Shoulder to Shoulder

I'm sitting in a milk bar right now called Tejivo, and I'm realizing that I really enjoy my life over here.

I've been back to work since the beginning of January and I can see that there is a noticeable shift in my function within the Synod Office. Perhaps it's less of a shift in the Synod and more a shift in me. My biggest task so far this year has been creating, along with others in the Ecumenical Office, a communication plan for the RCH's English website. Now, I know that this seems like a really basic task for any organization, but the difference, again, is me. This is the first year that I have a stake in the material that goes out to the world. My opinions are heard and considered. It's like we are finally seeing the potential of a project that has taken numerous months to launch and even more to hone. It's not always easy, and honestly it's been a bit daunting to see the scheduled writing assignments that will ultimately fall into my lap, but it's exhilarating too.

Another exciting thing about this year is that I'm finally participating with other branches of the RCH. Friday, I finally took the long anticipated trek out to the Refugee Ministry. Yet again, my tasks are kind of up in the air, but I know one thing. I will be working with inspiring people who run an incredible ministry. When I first got here, everything was unknown - future events on the horizon, present, but vague. Now, I am a part of it. I am more than an editor, I am a creator.

It's a strange thought to think about slipping into another life in a different country, but that's exactly what I've done. I am struck sometimes, because I feel that I've become too comfortable too soon; like I should be on the lookout for the inevitable crash that I've heard so many missionaries talk about. And honestly I do think it will come at some point, but I am lucky enough to say that I have a support system to fall back on when I do crack.

Sunday marked the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a worldwide call for community, and I don't think there has been another time in my life when I have seen the importance of walking together with our brothers and sisters in Christ so clearly. If it were not for this extended family in Hungary found through God, I would not feel this sense of calm - well, perhaps not calm, but more a state of preparedness.

I guess it is a self defense mechanism of sorts when you are separated from everything you know to latch onto the things that are blessedly the same. I find myself operating mostly within my head, following conversations through body language and gestures because I don't understand the words that surround me. And it is in these times that I see the mannerisms, expressions, routines, laughter and even faith that connect us in the most organic sense.

Together, we can create this wonderful and sometimes strange community of mismatched histories, languages, appearances and faiths. I can only hope that throughout this week, we are able see the hope that comes from putting differences aside and realizing that we are always stronger together.


Zephaniah 3:9
Then I will purify the lips of the peoples,
that all of them may call on the name of the Lord
and serve him shoulder to shoulder.

*Shout out to the St. Columba's Bible Study group for the verse!