How Karis Community Transformed My Life

Before arriving at Karis, I was at a loss for words about where my life had gone. Events and experiences had little significance, and I was starting once again to lose joy in daily life. All I was expecting at Karis was a safe place to have dinner and rest my head at night. Considering I was facing near homelessness, I couldn’t ask God or man for much more. I was happy just for that. However, there were signs of glory almost immediately after entering this abode. People welcomed me—something I hadn’t genuinely experienced in quite some time. As time went on and I started feeling more comfortable, friendships, joy, frequent laughter, and random acts of kindness all followed. These are all things I was craving yet could only find on occasion out in the real world. Karis has changed me. This experience has allowed me to reintegrate basic human needs into my life that nourish the soul one can only get from living in a communal lifestyle like this. Even though there have been bumps in the road, Karis Community always manages to eventually steer clear to a smooth pathway. There is a resilience to life’s drama and an ability to cope with turmoil in this community that I have rarely seen before with this many people living together. Our cohesive bond is strong and can’t be thrown off path because each member takes time out of their day to maintain it. Even after I leave, I doubt I will find a community of friends, housemates, and citizens in my life that are as compassionate and caring as I have witnessed and experienced here at Karis. As for me, I am finally turning my life around. It’s true, I have gone through a variety of jobs and mental/emotional states while living here, but the point is that I constantly progress. Everyone that was in my network before has noticed a positive change in me, and that motivates me to do better. THANKS, KARIS!