The Journey Continues 

Thursday morning after breakfast and filling in for dish duty the time for departure had finally arrived.  Community is something which can be taken for granted.  Of course we know when there is tension with in a community, however, when brothers and sisters are living together in Unity - it can be hard to leave.  The Summer Au Sable experience is rich of community building and the chance to experience the formation of a community for a summer.  All the students and staff return to their homes after a full some experience.  Some not wanting to leave and others wishing they could take the Au Sable community with them.  I would say that marks a successful summer session - the students and researches have been working hard and co-laboring together and there is a sense of loss to leave.

The journey to Geneva provided many hours to consider what I had experienced and learned this summer. Speaking for my self, it is easily to become attached to our home.  Through this summer I have seen the Lord provide a community filled with authentic relationships.  It has encouraged me that where God leads us although there is unknown he is about filling all our needs - include the need from community.  Don't worry friends I'm not moving across the country, however, I am saying this summer has shown me I do not need to fear if He were to lead me onward.

After 8 hours of driving I arrived to Geneva.  It has been five years since I was here last.  My RD,Wendy, from college still lives and runs the City House in Beaver Falls.  This is a house where students can live who are intentional about getting involved in Beaver Falls while also earning credit.  Since Wendy had the chance to go home I am staying once again with wonderful College students - this time at the City house.  Given all the time in the car, it was time for a run.  With some vague memories of the roads I enjoyed a seven mile run from downtown Beaver Falls up College Hill and around some of the older buildings.

Friday morning I had the joy of meeting up with two great new freshmen.  Our plans of having breakfast at Alex's did not work out - as breakfast closed at 7:45 - so down to Beaver Falls we went.  We found a small Cafe run by Tiger Pause, a ministry group that works with youth and those in need.  After catching up about our summers we headed back up to campus and meet there parents. Upon obtaining room codes we found their rooms and unloaded the cars.  What a fun and special experience to share.

We departed ways and off I went to meet up with several past professors.  The conversations were rich and encouraging. Time is a unique reality, when we have experienced and built deep relationships, time does not seem to matter.  What I mean is, you can pick up and interact like no time has past and yet your ability to interact is natural not fake.  This happened for me with two special people yesterday.  One Dr. Meek and the other my roommate Nikki.  I had not seen either since graduation in 2006.  What a joy to share lunch and talk about knowing with Dr. Meek.  I meet Nikki and her two lovely girls (Pepper and Ivy) at Brady's run for an afternoon walk.