Community

One of the core values of the Memphis Teacher Residency (grad school program I am in) is community. For that reason, most all of the 27 residents live in the same apartment complex together for this first year. So we are basically living, breathing, eating, taking class together, studying, and having fun for the next year. Community is a theme that runs all throughout the Bible, but is seen in the example of the early church. They lived together, shared all their possessions, had meals together, grew in their faiths together, and served together.

This group of 27, this community that I am now a part of, already feels like family. It is so crazy to me that I only met them 2 weeks ago, but I feel like I have known them for such a long time. Maybe it comes from the fact that we are all like-minded in the mission for why we are in Memphis. Or maybe that comes from everyone being willing to be vulnerable and honest about who they are. Greater still, maybe it comes from the fact that Jesus is real in our lives. And since Jesus valued community, therefore we do too. I don't know the complete reasons why we have bonded so quickly, but I cannot wait to see what God has in store over the next year and beyond.

Staying on this same note about community and just how much I love these people I am with - We had the opportunity as a group to visit the Civil Rights Museum (which previously was the hotel that Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot in) on Friday. I had been to this museum once before and really was affected by it, but this time we had a guide who explained things so much better. To say that it was an emotion-filled morning would be just skimming the surface. There is no way that I can do justice to try to explain all the moments that I choked up and could easily have wept. Hearing story after story of the injustices of how African slaves and African Americans have been treated broke my heart. The reality of just how short a time it really has been since segregation was made illegal blows my mind. Living in Oklahoma, we didn't ever talk about those things, but now living in the south were people still remember how it used to be and still have the emotions that go with that time, makes the injustices all the more real. What really struck me though was that I was standing with a group of 27 people that I love and about half of them are African American. My heart broke for them and the heritage that their families have had to endure. I looked around at the 27 of us thinking, "This (being in community together, studying to be successful urban educators together) would not have been possible 45-50 years ago." Then we all went to lunch together, and again the thought of, "this was not possible - for blacks and whites to sit together and share a meal and be friends." So the morning was such a mix of emotion. On one hand hearing the details of generations and even centuries of injustices towards Africans and African Americans seemed so overwhelming, but then to look at where we are today brings so much joy. I love, love, love my African American friends! I am grateful for the countless lives of African Americans and white Americans who took a stand for equality, many who lost their lives so that community can be possible today. It was a long battle. It is one that is still not fully finished. There are still injustices in regards to the African American community - specifically urban education. But that is why the 27 of us are here (along with the 23 from last year) and those that will follow.

First Week

So I have officially been in Memphis for a week now (after a week of moving and then family vacation). So much has gone on this week! I unpacked and put everything in its place, changed my driver's license and car tags, found out that my brother is engaged, met a lot of new people, had our first day of orientation (which now has me very overwhelmed), had a Resident Ho-down (which was SO much fun), wrote my first paper for school, went to church this morning (in a house worshiping with African Refugees, African Americans, and Americans- the delight of my heart!), and tried to find some time to sleep in between all of this. It has been busy! But oh, so good!

Things I love about life in Memphis already:
-For the most part, southerners are so nice!
-The tall, full trees are so green and beautiful (and they are everywhere!).
-There are free concerts in a park at the Levitt Shell which is where Johnny Cash and Elvis played before they were big time.
-There are quite a few Starbucks around here. :)
-I can walk into a Target and/or Barnes and Noble, and just the smell and atmosphere make me feel at home!
-My roommate is awesome!
-I don't have to drive far to get where I want to go (I live in a very central part of town).
-I really like the people that are in my class! Fun times have already been had!

Things I dislike about life in Memphis already:
-It is HOT and HUMID here!
-Still don't fully know my way around.
-I don't have a washer/dryer in my apartment.
-I really miss friends from home and Baby Birch!

So far these are my lists. I'm sure I will add things as time goes on. I guess it is a good thing that the love list is longer than the dislike list! That's a good start to life here.

This is my apartment building.

My bedroom

Living room

Bathroom

Kitchen