Last night we had the great pleasure of hosting three young and energetic boys and a sweet six-year old girl, along with their Dutch parents. I'd met the mother, whom I'll call Jan, at a Tuesday morning moms group at my church.
I'd asked herlast Tuesday, "Has any American had you in their home yet?"
No. How sad, and that's after five months living here. No one born here had invited them into their homes - not even for a snack and play time for the kids. I couldn't let them return to Holland at the end of this year with such an inhospitable reception from Americans. So I asked, though it's the fourth weekend in a row we're spending energy on hospitality or relating to foreigners.
The experience was pure joy for my husband and 17-year-old as well as me. My teen said, "It's interesting to see the different way they parent." Was this Dutch culture? Or, just them, I don't know, but I, with my daughter, appreciated too this couple's willingness to let minor infractions go and give gentle, clear instruction. The kids were wonderful.
My husband said, "I really like the couple. They're sweet." And Collin's an introvert.
With so much going on lately, it was not a "good time" to have guests--but I did it anyways. Previously Jan had told me a story that helped me see hospitality didn't have to be such a big deal.
When Jan did a birthday part for her daughter, she invited the guests to help make the cake. So I knew Jan didn't expect things preparation done perfectly beforehand. When the family arrived yesterday, I invited the kids to scoop out cookie dough on the baking sheets. The adults drank wine and started to get to know each other. After a while, my husband started the grill and blackened some hot dogs. I set out cantalope, squash soup and condiments while the mom helped the kids get ready for our jacuzzi and clean up afterwards.
Yes, hospitality is not only obedience to what God asks of us, but fun!
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