I’ve lived the suburban life in Indianapolis, and the slightly rural life of West Texas. Now Katrina and I are living in one of the biggest global cities in the world. Here are a few things that we love from our first weeks of living the big city life:
Getting to know our neighbors – within the first week of our living here, I had met not only ALL our neighbors in our building, but also the neighbors in homes and apartments all around our building, the clay guild down the street, members of a church nearby, and most of the coffee shops and businesses on the block. It wasn’t some conspiracy of mine to meet every neighbor on the street – I just kept bumping into people walking to and from work, the beach, or the grocery store. Its just the culture here, you get to know your neighbors.
Spending a little more for groceries – I know, something strange to enjoy, for sure. But if you factor in that we don’t drive to the grocery store or out to eat out or basically anywhere else, we end up saving hundreds NOT driving to the grocery store and restaurants with a local farmer’s market, 3 nearby grocery stores, shops/etc – we’ll pay a few cents more for bell peppers.
Block Parties – there are more celebrations and festivals than any one person could possibly attend. In a city that prides itself on working hard and playing hard, we’ve been invited to our neighbor’s backyard block party, and an art fair.
Public Transportation – You can get ANYWHERE with a mature public transportation system. And we do! 
It does take a little more time, but its clean, fast(er than a traffic jam) and stress free (no gripping the steering wheel)!
Diversity – I’ve never heard so many languages spoken on the street anywhere else in my whole life. The other day I had an hour long conversation with my Babylonian banker! I’m doing my best to learn bits of Spanish, and I’m experiencing more lifestyles and worldviews than ever before. I’ve fully enjoyed learning in the alcoves of academia in the middle of the desert, and I’m thankful for the person it helped shape me to be. I’m also super pumped about entering a diverse culture and sharing what I know/who I’ve become as well as learning/changing as I interact in the world’s gathering place.
There’s more – like reducing our carbon footprint, the Cubs-Sox inter league series, great radio, live bands, free events, beaches, parks, ministry opportunities…
Stacey, 
Sean and one other person are discussing. 
Jenna 11:56 am on June 27, 2008 Permalink
I’m in love with this.
Sean 9:35 pm on June 29, 2008 Permalink
Miller has been talking about designing houses that are small and affordable lately. His first design looked a lot like Rachels cottage here in Abilene. I’m hoping his design doesn’t leak during storms as much as Rachel’s cottage does.
Personally I’m craving deeper community and I think the Cottage idea is a great way to accomodate that need. I like the cottage idea because they are less expensive, and they have private space. The smaller space does two things for me; it forces me to have less stuff, and I have to focus on community because I’ll kill myself being inside one of these things all the time!
Sean 9:37 pm on June 29, 2008 Permalink
Dude I’m totally trying to convince Rachel that we need to have all ten of our kids in a place that is no larger than 900 feet sq. She thinks it’s crazy! I say that’s exactly why I want to do it!
Stacey 11:46 am on January 28, 2009 Permalink
My husband’s current vision is communal living with our Christian brothers and sisters, I just stumbled on your site today and I have to say, I appreciate your heart for this. This picture of these small bungalows is exactly what I envision when my husband and I talk/brainstorm how we can do this!
Mark 12:14 pm on January 28, 2009 Permalink
Stacey,
So glad to hear you’re reimagining what Christians can do when they live and work together. Have you heard of Reba Place Fellowship? They are a tribe of urban mennonites that have been living communally for over 50 years. They have learned much about life together. Check them out!