Why Live an Urban Life?
March 25, 2012 / 1 p.m.
Lisa Take
Almost six years ago, my husband, daughter and I moved up to KC, KS from Overland Park, KS. I remember one of my good friends asking me "Why would you do that"?! The answer is very simple...our faith was the driving force. We believed there was work to be done and that God was telling us to leave the familiarity and comforts of a suburban life. He wanted us to join an exciting movement that involved compassion, acceptance, and most importantly, love.
Was the move from a suburban life to an urban life easy? I would be lying if I did not say no. I admit that I had doubts and regrets. On the opposite end of the spectrum was my husband. I remember one specific conversation my husband and I one week after our life changing move. I remember him telling me that I was grieving and that over time, I would feel better about our new life. The first year or two after the move, I still struggled a bit. However, it was during those times that I came to the realization that my neighborhood was changing ME MORE than I was changing my neighborhood. That was an important revelation in my life!
My neighbors have taught me a lot about culture and the commonalities that all cultures share. For example, we all share: love, family, faith, the desire for a safe neighborhood and a good education, and most importantly, making the best of our circumstances. It really comes down to attitude and how you live life.
Since we moved to KC, KS, God has worked in heart in many ways. I am now more accepting of everything around me and I see the beauty in many things in my urban neighborhood. There are some things that do bother me and specifically, trash is at the top of the list. There is trash everywhere! Littering is a common occurrence. It drives me absolutely crazy! Once I am done with school, my neighbor and I are going to start as recycling/trash kids club. We are going to recruit and educate the kids on the importance of not littering and restoring and maintaining God's world.
Since we moved into our urban neighborhood, four other faith-driven families have moved into the Prescott neighborhood. In fact, I met an individual yesterday that wants to move into our neighborhood; however, she is having a hard time convincing her husband to take the big plunge. He has similar concerns that I had when my husband and I first started discussing the possibility of moving here.
Through our family and the ministries of the other families... many good works have occurred. For example...
- a bike club was created
- more than 40 houses have been repaired and painted
- more than 700 youths have moved into our neighborhood the last two summers to serve
- the redevelopment of an abandoned house for the purpose of serving homeless women and their children
- a deep compassion, love, and understanding for our undocumented neighbors
In closing, there are many exciting things going on in my urban neighborhood and I am so proud to be a part of it!
7 comments:
This is wonderful! What a change! I have to say that you are braver than I am. I applaud you...clap...clap....clap...clap...clap...
Were you concerned about schooling for your child or safety n the urban core?
Talk about neighborhood improvements! That's awesome that you had a positive impact on the community. Truly inspiring.
I would have to agree with Helen, I am not sure I could make that change either. Very inspiring story!
Now that our children are older and moving out, we have talked about moving downtown. You are inspiring me to do so!
That is a great change and you should be really proud of yourself and your family for following your hearts. It is awesome that you are improving your community and embracing other cultures.
Thanks Helen and Scott for your comments! Helen to answer your question...we left our daughter in the Shawnee Mission School District. That was a deal breaker for me; however, I can tell you that we have applied for Lizzie to attend Sumner Arts and Academy in KC, KS next school year. Sumner is one of the top 50 high schools in the U.S. according to Newsweek magazine. In regards to safety...there was one incident that was not good. We had lived here only six months. We ended up calling our Community Police officer and things were taken care of very quickly! We were diligent in getting rid of the problem and not being idle neighbors!!! I have to applaud the KC, KS police department. I believe their community officer program really works. KC, KS crime has gone down tremendously. There are many good things going on in this area. Redevelopment is happening here and it is very exciting!
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