Clarkston is a living paradox. If you've grown up in a small town, the atmosphere here and the layout of the town will remind you of a place more familiar. I grew up in a small town and went to college in a small town. By now, I should be well-adjusted to living in areas that are on the outskirts of major cities while maintaining their own distinct qualities as a suburban community. But Clarkston is unlike anything I've ever experienced.
It's been a week since I moved to the area and I don't think I could have prepared myself enough for the transition. This town has the familiarity of every small town I've ever lived in, but the abundance of refugees and immigrants from diverse backgrounds living here makes me feel like I'm living in another country altogether. Though it is different, it feels good knowing that this is exactly where the Lord wants me to be. This is a new chapter out of many that I will go through and I could not imagine a better place to be in this season of life than in Clarkston. The Lord is doing amazing things here and the fact that He has even put me here to build relationships with refugees is humbling. It's another reminder of how amazing His grace truly is and how I can do nothing to earn it.
For now, I pray He will provide direction as I continue to meet people and put a burden on my heart for the nations represented here. One need in particular that I have seen is bike repairs. So many people here ride bikes and are constantly having problems with them. Perhaps this will be one opportunity out of many to serve the people of Kristopher Woods (my apt. complex). If that's the case, then it makes so much sense why my interest in cycling has grown over the past couple of months. It may be that God has given me this hobby to be used as a tool to serve and share the love of Christ, in addition to simply providing a service for a physical need.
Pictures to come soon.
