Alternative Missions University  

Recently a staff member that was serving at one of our locations in a small village/town returned to Southern California and posted regarding the “culture shock” issue of transitioning from a close community to suburban U.S.A.. This can be a big shock and I thought it would make a good discussion…please join in.

Staff post:

Update on transition: I need community!

You know, for as much as we all joke about living in such close community with our ministry teams, not having it is leaving me wanting. I miss working & living so closely with my team. And I really miss living in a small town where you see the same people every day (sometimes 5 or 6 times a day).

Here, I don’t see anyone more than once a week, if that. And to be honest, it’s making me feel needy. I’m cautiously close to “tapping out my resources” of people that live close to me by calling & trying to visit too much. People just don’t have much time to give from their busy lives.

In some senses, I’ve “come home” to life in the States, but nothing stays the same while you’re gone. I literally have about 5 friends that live in Southern California since most have moved away. And those in So Cal are anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour away - not ideal for just stopping by or casual hang out. Spending time with people has to be planned & penciled into their blackberries.

So, I’m asking God to help me create new community in my life. My goal for this week is to get signed up for a small group at a new church. But where else do y’all get community here in the States? Dog park people are nice, but kinda weird. Other than that, I’m honestly not sure where to go. I want community that is both church people & non-church people. Any suggestions?