Mixed Metaphors
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Chemin Neuf, Day 11
Because there was a conflict between the teacher and I a couple of days ago, the director thought it was best if I sit out of this next class this teacher leads, so instead, I was responsible for creating another test for the lower group for Friday. That was perfectly fine for me (and in fact I had suggested that I do that instead), so we went over what should be on the test, and I ended up creating the whole test by myself (yay for creativity!?). I hope the test goes well for them and is encouraging rather than discouraging. I showed Colette (one of their teachers) the finished product, and she seemed to think it was good. We also said good-bye then, and she told me that I would go far. That was encouraging to me.
As I was not feeling well, I opted out of sports. Also, they were going elsewhere for it, and it was cold and wet, and it was probably best that I stayed in and got some rest. Sometimes, it’s just good to rest and have some quiet time. Of course, that was interrupted an hour later when they returned, but some rest is better than none. 
There was Conversation tonight, and that went well in general. Jana, who I don’t usually talk to very often, was actually quite talkative and interesting, and I wish that I had been able to get to know her more. She tends to be a bit introverted, so it’s nice that she was talking… about food! And who doesn’t love the topic of food? The second conversation was with Noemie and Reka, and we talked about friendship and the future (again, very interesting conversation), but near the end of it, we were interrupted by the fire alarm being set off. We all rushed out, but there was really no crisis. Just an accident, I think. We’re all okay.
The students worked on the play tonight, and they did so well on thinking up their own twist to the play. It’s actually quite creative, and they were really able and willing to go for it. Lots of good ideas as to how to make it funny. Benoit was the note-taker and took down ideas for scenes as they brainstormed. I think it will be funny, so I’m a bit sad I won’t be here for it.
Most people know when I’ll be leaving. Which is sad, and I don’t want to part just yet. And it doesn’t make it easier that I know I’ve been helpful to them and when they make comments to that effect. But really, I just want to know how the program will end and where everyone will be headed next. It’s kind of like leaving mid-way through a movie without seeing the ending. Not that I’m complaining. I’ve liked my time here, and it’s been spiritually and emotionally challenging (in a good way). I hope all the best for the students and I pray that their time in Chemin Neuf will be transformative.
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I keep stumbling on church groups that are on pause. I swear, it’s the season, and not me. Schools are out for the summer — though they have a shorter school season than in the States. A week ago, I stumbled upon the last official meeting of a church group by the lakefront, and today, I went to a last meeting of a connect group of the community church.
It’s nice to meet other Christians though. Nice to meet people in general, but there’s something different about meeting those of the same faith. I think for me, it has more to do with sharing values, and at least when I am with Christians, there are some understood values. I wouldn’t say that I am very traditional for the most part, but despite this, I do have a very strong sense of ethics that I can’t put off, and neither would I push God out of the picture just to relate to others. But I figure, my faith is part of who I am — an essential part — and those who love me will come to terms with this even if they do not share in my beliefs.
It’s not always easy to be with other Christians. Inevitably, we come across those who we don’t get along with, who annoy us or whose views we greatly differ. Can God’s unity be sufficient through these difficulties? Are we not called to be united in faith, to be in relationship with each other? Can our love for God draw us closer to solidarity and reciprocity despite all the earthly differences that create barriers and boundaries between our identities?
I recognize that there are substantial and significant differences among humans. Differences in race, culture, country, ideology, politics, social groups, class, gender, economics, and so forth. In Christ, these barriers are not impenetrable. Keep your identities and place value where they have shaped you and helped to make who you are — to some degree, we cannot remove ourselves from our situations, so we need to recognize our biases and inclinations. And these differences can bring interesting things to the table. But recognize that these are not the only important aspects of our identity, and that if we cling blindly and unquestioningly to these forms, we may be missing out on the unity that God calls us to. Maybe it’s in all that difficultly that we learn and grow and are forced to become a new mixed and unique community.
All that to say, I try not to take the fact that there are other Christians who I can relate with for granted. Not all are so blessed.
“42And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” – Acts 2:42
“13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. . . 15that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, so making peace, 16and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” – Eph 2:13-16
Author
Catherine K. Tran is a recent graduate of Andover Newton Theological School, earning a MA in Theological Research. She is also a graduate of Taylor University with a BA in Biblical Literature and minors in Environmental Studies and Intercultural Studies.
