Everyday Life in Middletown Diary: entry date 6/4/2025
It’s been almost six months since my wife and I returned to Muncie to make our settled home here after forty-three years and nine moves related to my professional life. Theoretically, we could have landed anywhere (well, anywhere we could afford). What largely drew us back is two-fold: the life we could enjoy here and the work being done to builid a good life alongside those who live in our most challenged areas of the city. There is not a day that goes by that doesn’t have some evidence we were right.
I drove to Fishers this morning to have breakfast with some friends. The drive was peaceful. It did get a little harried as I was joined by more cars and trucks driven by commuters and others. The return trip lessened the “it’s way to busy”/“I could never live here” sense that is so real when I’m in Indy and gave way to gladness that I can call our small city home. We are delighted with our choice!
The gathering with these three friends reminded me of the vaulable friendships we’ve formed through our total of twenty-four years living in Indiana in three different places (including our three years in Muncie). This group, including me, was part of the same church years ago, went through a seventy-hour retreat with others connected to that ministry and mission and met together weekly after that. I was only in that continuing group for a couple of years, but when they learned I was back in Indiana, they invited me back into the circle now meeting virtually. Being together was a gift this morning.
When I got back in Muncie, I went to the office for my half-time job as interim director of one of many entities in the city that seek to address the needs of the least-served among our fellow residents. This group is a collaborative effort of a few dozen entities that follow the lead of residents themselves as they strive for a better life for them and their neighbors. I did a few tasks related to various upcoming meetings and some email correspondence. I am deeply moved that I get to be part of this network as we take a look at what has been done over the history of this group, current realities, and to develop a plan for the future. This effort by everyone involved will position us for a search for our next director who will have the privilege of joining this group as it does its part so Muncie will be stronger for everyone.
Lunch today was with a new pastor friend. I drove the streets that are now once again so famiilar after a five year absense. Routes are second nature once again. I’ve learned how to position the car so as to miss the pot holes that are now mostly filled in this time of year and the rougher sections of streets that can feel washboard-like, and the manholes that don’t come up to pavement level. There’s a sense of satisfaction in this, small as it is. I parked at the church this friend serves, and we walked to a lunch spot he picked out. He shared his life story and I shared some of mine. It was good to feel more fully connected.
A month ago I found out I would step into the role of radio host of a show that gets recorded ahead of time and then broadcast in a thirty-minute slot weekly on a local station. It’s a show about Muncie featuring guests who share about their lives and the ways they invest in making Muncie better. The format and feel is like listening in on a conversation between friends in a coffee shop or on a front porch. Today was a recording day, and my guest did an amazing job sharing about the concept of neighborhoods, neighborliness and how important connections are with people in the midst of everyday life no matter where we live or what we face or what we enjoy. A successful show is one where sharing is real and meaning is gained. Today was a prime example for which I’m grateful.
I returned home and watered trees we had planted yesterday. Our house was a new build, so establishing grass and putting in some perennials began when we took possession in November. The trees were the last step for now. Watering is always a bit of a guessing game related to how much to water and when. I’m not sure I had it right. I sure hope so. Replacing mis-watered trees would be a sad development!
The church we are invested in as our home church hosted a Bible discussion group in a garden setting on its property tonight and will continue this on a weekly basis through the Summer. It was good to gather with some old and new friends. Our facilitator was well prepared and led us in a warm and gracious way. The conversation included comments and questions from almost everyone. It was a nice way to draw the daylight hours to a close.
I only saw my wife for a few minutes all day by the time we both made it home, I from the study group and she from the last event of her day—a new neighgorhood book group. Her day had been filled with her part-time job collecting data from farmers by phone and helping a couple of the most-recently-arrived Afghan SIV refugee families. It amazes me that almost fifty families have made their way here since U.S. forces left their country almost four years ago. It is so challenging for these families to get their footing here after surviving such horrific realities in their own country and elsewhere. There is a strong support system that provides care, information and connections for each family, but it is difficult for everyone to keep navigating all that is required. It is also immensely important to do our part to welcome the stranger. These are good people who once had a good life and want one again among us in their new country.
With both of us back home, we shared briefly about our day, watched an episode of the current series we are streaming about a crime investigation team and the characters portrayed—a motley crew of misfits who are each gifted in their own way and wrestle with their own demons—so all can reach a yet-to-be-determined resolution. This pure escapism left us tired and ready for bed after a long, good day. Sleep came quickly.