I wrote this brief article for Peace Lutheran's most recent newsletter.
This week, I have talked about the same thing with almost all of the high schoolers with whom I have chatted: HOMECOMING.
This week, I have talked about the same thing with almost all of the high schoolers with whom I have chatted: HOMECOMING.
It’s that time of
the year—all of my young friends have just finished Homecoming festivities, or
are getting ready for them. Some are most excited about the dress-up days, some
the football game, others the Homecoming dance. No matter their social standing
or what they think of school, they seem to be thinking about Homecoming.
I have wrestled a
lot with the concept of “Homecoming.” I haven’t been back for Homecoming at
either my high school or university, even though part of the point, in my
understanding, of Homecoming is for alumni to “come back home.”
You see, it’s hard
for me to pinpoint where my “home” is. I grew up in Iowa, attended college in
South Dakota, have spent time throughout Central America and traveling
throughout the US, and now live in El Paso. I have spent time at many different
churches, workplaces, and houses. When I think of “home,” I don’t just think of
my hometown, my high school, or even El Paso. I think of all the places where I
have lived, visited—where I have experienced life—and the people who influenced
me during my time there. I do think of my surroundings—the view of the Rock
River in Iowa, the campus of Augustana, the smell of Managua—but I also think
of the smiling, beautiful faces and the warm embraces of the people I have met,
and the countless things I have learned about the world, about other people,
and about myself.
One of the most
important “homes” for me was my church in Rock Rapids, Iowa, where I attended
for the first 18 years of my life. That
church community supported me for the first 3/4ths of my life, and continues to
support me even while I live 24 hours away. The Immanuel Lutheran community of
Rock Rapids will always be a home for me.
And this is what I
want for our young people here at Peace. I want to give them a space they can
make their own (hence the painting overnight!)—where they are free to explore
their faith and grow as a community together. I want them to feel supported by
the rest of the church community, no matter the age, background, or experiences
of other members of Peace. I want them to see the beauty of El Paso and see
what they can learn from our larger community by serving together.
I want this to
become one of their “homes.” A place where they can feel safe, supported, and,
most importantly, loved.
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