A Family Update: 3 letters in 1

What is this post? It's simply 3 updates, letting people know what's happening with our whānau (family) at the moment. It's 3 letters with slightly different points of emphasis: the 1st was written to go on social media, the 2nd is addressed to those in Chicago (and beyond), and the 3rd is written to those in Aotearoa. 

1. Our Social Media Update:

Tena Koutou Katoa

Well, it’s a new year, and it's been a while, quite a while, we're sorry for the delay: here’s a brief update on what’s going on in the Nicholls whānau…

At the start of 2022, we didn’t know what to expect, whether we’d still be in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland, NZ) or back in Chicago or even somewhere else - as much as we’d love to know the answer, as much as we’d love to have a permanent place to call home, as much as we’d love to have it all figured out, we don’t! Here we are, blessed and unsettled transients with 2 homes, still in the land of confusion, still living in Aotearoa, still trying to manage the now, and still trying to figure out the next stage of our hikoi (journey).

There’s no one word or phrase to sum it all up, as it’s beautiful, it’s daunting, it’s contradictory, it’s healing, it’s confusing, it’s painful, it’s binding, it’s freeing, it's a mystery. Our hikoi is ours, it’s unique and special to us, and it’s taking us somewhere, we just don’t know where or how or when or why. We’ve all seen our faith, love, hope, and courage being tested relentlessly, but I believe, we’ve also seen our faith, love, hope, and courage grow through the struggle.

For those interested: Last year I wrote this reflection: Beautiful and Daunting Contradictions - it’s still true!

2022 had its moments of grief, sometimes intense grief. We dearly miss our people, our friends, our family, in Chicago. It's not easy to change to your location after decades of living and having a life elsewhere (especially in an intentional community). Admittedly, it is lonely at times. It is here we also want to acknowledge and pay respect to those we sadly lost in 2022...

The hardest and most devastating time was when our lives were struck by the sudden and unexpected passing of Beth’s amazing brother Ron - whom she had such an immensely special bond with. He was a loving family man who used his gifts and talents to advocate and fight for all creatures, great and especially small (those who knew him, know what this means). This was and continues to be devastating for our whānau, especially Beth! He is sorely missed.

I want to remember 2 heroes of ours that passed away in 2022, they were both in their 90s and left unwavering legacies. They showed us how to live with unrelenting faith and courage, how to love and show compassion for those struggling and in poverty, and their willingness to break barriers for the sake of others. The power of the gospel shone ever brightly in their long faithful lives. Rest In Power Beryl Ching (from NZ, who went to India for 40 years) and Father Powell (who faithfully worked with and served Native Americans and those experiencing homelessness in Chicago for over 60 years).

I also want to pay tribute to a few more friends who died in 2022, those who experienced homelessness or those we’ve been blessed to know through our work/ministry. Each time we hear of another friend passing, it hurts, it aches, and it takes another painful chunk out of our hearts. Yet, despite the agony, we cling on to hope, the hope our Loving Saviour gives. Jesus is someone who hates injustice and inequality, He is the One who said, “Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” and “the first shall be last, and the last, first!” Rest In Love and Peace my friends: Bam Bam, Ghost, Kenneth, Andre, Anthony, Coman, Terry, Bart, Timoti, Moedee, John, and Jose.

Now, regarding our current life and work…

We live in an area of Auckland called Titirangi. Beth continues to work part-time for Cornerstone Community Outreach, while Jeremy continues to work for VisionWest Waka Whakakitenga. All this hasn’t changed in the last 12 months.

Out of respect for our tamariki (children) and honouring their privacy, all I’m going to say is that they’re safe. April is working at a cookie factory and Muriwai is in school. There have been moments of struggle, but in looking back, looking at the big picture, they’ve both grown tremendously since we arrived on these shores, and we’re both very proud of them and the courageous steps they’ve made.

For CCO, Beth has secured grants, written stories for CCO's website, finalised reports and assisted with many other vital projects that keep the shelter running and financed.

What has changed is what I’m doing at VisionWest. A year ago I was VisionWest’s Project Coordinator at a Covid Response Hotel. During the pandemic, the NZ government paid privatised hotels to open their doors to those experiencing homelessness. I was hired to represent and advocate for those living in the hotel and try to help them find housing. In the early part of 2022, that contract ended, and now I’m an outreach worker. Though my job is multi-faceted, my primary role involves helping and walking alongside those rough sleeping.

This has been an interesting journey, as the 2 cities view and tackle homelessness in different ways and I’ve had to adjust my thinking and way of working. Whereas homelessness in Auckland may be more hidden and seem insignificant compared to Chicago, it is very real in both cities and needs to be seriously addressed. One thing is certain whenever I go: it doesn’t matter who stands in front of us or what solution a city may or may not give, we must love, listen, and respect that person to the absolute best of our ability.

