So we made it to October! It’s been over a month of living with people who were once strangers, but now family. I’ve learned so much about each of them and also myself through them. The girls of our squad spent the last two weeks in North Carolina partnering with Excel College. This is where all my thoughts about my new people and how to live with them came together.

   Excel College is a college different from most others. They are an accelerated program where they focus on building healthy lives rather than only sending out people with degrees. They do so by investing in the concept of “Living Life Together.” They work, learn, and serve their community together. This builds strong relationships in a healthy environment.

   “Living Life Together” was a phrase that stood out to me. It’s been a phrase I heard my whole life. It’s the kind of friendships I wished I had but felt impossible without being in someone’s life for 10+ years. They are friendships that last longer than a  season and include people you can depend on day to day. I heard of this phrase but hadn’t seen it before - or at least what I expected it to look like. So, while living in North Carolina, something clicked.

   The easiest way to explain it is through a story that happened our second week there. It was an All Team night, where everyone on campus meets together, enjoys a meal, worship, and a teaching. On this night I sat next to this guy. During announcements he got a shoutout for prayer. Before I knew it, all the men in the room leaped from their chairs and surrounded him in prayer. Even after they were done praying there was always at least one person next to him, supporting him and lifting him to God. That’s how life SHOULD be. When their friend needed them, there was no hesitation to be there for him. His community lifted him up and pointed him to God.

   Gods been teaching me everyday the importance of community. I am surrounded by people for a reason. I’m not just needed for what I can do for people, but God moves in and through community. God speaks through your people, he encourages fun, and can even send you a physical hug because of them. I am not meant to be alone (or me + God). So I’m learning to embrace my new people and to love life-giving relationships.