Keys
Six weeks ago, I had one lone house key attached to a key chain accompanying my car key. It was that of my parents' house, which is actually 1,133 miles away from where I am now. It did me no good. I had moved to a new city with no home to call my own. The only value in this key is the comfort that I received knowing that if I did not like Boston, there was always the option of moving back to where the key worked. I believe that I will always hold on to my parents' house-key.
Things have changed. At this moment, there are four additional house keys on my key ring. These belong to the multiple families who have taken me in, given me room, and welcomed me as part of their household. These keys represent my life since I have uprooted and moved. For one, two, or three weeks at a time I have lived in the houses of others. It has been a humbling position to be in, as I walk into a families' home with my two suitcases, a duffel bag, and a plastic box of toiletry items. The rest of my belongings are in the attic of the church or crammed in the trunk of my car. I have learned to live with very little.
It actually has been a joy to be in these homes. A year ago I could not have imagined being so dependent on others. I also never would have thought that I would be admitting this, but I love kids (most of the time). The children of these homes have been one of the greatest aspects of the whole experience. They run to me as I walk in the front door. They fling their arms around me and chant my name like I am some pop-superstar or pro-athlete. They find it an adventure to have someone new in their house. Whether they understand how much it is helping me or not, they care only that I hear about the cool fort they just made and if I will be having dinner with them. These children are so very loving, which is only a reflection of the enviornment they live in.
I have found these families to be a model of Christian kindness. They have given to me without asking anything in return. Each family has been different in the way that they communicate with one another and share in the running of the home. Yet their hospitality towards me has always been generous. I have made myself at home in each location - staying up late watching TV, finding snacks in the pantry, sleeping in when I don't have to work at 7 am, finding quiet places of rest, and sitting at the table for family dinner. It has been wonderful!
Words can not express how grateful I am for the time to adjust to the area and save money. I believe that I could continue to live with others if I want to. There are certainly those in the church that are willing to house me. However, the time has come, on Sunday I will actually make another move. This time, I will unpack my belongings into a room that will be my own for more than just three weeks!
Things have changed. At this moment, there are four additional house keys on my key ring. These belong to the multiple families who have taken me in, given me room, and welcomed me as part of their household. These keys represent my life since I have uprooted and moved. For one, two, or three weeks at a time I have lived in the houses of others. It has been a humbling position to be in, as I walk into a families' home with my two suitcases, a duffel bag, and a plastic box of toiletry items. The rest of my belongings are in the attic of the church or crammed in the trunk of my car. I have learned to live with very little.
It actually has been a joy to be in these homes. A year ago I could not have imagined being so dependent on others. I also never would have thought that I would be admitting this, but I love kids (most of the time). The children of these homes have been one of the greatest aspects of the whole experience. They run to me as I walk in the front door. They fling their arms around me and chant my name like I am some pop-superstar or pro-athlete. They find it an adventure to have someone new in their house. Whether they understand how much it is helping me or not, they care only that I hear about the cool fort they just made and if I will be having dinner with them. These children are so very loving, which is only a reflection of the enviornment they live in.
I have found these families to be a model of Christian kindness. They have given to me without asking anything in return. Each family has been different in the way that they communicate with one another and share in the running of the home. Yet their hospitality towards me has always been generous. I have made myself at home in each location - staying up late watching TV, finding snacks in the pantry, sleeping in when I don't have to work at 7 am, finding quiet places of rest, and sitting at the table for family dinner. It has been wonderful!
Words can not express how grateful I am for the time to adjust to the area and save money. I believe that I could continue to live with others if I want to. There are certainly those in the church that are willing to house me. However, the time has come, on Sunday I will actually make another move. This time, I will unpack my belongings into a room that will be my own for more than just three weeks!
So where will your new home be? Glad you are loving life up there!
ReplyDeleteWhy you gotta leave me hangin like that? :)
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