An Intern Reflection by Chloe Buckwalter (Environmental Education – Spring 2017)
One of the many things I have enjoyed while living at the Brooksdale Environmental Centre has been authentic, interconnected living. Each day I have the opportunity to grow spiritually with other community members, and discuss the Bible with pastors, professors, and scientists.
I can worship weekly with my neighbors and attend creation care teaching sessions and article discussions. At the same time I get to work outdoors, race with school children to different destinations around the site, and share ethically prepared meals with adults and three-year-olds alike. Every day I see practical examples of how to glorify God through caring for fellow humans, creation, and my own spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
I learned that community is truly attainable and valuable. I always assumed that in order to live in community I must buy a large plot of land and invite my friends to build houses on it with me. Living within the A Rocha Brooksdale community has allowed me to see that the first step is simply introducing myself to my neighbor and asking if they have a quarter cup of flour handy.
I have always wanted a close community (whether I knew it or not), but I was terrified of taking the first step, and thought that it was practically impossible to achieve. Since being integrated into such a rich community I have discovered that it is well worth my time to invest in my neighbors: they can quickly become family.
When I return home I want to become more hospitable and initiate genuine friendships rather than wait around for them to spring out of the ground. I have never felt particularly hospitable; it has honestly not been on my radar until this year. When I go back home I plan on exercising that muscle, whether it be inviting neighbors over for a meal, offering help with lawn and child care, lending the laundry machines to college students, or simply hosting a campfire with s’mores.
Reaching out to those around me will open the door for friendships that previously were unheard of, and I get the feeling that if I introduce myself to my neighbors, God will grow these efforts beyond anything I can presently imagine.
