Koinonia - A transforming Grace

After accepting and registering to attend for Koinonia, I was still not sure what it was that I was signing up for. There were many voices that kept asking of why I should even go if I don't know what I will get out of it. Despite the unknown, despite all the negative voices around me, there was something stirred deep within me asking me to let go and trust. In the end, what remained was the desire to go and leave the rest to God. Having a supportive wife in this case was truly a God send.
The day finally arrived for me to head to the airport, I felt a anxious and happy as I looked forward to flying out to California. It was funny reflecting back, I was so afraid of missing my flight that I could hardly sleep that evening. I arrived at the airport early that morning and thinking forward to all the logistic planning that had to have happen for Koinonia to happen, I thank God and gave thanks to all those who are involved.
The flight was uneventful and I arrived at LAX without any problem. Upon arrival the logistic team lead by Peter took really good care of out of towners such as me. Do I expect anything less from donghanh hotel and hospitality team? Nah. Thank you Peter, anh Dung, anh Quang, Chau and Nhi and Phi and the list goes on and on.... you really made me feel at home and welcome.
Koinonia kicked off with Taize. Taize really provided me with an opportunity to quiet my soul and to prepare for what was to come. Koinonia process and program were new. The lack of specific program and specific schedule really challenge my view and experience of previous donghanh gathering. Having experience a little bit of the open space process, I was not as taken back as much as some of our younger friends. Having said that, when the booklet/program was distributed, I was a little surprise to find the book to be blanked, with just page heading. But at the end of the weekend, I really appreciated the fact that the booklet was blank. We were not mere spectators but were invited to actively contribute to the contents and graces for the weekend.
After 2 weeks, what remains with me was a sense of peace. Peace because I know now that I am not alone in many of my dream. A sense of peace to allow me time and space to bring everything into conversation, with God and with others. Trusting because I know that everyone in my circle of prayer, and of discernment has Christ as his/her center. Trusting because I know with God as a center, there is no personal agenda to advance, no personal gain to be had but only God’s desire for us and we God. Many of the dreams that were shared still dances around in my head with no answer.
The energy that I see among the Koinonians after the events is really transforming. There is Dong Hanh Village beginning to take shape. There is media hub as in viva Koinonia on facebook. The eagerness of the folks remaining behind wanting to know the transformation that is Koinonia. The continued pondering of many on how to bring the transformative energy/nature of Koinonia back to the cluster and to the local community. All these bring me tremendous consolation. Even though I too ponder of how to bring the spirit of Koinonia back to the community, I am completely at peace with letting God take the rein. It does not mean that I am passively waiting for God or other to do all the work, but I am open and trust in His timing and plan.
Viva Koinonia,
Kha'nh