Turner "Communitas" and Mission Trips-Evan Shively

When I think of a way to apply "communitas" to my life I often think of different mission trips that I've been on. Since I haven't been on any major hike most of the time I go someplace far from home it is on a mission trip. When on these trips even with people I haven't met previously there is a strong connection that forms. When applying Turner's definition to my mission trips I notice that these connections form due to a common mission and bond. In addition, they form due to the closeness and amount of time I share with these people. We sleep in the same room, work at the same place, eat together, and operate under the same schedule. The connection also forms due to the similar views and experiences we have as Christians. It is interesting to see the different ways in which "communitas" can be applied to different aspects of life. In my paper it related to military brotherhood in my life it applies to mission trips