Let me give some examples of the differences: Tāmaki Makaurau doesn’t have homeless shelters like Chicago, it places people in need into hotels and transitional housing where they have their own rooms or apartments, it intentionally embraces the Housing First model and harm reduction principles, and it’s more paper free. There’s a lot more, so I’ve been writing a blog post about these differences and similarities: if interested, please click this link: Homelessness in Chicago VS Homelessness in Auckland

Finally, as we linger in this mysterious phase of our lives, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, as we want to move forward in the right direction, we want to use our God-given gifts and talents in the right way, and want our lives to bless whomever we come in contact with.

Nui te Aroha me te kaha ki a koutou katoa

Much love and strength to you all

- Jeremy and Beth 

2. Our Chicago-focused Update:

Dear family and friends from JPUSA, CCO, The Bridge, and many others scattered throughout Chicago and the nation,

It's been a while. Far too long! Sorry! We want to give everyone an update on what's happened and is happening with us...

In late May 2021, we flew out of O’Hare, expecting to return to Chicago 3 months later. As the world was under the dark pandemic cloud, it was truly miraculous that we were able to enter Aotearoa - “the land of the long white cloud” (New Zealand). Our family had been going through an immensely difficult time, so NZ was a breath of fresh air where we all felt we could breathe again. As a result, we, as a family, through prayer and discussions thought it best for our healing, for our rejuvenation, to extend our stay, still expecting to return to Chicago.

That decision we made led to where we are now. We have received healing. We have felt rejuvenated. But in saying that, we are living in "the mystery", unsure of where this journey is taking us! We love you all. We miss you all. We love and miss our work at CCO. We love and miss the ministry. We love and miss Uptown. There are so many things and people we love and miss, from communal living, to preaching at The Bridge, to shared meals, to friendships, to volleyball, to Jail ministry, to random discussions in the hallway, to not having to pay rent, to walks to the lake with friends, and so many other memories that randomly pop into our heads all the time. Those memories are precious. You all are loved and not forgotten!

To be honest, there are many things we don't miss as well, like American politics, but that's not for this letter - haha!

We rent a small simple house in an area of Auckland called Titirangi. It is close to where Jeremy was brought up, went to church, and spent most of his pre-JPUSA days. It is also within walking distance from where he is now working - VisionWest Waka Whakakitenga. Because we came to NZ with just 4 backpacks with no intention of staying longer, we didn’t have the money, the rental history, the credit score, the preparation, or the assets to find and fill a place. We couldn’t have begun this strange section of our journey without the leads and generosity of friends, family, and random people who gifted and lent us household items, a car and many other things that helped us move into a place and make it a home.

Here’s what we’re doing now…

Out of respect for our children and to honour their privacy, we're not going to say much. We know many of you would love to know more, but they’re safe. April is working at a cookie factory called Mrs Higgins and Muriwai is attending a local school. April has embraced photography and loves taking photos of birds. Muriwai has been exploring her creative side; art, writing and reading. There have been moments of struggle, but in looking back, looking at the big picture, they’ve both grown tremendously since we arrived on these shores, and we’re both very proud of them and the courageous steps they’ve made.

After 30 years at CCO, Beth continues to work for Cornerstone Community Outreach while we are over here. This has been a blessing, as her income helps keep us above water. She’s blessed to continue to work with close friends, even if it’s via zoom. She’s grateful to work for an organization that means so much to both of us. Currently, Beth does the CCO e-newsletter, success stories, grant writing, program reports, and many other vital projects.

Jeremy was able to gain employment through VisionWest Waka Whakakitenga. He was hired as a Project Coordinator at a Covid Response Hotel. During the pandemic, the NZ government paid privatised hotels to open their doors to those experiencing homelessness. He was hired to represent VW and advocate for those living in the hotel and try to help them find housing.

In the early part of 2022, he became an outreach worker in the Supportive Housing Team. Though his job is multi-faceted, his primary role involves walking alongside and helping those rough sleeping, in vans, and in precarious situations. This is similar to the work he was doing in Chicago. He has been able to bring his experience and skills into this space while learning a lot - as the 2 cities view and tackle homelessness in vastly different ways. This has been an interesting journey,  Jeremy has had to adjust his thinking and way of working. Whereas homelessness in Auckland may be more hidden and seem insignificant compared to Chicago, it is very real in both cities and needs to be seriously addressed. One thing is certain whenever we go: it doesn’t matter who stands in front of us or what solution a city may or may not give, we must love, listen, and respect that person to the absolute best of our ability. It's been a blessing to be part of this organisation and team.

Let me give some examples of the differences: Tāmaki Makaurau doesn’t have homeless shelters like Chicago, it places people in need into hotels and transitional housing where they have their own rooms or apartments, it intentionally embraces the Housing First model and harm reduction principles, and it’s more paper free. There’s a lot more, but Jeremy's been writing a blog post about these differences and similarities: if interested, please click this link: Homelessness in Chicago VS Homelessness in Auckland

If you've made it this far, well done!

