My family is in the Foreign Service which requires that we move every couple of years. Even though my husband is the one employed, we all have to adjust to our new home and community. Every move is a new beginning. Usually we are in a new country with a whole new culture to explore. This move brought us back to the United States, where we were overwhelmed with shopping, restaurants, and things to do. However, we did not meet many people that we could call friends or a community.
Overseas we have a built-in community with the other Americans temporarily serving at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. In Houston, it was hard to develop relationships with people when they are rooted here, and we are not. Since we are constantly mobile, our roots are entwined within our family unit and our relationship with God. These are the roots that support us individually wherever we are through good times and bad.
As much as we enjoy being together, we need a community. Not only do we need friends with whom we can enjoy spending time, but it is important to be available for others who may be in need. We all have moments when we need the support and companionship of others, but there is a greater gift in offering ourselves. When you know you have helped to make someone’s day better, or eased a burden, your heart is full. It is easy to forget how that feels when we are wrapped up in our own busy lives.
After settling into our home and traveling for the holidays, we were ready to get involved. We visited a few churches, but St. Andrew’s had the biggest impact. We felt the challenge in the sermons and were touched by the immediate fellowship offered. The fact that our toddler son cried every time he had to leave Sunday school convinced us that this was the place for us to engage. We called and found out that the following week the Discovery Classes were being offered.
If we had any doubts about joining, those three evenings put them to rest. We were happy just to have a few evenings out with other adults without worrying about childcare. I must mention the food was also amazing. (I have to say thank you to all who volunteered to watch our children, cook, serve, and clean up – you did a fantastic job!) There was an instant fellowship among everyone there. I have never felt surrounded by so many kind and supportive people. Within the first hour, we were part of a community whether we became members or not.
There is a marked difference between showing up to church, worshipping, and going home versus greeting people by name and knowing who is next to you in prayer. Our membership at St. Andrew’s has removed any lingering isolation our family felt in our new home city. The decision to join St. Andrew’s was easy. Fulfilling our commitment to the community and those around us will be the hard part. I know our family is up to the challenge.
