Living in Tanzania has redefined my definition of community and helped me value the importance of living in community. As Americans, we tend to be independent and like to do things on our own; Africans (and most of the non-western world), on the other hand, are very dependent on community and those around them. I think we can learn a lot from them.
As Christians, we were created to live in community and the Bible often talks about how we are to encourage and build up those around us. The original church met together in community to worship God and spread the gospel. They did not have fancy church building, but rather met in homes and were a church as the Body of Christ. There are no fancy church buildings here, the church I attend currently meets in a Chinese restaurant (they are moving soon to the old movie theatre), but we have all come together as believers to worship together. Needless to say, my definition of "church" has changed since coming to Tanzania.
I have been so blessed to have been part of several amazing communities of believers. As a school we are a community and we meet weekly to pray for each other. My AIM team has been a family to me and we meet each Sunday night to fellowship and grow together. I will miss each of these communities when I leave, but I know that God has many new communities for me to become a part and I am excited about it.
A few pictures...
My AIM team here in Dar - on Sunday we all headed to the beach for the day as a final event together. Although the group has changed over the last 3 years, these people have been my family while I have been here. They have encouraged me, loved and supported me, answered my random questions about life in Africa and been there for me. Many of us are leaving Tanzania after this year so there will be a new bunch of AIMers coming in next year. Having this community around me has been one of my greatest blessings since being here and I now have lifelong friends around the world.
Several ladies that I meet with for a "book club" and time of fellowship each month. They also happen to all be from my mission and are a great group of women who I have learned a lot from. We have read and discussed a variety of books this year and of course had some great meals!
Just a cute one of Lucy and I 
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2 comments:
Emily,
I certainly agree with your thoughts on community. In the early 70's during the hippy movement, I became a part of a live-in community in Terre Haute, Indiana. My wife, myself and three children had 7 other people living with us in a large house and we shared our resources and provided great spiritual support for one another. Those were the most uplifting years of my life.
Dear Emily
Good to read your blog - and to be a part of your Dar community! You have great insight and discernment - keep processing your thoughts and writing them down - they are a blessing and challenge to others - just like you!
Greetings from N Ireland! Jane
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