We miss our friends and family in the States, and that's not the easiest. Beth tragically lost her brother Ron last year, and that was and continues to be devastating. We're living in the unknown, the mystery, and that's not the easiest. As much as we wish for a direct answer, our predicament is unsettling, but also has an air of anticipation about it, making us wonder where all this is leading. We're wondering what God is doing.

Please pray for us as we grieve the loss of Ron. Please pray for our children, especially at this vital moment of their lives. Please pray for us as we continue to seek what's best and right, and as we continue to live in these 2 worlds.

Ngā mihi nui

Many Blessings

Beth and Jeremy

3. Our Aotearoa-focused Update:

Kia Ora TBC whānau and friends, Takanini Community Church Property Trust, and other friends and whānau scattered throughout Aotearoa;

We want to begin by thanking everyone for your amazing prayers, support, and generosity - it's hard to express how exceedingly appreciative and grateful we are. It has truly helped us on our hikoi in so many ways.

We want to give everyone an update. As much as we wish we could communicate something concrete, we can't! We are still living in the mystery, wondering where our hikoi is taking us. This kōrero is about us living in this tension, trying to walk in faith, and living in hope and anticipation for whatever our future holds and wherever we will end up.

Just over a year and a half ago, we arrived in Tāmaki Makaurau for a relaxing 3-month stint. We had been going through a very traumatic time in Chicago. The pandemic only worsened what was already a struggle and anxiety-provoking. We came, we chilled, we rested, and we all, as a whānau, felt the need to stay longer - our kids stated they felt they could breathe again. We needed to be replenished and revived. So, here we are! Still here!

So what are we doing?

• We are renting a place in Titirangi.
• Due to Beth being an American citizen, she is on a visa and is currently unable to work or study in NZ. She is able to do part-time work for Cornerstone Community Outreach (CCO) while we are over here. She has secured grants, written stories for CCO's website, finalised reports and assisted with many other vital projects that keep the shelter running and financed.
• Jeremy was able to gain employment through VisionWest Waka Whakakitenga. He is currently working as an outreach worker in the Supportive Housing Team, which means walking and assisting those rough sleeping, in vans, and in precarious situations. This is similar to the mahi he was doing in Chicago. He has been able to bring his experience and skills into this space while learning a lot - as the 2 cities address and handle homelessness in very different ways. It's been a blessing to be part of this organisation and team.
• April is working at Mrs Higgins (a cookie factory) and is enjoying photography - especially birds
• Muriwai is attending a local school and loves reading, writing, and doing art.

In early May 2022, Beth’s loving brother Ron tragically passed away. Beth continues to grieve the loss of her precious brother. God has been a comforting presence in such a difficult time.

When we reflect on our time over here, we're so grateful to see how our tamariki have grown and are in a much healthier space. This is extremely important to us, and we're very proud of them and the progress they've made.

We have both spent a significant part of our lives living and working in Chicago. (Beth for over 30 years, Jeremy for over 25 years). Making a decision is no small matter, as we have deep friendships and networks there. We have been dedicated to community and building something for others, for the Kingdom, for justice, and trying to show (and be) God's love to our neighbours, especially those experiencing homelessness. We continue to seek the Lord through prayer and would like you to pray with us.

We want to express our heartfelt thanks for all the support we've received over the years. As many of you know, for decades we lived without an income or any assets, so the financial help we've received has been a huge blessing both here and in Chicago. It may seem small, but it was always massive to us.

• In Chicago, it helped us go on the occasional road trip and get out of the city from time to time, it helped us go out for a meal, or replace a falling apart couch, or dancing classes for Muriwai, and a host of other things. It enabled us to do things as a family we would have never been able to do otherwise.
• Chicago was always full-on, so the money also enabled us to be able to fly over here to chill, relax, and reunite with friends and whānau. Thank you to those who lent us places to stay in, cars to use, and the countless other blessings we've received recently and over the decades.
• We came here with a relatively small bag each, expecting to return, so when we decided to stay, we had next to nothing - not that we had much in Chicago either (we lived communally in a very small space). So, when we started renting in Titirangi, we didn't know how we'd make it, we didn't have any assets (beds, fridge, chairs, dining room table, lawnmower, etc) to fill a house. Thank you to everyone who has made this transition possible by gifting or lending us things to make a house a home!

Please pray for us as we continue to work out where this hikoi is taking us. We love both cities. We feel at home in both. We're living in the tension, in the mystery, and though it's difficult at times, that's okay. We wait in anticipation of where we'll be or go, forever grateful and thankful for those who've walked with us, supported us, given to us, encouraged us, guided us, prayed for us, and loved us.

Te aroha, te manaakitanga, te rangimarie ki a koutou katoa

Ngā mihi nui

Jeremy and Beth

A couple of links for those interested:

• Jeremy's blog post on how homelessness varies in the 2 cities we've lived in: Homelessness in Chicago VS Homelessness in Auckland (it's a work in progress)
• Beth's interview and write-up on someone who stayed at CCO and is now successfully housed: Sandra's Path to Peace