What's yours is mine, but is what's mine yours?

Share House.....what do we share?  We share the living space, the furniture, the kitchen appliances, chores but not beds, cars or all the food.  (except Richard and I!)  Sometimes we share advice and encouragement and time.  We gave quite alot of thought to what we'd share and what we wouldn't before we moved in. 
Inviting another couple to live with your family means that some things are personal and not shared, but if we don't share other things it's pointless living together. 
Some of the food has names written on it, but mostly it's a case of ask if you want to use something and most times you'll get "yes " as the answer. If we had other children living here I think it would be very different as other kids' toys are not easily shared.  Adults are a totally different story and we're mature enough most of the time to work it out.

The Missing Link

We've found the missing link in the community! Jane has discovered learning the guitar.  Our dinner guest on Saturday night - Rex - was offering advice.  Eliza is chief adviser and Cameron pretends he's not embarressed by the amateur musicianship in the house.

I did think before we moved in (in a fit of sentimentalism) that we'd sing together sometimes.  But I thought better of it - it is soooooo 1970s Christians!  You know, semi hippy with tie dye and home made yoghurt and hairy armpits.  But apparently Jane is going to lead us in song at our next family meeting.  Stay tuned to hear what we're going to sing......

Secrets

Ruth just said to me - write about secrets in the house.....we don't have any! 

Our aim is to deal with issues, not keep them hidden.  I thank God often for Jane who will encourage the girls to come and speak to me about problems.  Our past experience has been that rather than direct kids back to their parents, people encourage secrecy and confidences that are not at all helpful.

We have developed ways to raise issues that are kind but honest.  It's not easy, but its biblical.

Christian Community

As we are all Christians, lots of discussion about faith and life happen in the house.  For the last few weeks we've had a Lifegroup at our house.  It's a more structured time to talk about the bible, pray together and eat.  We did a study for 6 weeks on renewing the mind and last night we looked at faith.  The group is still getting to know each other and will change shape as time goes on.  But so far, it's been a great experience.

In Sickness and In Health

Living in community involves caring for each other in the most basic of ways on a day to day basis.  We look after each others' feelings, we take care of each others' belongings, but what do we do when someone is sick?
I'm responsible for my own family when they get sick.  It's right and reasonable that I take time off of work to care for them when they need me to.  That's what my carer's leave is for after all.  What happens when one of my housemates is sick?  they are adults, responsible for themselves, but we all need some help sometimes....
Thank God for wonderful Mums who step in to care for their adult kids when they are needed.  Thank God for understanding bosses who let me zip home at lunchtime to check on sick housemates.  Thank God for loving partners who come home early to step in and care for sick family members.

Misplaced objects or "You Put Your Hand WHERE?"

Family meetings are proving to be highly entertaining.  Embaressing stories about things I've done usually get told and there are some interesting things we're learning about Jane's sense of direction (where is north? and why is your hand going south?!).  It's becoming traditional to have a feast during our meeting.  We've had Chinese food, a Greek Feast and a Gourmet Dinner thanks to the neighbours.
We've finally got a dishwasher and a new fence and shower screen are on the way.

Next post....yours is mine, but is mine yours?