We are in Tucson!

I wrote this blog post a few days ago, but we do not have internet in the house yet, so I haven't posted it.  Here it is...

2^nd YAV year, here we are!  Karl and I have been in Tucson for 5 days now, and we are starting to settle into the community that will be so much a part of our experience this year.  We are living in an awesome house with 8 other young adults (6 YAVs and 2 YAV Alum).  Our house was built in the 1890’s for railroad workers.  The layout of the house is pretty neat.  Walking in the front door, you are directed straight down the hallway of the house which connects every single room.  There are 5 bedrooms, a living room, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen branching off of the common hallway.  We live in an historic neighborhood, so our house has been restored to reflect its conditions when it was built – this results in some great character in the house.  There is beautiful crown molding in every room, original windows on rope tracks, real wooden doors with original iron door handles, and fantastic wood floors. 

As great as the layout and character of our house is, what makes it even better is the great energy that is flowing throughout of the house as a result of all of the people we are living with.  There are 6 other volunteers living in the house with us, all with varying spirits and personalities.  One thing has brought us all together though, and that is the call of God.   We all feel called to be in this place this year, maybe not for the same reasons, but none the less we have been brought together to live in an intentional Christian community and walk (or bike) each day alongside the people of Tucson.  Some of us are particularly passionate about border issues, others about living simply, others about helping to provide all people with basic needs such as food and housing.  The thing that binds all of our passion, though, is a desire to live in a manner which spreads Jesus’ love for each and every person on this earth. 

We have been spending our time this week getting orientated to Tucson, equipping ourselves with bikes and the proper skills to commute this year with a bike instead of a car and getting to know each other.  Brandon, our site coordinator, has planned a great orientation schedule which has given us a great balance of conversations, in order to learn about each other and to learn how to best create a healthy community to live in, and practical activities such as riding routes to our work placements and stores, in order to help us get comfortable with biking in Tucson and to learn about our surroundings. 

Energy levels are dipping a little bit, as it has been a busy week in the heat of the desert, but it is easy to get re-energized here.  We have only been in Tucson for a limited amount of time, and I have already visited some great organizations and met various people who have great energy and desire to advocate for right and just living for humanity.  Living amongst our community of YAVs and the community of Tucson provides for so many opportunities to get involved with efforts to live out God’s word and to be a living example of His love.  I have a feeling that this year will be filled with countless opportunities to learn, grow and act on my faith.

Enjoying a view of Tucson from Brandon's roof.