What's new?

A lot has happened since the last post, but that's the nature of this house, complete with the exterior peelings of light green paint. Life is kinda like paint peeling. Sometimes it needs to peel and chip away in order to unearth something different and new, or to prep the surface for new beginnings. And that's what happens with the house as a whole when each person comes and goes, they paint their layer, intricately woven with the colors of each of the other housemates. And when that person leaves, their layers of paint become worn, waiting for the next person to unearth what they have yet to discover and/or create. But in the end, it's a rainbow of colors, each with a story to tell.

Now I can't speak for everyone who's recently passed through the door into the beloved, but definitely quirky, Elgin house, but I can for me. Having just arrived about 2 weeks ago, I finally feel settled in, thanks to the help of my housemates, Shelley, Deanna, Elizabeth and Fred. I couldn't have asked for more considerate and kind housemates, who also happen to cook amazing vegan food. Thanks ya'll for making me feel at home!

Currently I'm watching the Cubs game with Deanna. Yes, I have been sucked into the world of baseball, specifically with rooting for the Cubs team. No, I do not like sports, but I've learned that sometimes it's more about the fellowship and combined passion for something, than it is just about watching sports. And that's what I love about the house. There's a feeling of intentional community here that I deeply appreciate, and I am blessed to be able to contribute to something bigger than myself.

I don't know what the future holds in store for this house and the lovely people who occupy it, but I hope to continue with this spirit of inclusive community. I get to spend 10 months here, in the yellow "closet room" and then we'll see where life will take me. I'm feverishly praying for a mild winter, since I'm from Southern CA, but for what it's worth, I might get to experience a white Christmas for the first time in my life! That's exciting!

Love,
Paige

My Fair Ladies

I have been blessed to live with four amazing ladies the past few months. From adventures in Chicago to Van's ice cream runs, I have loved spending time with my Elgin housemates. They have supported me during difficult decisions and dreary winter months. We have also laughed together over the most ridiculous puns and have created a long list of inside jokes. During our time as housemates, we have become a family. Or maybe a strange version of the Golden Girls. Although we annoy each other sometimes, we are always there for each another with a hug, smile, or listening ear.

Sadly, we are losing two housemates this spring so our five will soon be three. One housemate left last weekend, and we miss her already. Another housemate will leave in a week, and we get to take her home ourselves during our road trip to Roundtable at Bridgewater College. Our house will not be the same without these ladies. They are wonderful and caring individuals, and I will sorely miss them. I will miss hiking, laughing, and watching movies like My Fair Lady with them. I will miss trips to Geneva, long talks after dinner, and sharing coffee in the morning. Most of all, I will miss their hugs, jokes, and kindness. But I know that they will enjoy the next chapters of their lives, and thanks to modern technology, they are only a call or text away.

So, my fair ladies, go have some new adventures and don't forget to come visit us in Elgin. The BVS House doors are always open to you, and we'll be counting down the days until we're reunited with you two.  

Love,
Amanda  

Art makes us relax

Hello, faithful readers who care about Elgin BVSers! The spring season is upon us, and that means...TRAVEL! We have site visits, recruitment trips, orientations, retreats and more that we have on our plates. With all of us in and out of the house constantly, we find it difficult to find times to relax and breathe.

So tonight at our weekly house meeting, we took some time to draw! Everyone had a blank sheet of paper and we each took a minute to draw anything we wanted on them. Then after a minute we rotated pictures and added to the drawing! We passed it around the room until we had these four masterpieces of collaboration!

We might now always be together, but we will always be a community. :)  

What are some of your favorite/meaningful communities?

Peace,

-Jessie

Winter Shenanigans

Elgin, Illinois. Chicagoland. Not quite Chi-beria, but it's still freaking cold. That's the downside of the midwest. For this Virginian, cold weather never meant anything less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Now I applaud the weather if it's anything above a single digit!

So to rebel against the frigidness, the BVSers and friends decided to distract ourselves with fun winter shenanigans!

First and foremost...STAR WARS!!! We geeked out and went to see the Episode VII and it was magical.


One of our favorite ways to forget about the soul-sucking weather is...BRUNCH! Buttermilk in Geneva has become a BVSers' favorite.


Walking around in Geneva also makes us happy.

It was MLK Day this Monday, so no work. After a morning of snuggles by the frost bitten windows, we all went out to lunch! Elizabeth was flying in from a work trip, so we all picked her up and celebrated with food!

                       

It's safe to say that we love food and will make every excuse to go out to eat. :)

So if you're ever wondering if the Elgin BVSers are doing alright, rest assured we're stayin warm and having fun. :) For those of you BVS Alumni, what were some of your favorite house activities to do when you lived in the frigid winter of Elgin?

Peace out, and stay warm,
-Jessie