Fitting In

There is something difficult in trying to fit in. The question is do you try to be one of the corw, or should I stand out of the crowd? Now there is too much to say what it means to stand out of the crowd. It could mean you are excellent or it could mean you are despicable.
In my case, I standout because I am a minority in an Anglo church. It does not mean that this is an automatic case of racial discrimination. No! But it does mean an automatic case of difference - not only physically but more on a cultural manner. As I intern as a pastor in an Anglo church, I bring with me unique pastoral characters that was shaped by my culture. This pastoral character may be different from the churches' culture. They may find it good or bad. They may be blessed by it or not. Which leads me to the question, should I try to fit in or not?

Reflection Group

We had our monthly reflection group meeting last week, July 9 at Duck UMC, NC. Duck was a nice place with the beach in view and some historic spots like the Wright Borthers museum in Kill Devil, it was a perfect toursit spot. I started appreciating the good side of having to drive an hour or so just to meet with my shoolmates and friends and reflect upon our experiences in the ministry. You get to go places and you get to see beautiful spots. More than that I found it very helpful to have a group of friends that you can share your experiences with. It refreshes me to hear stories, reflections and insights about serving in God's vineyard especially knowing that these people also share the same experiences that I have. I could only hope that these kind of reflection groups would translate into covenant groups when we all become ordained clergy in the near future, that we may have a venue to old each other and grow together as we serve our Lord.

Living as a Community

November 24, 2007

I moved to an apartment in Bedford Street. The apartment is a 3 bedroom unit and I would be sharing it with Daniel and Inseo, my classmates in the seminary. I have no trouble living in an apartment with other people since I lived most of my college and med life with my classmates. What's interesting with this new setting is I would be living with two other people with cultural backgrounds totally different from mine. What is more interesting is that we would be living with our families together.

Yes, my family would be with me. They came here early Novemeber and that is one of the reasons I had to move out from my host family. I had to find a place for me and my family. God is so gracious in using my friends who readily offered their place so I can have a place where my family can also stay.

This set-up would work. Financially, it is cheap enough that I can afford it. The location is close enough to Duke. The place is safe and secure enough. Plus I would be blessed knowing I am living with my family. And when I say family, it's not just my wife and daughter, but that I would be livng with my Christian brothers and sister.