a different view

Living in community has been a good experience thus far. It's funny though how everyone asks, "So how is living in community going anyway?" Sort of that- now that you're actually doing this crazy thing, it can't be working- can it? To which we all respond- it's going really well, we're enjoying it! We all get along really well, and everyone seems to do more than their share in house duties, etc... It's great to see us work out our selfish desires for the greater good of the house- and to be submissive to Christ's calling. We aren't doing these things perfectly, but are doing them- which makes it easier to forgive one another when we fall short.

Living with another married couple- Chris and Leigh- has been an experience too. It's so interesting to see how they interact with one another- deal with conflict, demonstrate their love and affection... etc... None of these things have been negative- but just very different than how David and I do things. Sometimes I do get jealous. Chris and Leigh are actually quite romantic- On date night they go to nice restaurants, or when date night occurs at home, bring champagne and chocolate covered strawberries up to their room. It was their 2nd anniversary this week and Chris bought Leigh a dozen beautiful red roses which are carefully displayed on the dining room table for all to enjoy- he cooked a delicious dinner for her and tonight is taking her to Coach Insignia- the 2nd highest restaurant in the US located at the top of the Renaissance Center. I am so excited for them and it has been really fun to celebrate in God's uniting of two very special people who love one another very much. I feel so grateful to be part of the celebration.
David and I are the opposite. David doesn't like to celebrate holidays- no Valentine celebrations- and we'll be apart for our 4th anniversary in June- (we were apart last year too). When I bring these things up to David he says things like, "You don't even like to dress up and go out to expensive restaurants! And you would rather save the money from flowers!" And I know that it's true. I would rather save our money and travel if possible. He also says things like, "You're a hippie, and hippies don't do stuff like that!" :) Also, I always feel guilty spending lots of money on things because I think of all the people who live in poverty and if we redistributed our money there wouldn't be poverty- and so I feel an inherent responsibility to redistribute. So I guess in some ways I am grieving the call we have received from Christ to live frugally (even though I sin against this call a lot). So I am not sure why I feel jealous. Do I really want David to take me to a fancy restaurant for dinner?
In contrast, the thing that David and I do very well is travel together. I have loved our adventures- taking a 24 hour bus ride from Nogales to Fresnillo and a 35 hour bus ride from Mexico City to Guatemala City. We have traveled around Spain twice. Been to Jamaica and around the US. I love experiencing the world with David. It's what brought us together- our greatest thing in common. So I guess as we have settled down into medical school and having children (which has kept me from traveling to Haiti and Honduras with him) we have to find ways to connect and enjoy new adventures where we are. Does that mean the traditional dinners or a night at dancing? I am not sure. But I think I am longing for something. As we grow into our roles as parents and more stable adults, it will be important to keep the romance without the extravagance. Has this been a transition for those of you with kids? How did you make sure to keep the romance? (And I don't mean- you know- I mean just spending quality time together!)
Anyway, living in community is cool and it has been changing me.