Simple Living

Every time I was interviewed for the YAV program I was asked what I worried about or what I thought would be the biggest challenge of my YAV year. Without hesitation I would answer, "simple living." I really like to buy things (especially cloths), I love to go out and do things, I like to eat good (expensive) food, I hate to cook, and I like to have my own space. I was not sure about having a roommate and living on a small stipend.

Parts of living on a small stipend have been difficult for me. And really, "difficult" is an overstatement. Shopping and eating out were such a part of my routine in Columbus--you might even call them a bit of an addiction. However, the recovery process is going well and I am learning how to cope with my addictions =)

Other parts of simple living have been great. Since college, I have spent most weekends going out to eat, going to a movie, going to a bar, etc. These things are fun but cost a lot of money. We know we can't afford to go out all the time in New Orleans so we are forced to be creative with out outings. This past weekend we all donated blood so we could get into a haunted house for free (saved $20). Other Saturday activities (we call them funtivities) include going to the SPCA to play with puppies and to an art market. It takes some time finding these funtivities but it is worth it. We are living simply and exploring so many of the things this city has to offer.

Living in intentional Christian community has also been a good experience. I love always having people to talk to and people to go places with. I like the idea of being dependant on people. I am in a Bible study on Monday nights and we have been studying the life of Paul. This week we talked about Paul's conversion experience on the road to Damascus. One of the lessons in this scripture is that we should be dependant on Jesus but I think God wants us to be dependant on each other as well. Jesus could have opened the eyes of Paul but he choose to work through Ananias. There are also a few chapters in Acts which describe how the believers lived in community and shared everything they owned. The believers always had enough, not only because God provides, but because they shared! I think American society values independence too much. It is refreshing to live in intentional community--to share and be dependant on each other.