´Tis a Gift to be Simple...

from the YAGM handbook:
Participants are expected to embrace a simple lifestyle. Volunteers receive a modest stipend to cover basic living expenses and are discouraged from using their own funds to supplement this income. This simple standard of living is intended to be a spiritual practice as well as a socioeconomic statement, and is understood to be an integral part of the program.

One of the most difficult -and alsoe most thought-provoking - aspects of mz YAGM experience so far has been in approaching the "simple living" philosophy/charge. When I first arrived in Slovakia and was told I would have a food allowance and living stipend of roughly 300 dollars a month, I was more than a little anxious. While back in the USA I may have easily spent 7.50 on an impromptu lunch out. Now, with my food allowances, that total was the equivalent to an entire day"s food budget! This realization - along with my discovery prices are similar to those back in the states - both encouraged me to embrace "living simply" and made me a bit more apprehensive.

What I did not first know was how easy it would be for me to live in this simple manner. Because of the incredible residents of this village and their generositz, I have gone wanting for nothing. At first I was overtaken by their gracious gifts of gime and food. After a month and a half here, though, I am able to come from a new perspective. Instead of having hidden agendas or expectations of "returns" from their generosity, this village is full of people with true servants" hearts. Everyday provides me an opportunity to remember the message Jesus shared in Matthew 25. These beautiful people are the ones who literally and figuratively are giving me food and drink when I am dry; they are the constantly inviting me into their homes and their lives; they are making sure I am clothed - especially with the snow and winter just around the corner; they take of me when my body and spirit are not well. My new family in Hybe does all of this and more for me every single day. And while I am so touched to be the recipient, I also recognize in their hearts the people of Hybe are also doing/giving all this for/to the Son of Man. I hope, hope, hope to be able to continue to learn from their example of living the Gospel.

Below is an excerpt from my journal on September 5th -
Last night around the table, we exchanged scar stories...was an interesting evening. I was happy because they were sharing pretty close and intimate stories about their pasts...and I suppose I was too.
Spent a good amount of time at the hotelique with the Muchals yesterday...gave the dog a bath, stained the wood on the outside of the house, sealed another coat again. I especially enjoyed "painting" with Paja. Shared stories about life in America and Slovakia.
At home we watched Friends -Czech edition- with Zuzka, Paja, and Michael while Paja made a pizza. We all helped chop ham and veggies and she arranged everything. Altogether it was a very fulfilling evening...and perhaps even the very definition of "living simply".

Even though my days here may seem to lack the busy-ness of life back home in the states, but I am basking in every minute I spend with my new family and friends here in Slovakia.

So far, the most important changes I have begun to make are the following steps to simplicity":

• Recognizing my past as an ingrained shopper. There were weeks back at home when I would be at Target everyday for something/anything...but mostly for nothing that I needed. I am trying to distance myself from that particular part of my past - which is a little easier when the nearest store is a 30 minute bus ride a way!

• Assigning people as my number one priority. Although I would like to think I have always done so, I have had lots of time to reflect on ways I have made others less important in the past. I am working to change these: 1. Putting friends and family on the back-burner and making them wait while I spent an extra 5 minutes here or there on the computer, writing this or that, etc. Really, I believe I thought the world may stop if I did not reply to an email or Facebook post right THEN. 2. Running my errands at the expense of that time with others - I estimate I spent 15 days - 360 hours - out of the last year alone in my car running what I considered crucial errands. 3. Letting the small moments pass by. I want to celebrate each of these seemingly insignificant times: hanging out with the family, name-day and birthday parties, house and garden work, and times with the community.