Friendships Far Away and Very, Very Near

Traveling around to reconnect with supporters and bring arts ministry into different contexts was such a source of joy and encouragement. Amy and I exist as conduits in the city; we could not muster our own energy and affection and resources to love people all day, every day, for years, through a pandemic, in every personal season. But thanks to people all over the country, we don't have to. Every ounce of generosity we can show others is because others are generous, and reconnecting over meals and meetings and maps of our souls was a beautiful reminder of all the love and prayers that sustain us. 

But this was a gift in more ways than one. Not only did this trip deepen our bond with our supporters, but it allowed us to integrate our support more fully and to get to spend time with each other's families, in each other's hometowns. 

It is a radical thing, to embrace living in interdependence. Amy and I sincerely seek to share all we have, not only with the artists around us, but also with each other. 

When Amy was first moving to the city, God arranged for an opening in my apartment, and to be honest, I felt a little nervous. I knew I could not lead her the same way, once we lived together. She used to describe me to people as "her wise friend in New York." Once she saw how often I skipped laundry and meals, I knew, I'd just become "Danielle." And of course, I knew that was a good thing, but it's still scary to enter into that kind of intimacy with someone who has to trust you to follow you into the unknown of starting a brand new ministry. 

Intimacy is hard work. Anyone who's married can vouch for that. Sharing a home and a ministry and a financial base is challenging enough; sharing our relationships is another level. But I loved meeting each other's people! 

The people from my life in Austin made me who I am today, and Amy was formed by her friends in Kentucky. We both left with a deeper understanding of one another; we both left with a deeper understanding of the giftings and perspectives that have formed ReNew York.

It was a strengthening of friendships both far away and very, very near.

I hope we can make these trips out with some regularity. There are still so many places and people we didn't get to see this time, and I long to meet with and thank everyone who's invested in me, to share what we do with more churches and small groups and friends.

Here's a little video about this first trip. Thanks for making countless hours of driving worthwhile.