So I have been thinking... that you all must think we are crazy to move into a house with 2 single guys and a married couple. It's not normal, we realize that. You are not the only one thinking it! So to welcome you into our excitement I decided I better blog about this whole thing. Unfortunately for you I am not very articulate and it takes me 10 words for what it takes David to say in 4. :) But I will try to convey the heart behind this decision so that you can be joyous in our decision and step away from judgment... just kidding, I know you aren't sitting around saying, "Can you believe what David and Adrienne are doing again!?!?!?"
HIPPIE COMMUNE:
A dramatic name to describe intentional communal living. (I know what you are thinking... David and Adrienne... dramatic... never! (Remember our slogan for our BBQ to welcome Spring last year... Pagan Party!) So don't get scared away because of our labels.)
Is it Biblical? Jesus didn't say, "Move into a big house with a group of your Christian brothers (and sisters) and love one another well." But He didn't say not to. :)He did, however, say the following things which are quite important in thinking about living in community:
Be kind and compassionate to one another; forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph. 4:32
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness and humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you have have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17
Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and truth.
1 John 3: 18
We are going to have the opportunity to live out those verses. I am definitely going to fail to love my housemates well, but as I memorize them and remind myself of the truth behind love, I hope to learn what it means to really live among fellow believers- share in their joys, pains, disappointments, and in their lives in general.
WHY NOT GET SOME HOUSES ON A BLOCK AND LIVE NEXT DOOR:
Great question.
So the current situation of 4 of the housemates is this: hospital rotations for the next 1-2 years (Leigh only has 1 year because she's in PA school-Physicians Assistant) meaning the range of work will be 40-110 hours a week.) As a stay at home mom that meant a lot of alone time with Bentley and we thought it best to be in a communal living situation for the benefit of me being able to be around people. For Chris, Leigh, and Scott it meant not going home to an empty house. The 6th mate, Micah, is an engineer for GM and doesn't want to live alone anymore. Renting 4 houses or apartments doesn't make sense for the above reasons + economically it really doesn't make sense.
SO DO YOU SHARE EVERYTHING?
We each have our own bedrooms and other than Scott's tiny room- the rooms are large and have enough space for more than our beds, but also a desk or futon or both... depending on how we want to fit our things. But other than our bedrooms, yes, we share everything.
We have made extensive lists on the things that each person is bringing to contribute- in the kitchen, living room, etc... Bringing such items to share means that they will get used a lot and might get broken... which means a lesson in not holding on to stuff. I think Jesus taught us something about that... "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
DO YOU EAT ALL YOUR MEALS TOGETHER?
We will make a large grocery list that meets the needs for everyone's meal desires... specific cereals and lunch items, and then a dinner meal plan will be made for the week. We have a large calendar in the kitchen where people can say if they'll be home for dinner, if any friends are coming over, and if they want to volunteer to cook.... otherwise, yours truly, will be doing most of the cooking. :) (Which I am happy and thankful to do).
HOW ABOUT MONEY? So we are opening up a joint checking account where we will all put in X amount of dollars to pay for groceries, rent, and utilities.
HOW WILL YOU DEAL WITH CONFLICT? Henri Nouwen in his book, Lifesigns, discusses this issue. I can't quote it because I lent my book out to a friend. But he talks about in relationships we can't hold on too loosely and not love people well, but we can't hold on too tightly as to not address our conflicts openly for fear of damaging the relationship... but there is a constant need to find the middle. I know we will fail with this regularly, but we do have one plan in place, thanks to my role model community house... the Seneca House in Tucson, AZ- they have lived in community for 10.5 years! We will have weekly dinners as a family to discuss any issues that are going on in the house and pray for our desire to live together and minister together. If there aren't any issues to address we'll play games or have Micah get out his guitar and sing some songs- or take a walk around the neighborhood....
This has been a slow, thought out process- our hippie commune- we presented the idea to friends a year ago- sort of joking- and God has formed our hearts to prepare for the house. David and I imagined living in community a couple years ago- but the time wasn't right. We prayed for specific things in a home- and God answered our prayers. :) We are the most random group of people, but we all have one thing in common- We love the Lord, have a heart for the broken in Detroit, and long to be in community.
So look forward to reading about the joys, struggles, and comedies of living in a home of 6 people and a baby. And pray for us as you think of it.
Oh and here's some pictures of our housemates:
Scott, Chris and Leigh, and Micah. :) I'll have a picture of all of us soon!
10 comments:
I think it's a beautiful idea. I know that it will be challenging at times and I hope that I can be an encouragement to you. And, I want to learn from your experiences!!! this is something Nick & I have talked many times before about doing...and, perhaps we will join you one of these days.
Love, Laurie:)
The extrovert in me loves communal living and is half tempted to ask if there is room for one more. Alas, I would not want to make the 40 minute commute to Ann Arbor. Is there a spot for me at dinners? (We miss you on Thursdays!)
You didn't mention how many bathrooms the house has? :-)
I'm very excited for you!
The house has 2 bathrooms. :)
Can I move in?
Just kidding, we've kind of got that set up going with the food and the clothes sharing, but it's a little easier when you're not married. :)
It is so neat that you can do this! I'd love to! My husband not so much! Good luck to your new commune! Kristina J
Rachel- you are always welcome for dinners!!! We miss you too!!!
Jane- David thinks it's funny you share clothes- sounds like a great idea! I am surprised you have housemates as tiny as you. :) I bet you can wear their clothes, but they can't wear yours!!!!
Kristina- where is your scrapbooking blog?? I wan to make a scrapbook for Bentley. :)
hmmmm, joining the club are ya!!!!!!
also we're going to all grow out our hair, stop worrying about personal hygiene and start wearing ill-fitting homemade clothing
ew david ew.
Post a Comment