I'm home again and it feels great! Last Monday I traveled south to attend a conference featuring Brian McLaren and Richard Rohr. The first part of the conference took place at the University of San Diego and then we traveled past the border for the second half. It was a unique setting for theological reflection.
So why go to Tijuana to study? Let me give a few reasons.
First, I wanted to spend time with my father-in-law. George is the one who conceived this gathering several years ago. I was able to make the first one in 2004 but I missed the second in 2006. There's no way I was going to let '08 go by unattended. George was featured in the morning sessions and I found his Bible studies thought-provoking and inspiring.
Second, I think it helps to read the Bible in places beyond the comfort of home. How do the words of Scripture inspire the church in other parts of the world? What part of that message do we need to hear? In Foolishness to the Greeks, Lesslie Newbigin writes, "We cannot faithfully discharge our missionary responsibility to our own people unless we are willing to listen for what the living God says to us through his servants in other cultures." (147) In that sense, crossing the border is essential to the missional task here in Ladera Ranch.
Third, I love all kinds of people and all kinds of cultures...celebrated MLK last Saturday and then I spent the week surrounded by Spanish-speakers! Isn't that what life is like in Southern California? It's a beautiful tapestry of many cultures. Rather than trying to flee from it, I want to dive right into the middle of it. I was also pleased by the participation of Elsa Tamez from Costa Rica. What a gift she is to the church!
And finally, I gained much from the people who also attended this gathering. I was impressed by the people I met from an organization based in Louisville, Just Faith. They are focused on demonstrating the compassion of God in tangible ways. My visit to Tijuana also included a stop at the headquarters of Just Coffee, a co-op of growers seeking to take "Fair Trade" standards to the next step.
Coming home to my family, a warm house and the laughter of my children made me pause again to thank God for all I have been given in this world. "Lord, may these gifts be used by YOU for the sake of your work in this world! Guide us by your grace, guide us home. Amen."
This is the view from the "Just Coffee" headquarters.
Today is Andy's 12th birthday. I remember the day of his birth because I was taking my final few classes at Fuller and I had an exam scheduled that morning. Sometimes other priorities push aside the every day demands. He was born about 7 in the morning and we were totally excited. Matthew remembers the day too because his Grammy and PopPop were watching him and they gave him a huge cookie. Matthew was also playing with a set of my mom's car keys that day and he put them in a creative hiding spot. The keys were found sometime after Andy's fifth birthday. Ah, family stories...we've got a million of them!
