When we returned from our trip (over a year ago...whoa!) we made a list of the things we learned while traveling.  As you can imagine it’s quite a list, and I just came across it again the other day. 

As I reexamined where our minds and thoughts were a year ago I felt the urge to share some of these thoughts.  I know we hardly ever blog on here, but perhaps this will stimulate my thoughts so I can post more.

“We need community”

Second on the list and very high in importance.  We were lonely on the trip.  We met people here and there but always had to leave them in search of bigger and better things.  We knew that we needed to be around other people.  People who share the same interests and beliefs as us. 

A year ago we had no idea how we should be in community with others.  We weren’t keen on going back to the traditional church structure we had come from and our group of friends didn’t seem to be as like-minded as we may have liked when it came to spirituality. 

We were successful in starting a bible study with a very small group of friends on a weekly basis.  We called it “Broughts” because everyone had to bring something.  Whether it was beer or a verse from the Bible, we all had something to share. 

It was great and it was really nice to know that our friends shared the same beliefs, thoughts and fears that we do.  Sometimes there were just three of us, other times there were many people who stumbled upon our group and shared their own (often varied) beliefs. 

Unfortunately Broughts has ceased for the time being.  We want it to be as decentralized as possible, but in doing so have found it hard for people to work it into their schedules. 

The lack of support has led to discouragement, which has led us to stop trying. 

It sounds pathetic, I know, but sometimes we just have no idea what we are doing.  We still know we need community but have no idea where to find it. 

It is really hard to balance life and God.  Lately it seems like life has been winning out and God is being put on the back burner.  This makes me extremely sad and frustrated, I’m so ready to be in tune with His will once again. 

I’m ready to find community in our community.  I’m ready to find the other people who are supposed to join us in this journey.  I know they are out there and I know God has a perfect time for us to unite.  Until then we pray.