Community

Lately I've been struggling with the idea of community. The setting of my life right now is far different than it would be if I were living stateside. My coworkers were my roommates, are my friends, my support system, my family overseas. We travel to work together both in the morning and in the afternoon (and often make plans to hang out in the evenings on these rides). We coach, direct, and lead together.

But it seems as if there's still an oddness about it. The community I am a part of is mainly singles. Now, as a single in the community (as I was for about two years) I did not feel out of place- even when hanging out with married women.

There was a Bible study that I was a part of, when I first arrived in Korea, that was comprised solely of married women. At first, it was a little odd- but they did not view me any differently than they did anyone else in the group.

I just find it odd that now that I am on the other side of the line- I tend to feel more excluded. I'm not sure if it's just because of the numbers- there are only three married (women) teachers and three of our office staff- but if you think about the ratio: 17:3 we are a little outnumbered.

I also don't know if the feeling is coming from greater emphasis being put on being single than there has been in the past or what.

I know it may not mean much to the single ladies- but having been on the field and single for two years- There is a purpose to it. God has placed us in our situations and circumstances as we are for a reason. Singleness is a gift! If you cannot see that and if you do not embrace it while you have it, you will miss out on possibly some of the greatest opportunities God has for you. Try not to see it as a burden and try not to live in the future. Embrace it and see where you can be used in your circumstances. And, please don't treat us married ladies any different because we're married. We still need and want that female interaction (come on, we live with a guy). We're not really all that different.