Now in Evanston

     We have made the drive to Chicago, and we are settling into our new apartment. There are many, many little things to say about this week past.

     First, I (Josh) would like to say that I like the idea of simplicity, but I think it’s not something I practice yet. You’d feel the same way after moving your stuff into and then out of a rental truck. But I want to learn simplicity, and this is a good place to do that. I also like the ideas of peace and community. But I wonder if it’s just a matter of time before I realize that those too are things I don’t practice.

     Sidebar: we were welcomed into the homes of Reba members while we waited for the record rains to cease (Chicago got the most rain in recorded history on the day we planned to unload – some people got 7.5 inches!). We didn’t have to buy a meal or eat out at all, and when it was time to move, there were about 20 people ready to help on a Sunday afternoon. The whole truck was unloaded in just over one hour. Everything, including furniture made it up to our third-floor walk-up. A Reba move is a special thing. There were refreshments ready next door for the workers to enjoy, and we all socialized then.

     Jedidiah is getting more used to his new home. He keeps telling Gonzo about this being our new home.

     While we were staying with the Howes, waiting for the rain to stop, I had a few questions to run by Allan, who is a key leader and long-timer in the community. We talked about how the majority of Mennonites in the US are not plain dress conservative Mennonites, but rather normal looking. (I hope that clears up some confusion to those back home – we wear normal clothes and live in Chicago, not farms.)

     Something else Allan said: we call the building for worship a Meeting House, because the church is the people. I know that I am particular about words, but I believe this is a great distinction. They never call the building the church. They emphasize every member is a part of the ministry of the church.

     Frankly, I wonder sometimes if I have faith in the Church. But I believe I really do here. I think that the Church sometimes gets so interested in growth of numbers that it fails to function like Jesus taught us to. But here some of that is different. Another thing Allan said is that over the last 50 years at Reba, a lot of seasons have come and gone. This has been a season of growth. I asked him what are the most seeker-related ministries of Reba Church, and he didn’t really know. He said that they have tried to remain faithful to what God has called this community to do, and lately people observe what they are doing and ask to become a part of it. There have been seasons of “pruning” too, but these days there are a lot of broken people and a lot of folks like us who want to be a part of this alternative approach to discipleship.

 

From Candace:

 

     The past few weeks have been long and exhausting. I don’t think that I have achieved much clarity yet about all that has taken place. We have left people and places that we have called home for five years. I don’t think that has really sunk in, yet. Clovis still seems very close – like I could just drive over to the church or go for a walk with my friend Coleen. But, really, it is all a thousand miles away. Somehow, leaving does not seem real to me; and yet, here I am in a new place with new people. I do not quite feel ready to embrace this new place because I have not grieved leaving the old one, yet. But, this is the time to engage and enter in to this new life. I feel like I am in a daze. Sleep and a little order around our house may help my mind to settle enough to deal better with both the past and the present.

While I have been in my semi-reflective daze, the people of Reba Place have been the hands and feet of Christ to our family. They have provided us with meals, housing, and essential items. They even unloaded our entire truck for us! They have given us a welcome packet with all the vital information about Evanston – parking permits, where to find a grocery store, phone numbers of everyone at Reba Place, etc. We have been well taken care of!

 

Even in moving to such a loving and welcoming place, I am keenly aware of my own insecurities and fears. These often come out in angry words to Josh or in an attitude of frustration. It is in these stressful times that I see the depth of my own need for God.

 

In closing, thanks for your prayers and loving support. We are excited to be welcoming our first visitor on Thursday – Chris McCallister (Josh’s dad)! We can’t wait to see him!