Forge Community was a one-year experiment I ran with two amazing friends. Once a month on a Saturday night, we would host a discussion downtown for people of different backgrounds, beliefs, cultures and ethnicities. Through this experience, I learned I could create a place to belong. The people live literally all over the world now, but each of the 50 or so people who came through made an impact on me!

I was part of the first intercultural church launch team in my home town for two years. I usually just washed dishes after dinner and greeted people as they came in, but I learned a lot about what it takes to start a community from the ground up.

I lived in an area of my home city that had higher rates of crime and poverty, but it ended up being my nearly walkable community. The faith community I attended was a church plant built on community partnerships, from a community garden, to a renovated old school-turned-community center and more. During this time, I shared meals and life with people of different economic status levels. I learned how not to treat people in need as projects — because people would volunteer and serve me dinner (along with the others!).

In 2021, I participated in a women leaders’ virtual mastermind group with four women I didn’t know in real life. It was a refreshing and encouraging break from normal circles. Through this experience, I learned the value of bearing witness to others’ journeys over time. l was asked to be a facilitator for a cohort the next year.

While a military spouse in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, I decided to apply for the local leadership pipeline program. We toured museums, life flight helicopters, military simulators and more. I learned about what it takes for a small town to function, how to make an impact through strategic relationships and more!

These are just a few of my favorite experiences. Others include weekly pickleball, learning to swim at a military pool, starting a women’s coaching group (with a coach!) and more. I’ve lived a very mobile life, so what I’ve lacked in stability have made up for in variety. But the one key lesson: People are endlessly fascinating. And creating community is possible — even for me!