Jobs and Trolley rides

What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.”
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. quotes

The old cliche of feeling utterly alone while being in a crowded room occurred for the first time since we have moved. Oh I have definitely missed people and places and longed for community but not the utter sense of loneliness. We had been in Portland for a week and having a pretty good time. We set up our temporary apartment, mom had come to visit, we had explored the city - which is amazing for people watching - and began the never ending search for jobs. Sunday was fast approaching and we were so excited about church. It has been two months since we were part of our church community, and yes it is very different from simply attending churches, which we had done along the way to get to Oregon and with our parents. We took the bus across town to Imago Dei and then the unexpected happened. Not a soul greeted us when we arrived and we arrive way early. We wandered around for a bit and then sat near the front. As people filed in they left a good five foot or longer gap on each side of us. No one said hello and there was no time of greeting during the service. Afterword no one said a word in the crowd of people as we left. It was a bit shell shocking for both of us coming from churches that place a big emphasis on recognizing new people and making them feel welcome. I was sought out at both Church of the Apostles and Vintage the first few times we were there, and both churches have greeters as well. Now I know that part of the blame lies on us. We could have easily said hello to people also but it was a shock none the same. Sitting there, even with Rach next to me, I realized just how far away our church community was and how frightening attending church alone must be for those who are new or who are not believers. What was also saddening was the realization that I was sitting with family and felt like a stranger. We were all part of the body of Christ, the Holy Spirit connecting each of us with lifelines of invisible threads. Rach and I both had to have a good cry when we got home - it was disheartening to experience this loneliness in the place we expected it least - church. It gave Rach and I new resolve to seek out those who are new and to welcome anyone to church and home - to be people of hospitable attitudes and hearts wherever we are.

Yet there is a silver lining always, and God hears our cries. As we had left church and were down the street walking to the bus station we asked a girl for directions. She was so nice, her name is Lena, and she offered us a ride home. We got to visiting and she invited us later in the week to her community group. She had such a welcoming and friendly spirit that it blessed the rest of the day. We did go to community group and the people and discussion were fantastic. Thank you Lord for Lena.

We are enjoying Portland and taking the trolley and walking everywhere. The first few days we probably walked over ten miles just exploring the neighborhoods near to us. There are so many good places to eat and coffee shops on every corner. The city and its people have such character and flavor.

Still hopeful for new friendships, jobs and excited that in a week and a half Erica will be here, followed shortly by other friends.

Love to each of you reading. We miss you.