!
Emily,
It's been a year and a half since we parted ways in Antigua. I finally made it back "home" to Texas. I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you:
That Christ would be living out his purpose through you, using you as his hands and feet and at the same time renewing your strength.
Colossians 1:28
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
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