In July of 2008 I visited Oxford Circle Mennonite Church (OCMC) in Philadelphia, where I had interned two years before. While there, I felt God telling me, very clearly, that this was where God wanted me to go after graduation. Now, after nearly two years, I am finally where I was always meant to be. There were many struggles and obstacles in getting here; but, through faith, I have overcome them all to be here.
I am here to work with Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association (OCCCDA); a non-profit that the church started the same summer I was interning. I am working as the property/office manager. Basically, I’m doing all of the clerical work that the director, Anita, doesn’t have time for. I will also be working for OCMC as Pastor Leonard’s assistant. I work two days a week. In addition to my paid work, I will also be volunteering one or two days a week; doing whatever needs done.
I’m living with an older couple from the church, Ron and Arbutus Sider. (You may have heard of Ron before.) They have graciously opened their home to me free of rent. I have felt very welcomed by them and we seem to already have a good rhythm.
We live in Germantown, which is a neighborhood on the other side of town from the church. So, my commute is a bit of a trek. I walk a little over a mile to the bus stop and then take the bus for 30-45 minutes across town and then walk a little less than a mile to the church. This takes about an hour to an hour and a half. It’s a challenge, but it gets easier every day and at least I’m getting good exercise.
Okay, hopefully next time I'll have pictures.
