What makes a community sacred is open to interpretation, but we feel it is recognizing the value of our journey, which was not only individual, but collective. Last year, as volunteers of WorldService Corps, we participated as members of a community in Zambia.

Learning to live in community is rewarding, but also challenging. It took us a while to adjust to living in another culture, and longer to truly enjoy it. We looked a lot at our individual roles, wondering what our purpose was and if we were even making a difference. It consumed us in the beginning and resulted in disappointment with ourselves. When we recognized that the greatest ministry we could provide was our presence, friendship, and love, we were happier and more effective in our ministry.

Children in Kasenga, D.R. Congo

Before we knew it, it was time to return “home,” yet we were also leaving a home and family in Zambia. We had journeyed together in community. We were humbled as dinner guests at the homes of families who sacrificed to share. We mourned the loss of friends’ family members. We celebrated births, birthdays, and accomplishments. We were prayed for by friends when we were sick. We laughed and played with children who were originally afraid to approach us. We sang and danced to praise songs with great enthusiasm in a variety of settings and locations. A great sense of gratitude comes over us when we think about these experiences.

Chiwempala congregation pastors, Catherine and Philomen

We give thanks for the sacred journey with our family in Zambia, which continues though we have parted. We give thanks for the lesson of letting go of our own expectations to allow space for the Divine. And we give thanks that the living and loving Christ has given us the perfect example of what it means to live out sacred community wherever we are.

To learn more about WorldService Corps and how you can participate go to www.CofChrist.org/worldservice/.

—Jeff McLaughlin and Emily Penrose-McLaughlin reporting